Roadways can be dangerous places due to many factors, such as speeding vehicles, construction zones, and treacherous weather. There is a long list of injuries and damages that can occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Death is on that list, but in Tennessee, a person cannot be charged with first degree murder unless the victim's death was planned ahead of time. Instead, if someone is killed in a car accident, the person responsible may be charged with vehicular homicide. It is important to distinguish between the two charges, since the penalties are different. 

Murder Versus Vehicular Homicide

Tennessee law defines murder in different severities. The worst is First Degree Murder, which is intentionally killing another person. The punishment for this crime is either life in prison or the death penalty.