Meyers Personal Injury Law | January 30, 2026 | Wrongful Death
A fatal car accident changes lives forever. If you were involved in a car accident where someone died, you may be facing overwhelming grief, shock, and fear about what happens next. Understanding the legal consequences can help you protect your rights and take the correct next steps, especially if you may be at fault.
Here is what you need to know about civil liability and potential criminal charges following a fatal accident.
When a Fatal Car Accident May Be Your Fault in Tennessee
Not every fatal car accident is automatically considered the other driver’s fault. However, you may be found legally responsible if your actions failed to meet Tennessee’s standard of reasonable care under the circumstances. You may be at fault for an accident if your behavior directly caused or contributed to the crash.
Typical situations where a fatal accident may be considered your fault include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Texting or using a cellphone while driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving, tailgating, or aggressive maneuvers
- Falling asleep or driving while fatigued
Fault may be shared with the other driver depending on the facts of your case. It is not uncommon for investigators to find that multiple factors contributed to a crash. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction experts may be used to determine what happened and who was responsible.
Civil Liability After Fatal Accidents in Tennessee
Most families pursue civil lawsuits against at-fault drivers after fatal car crashes in Nashville. These cases do not involve jail time. Instead, they focus on holding the person financially accountable.
In Tennessee, wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken due to another party’s negligent or wrongful actions.
Even if you never intended to hurt anyone, you may be required to compensate the family for losses such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the victim before death
Nashville wrongful death lawyers usually handle wrongful death claims filed by a spouse, an adult child, a parent, or the personal representative of the estate. Even if you believe your accident was unavoidable, fault can be disputed. Insurance companies and lawyers may interpret evidence differently. This is why it is important to speak with a Tennessee lawyer before accepting blame.
Criminal Charges After Fatal Accidents in Tennessee
A wrongful death lawsuit is separate from the criminal system. Not every fatal accident results in criminal charges. However, Tennessee prosecutors may pursue criminal consequences if they believe the death resulted from behavior that is more than ordinary negligence.
Possible charges include:
Convictions can involve fines, license suspension, probation, or prison time. Criminal cases do not erase civil liability. The victim’s family can still sue you for damages even if you face charges.
What to Do After a Fatal Car Accident in Tennessee
What you do after a fatal accident can have a significant impact on your potential civil and criminal liability. Even if you believe the crash was your fault, it is crucial to take steps that protect your rights while allowing the investigation to proceed appropriately.
You should generally:
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel injured
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be interpreted as admissions of fault
- Decline recorded statements until you have spoken with a lawyer
- Preserve any documents, photos, or communications related to the crash
Taking these steps can help protect your rights and put you in the best position to navigate the legal consequences of a fatal car accident in Tennessee.
Contact Meyers Personal Injury Law for a Free Consultation
Fatal accident cases are emotionally overwhelming, and it is easy to say something in the moment that may later be used against you. Contact Meyers Personal Injury Law for a free consultation to speak with an experienced Tennessee attorney who can protect your rights, review the facts, and help ensure responsibility is determined fairly.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100, Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
About the Author Chad Meyers
Chadwick D.G. Meyers is the founding attorney of Meyers Personal Injury Law. He earned his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and focuses his practice on serious personal injury cases involving car accidents, wrongful death, funeral home negligence, and more.
Chad is frequently consulted by attorneys nationwide on complex claims and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and other legal organizations. Click here to view some of the successful case results Chad has achieved for his clients.
