Jay Cutler Faces Lawsuit From Victim of DUI Accident in Tennessee
Former NFL star Jay Cutler is facing legal troubles after being sued by Perry Lee, the man he hit during a DUI accident in downtown Franklin, Tennessee on October 17, 2024. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Lee alleges that Cutler was at fault for the collision and failed to operate his vehicle with due care, resulting in injuries to Lee.
Lee’s attorney, Sydney Pierce, stated in the lawsuit that Cutler was intoxicated at the time of the crash, leading to unexpected medical bills and other expenses for Lee. The lawsuit further outlines that Lee suffered physical pain, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment of life as a direct result of the collision.
In response to the lawsuit, Cutler pleaded guilty before a Williamson County judge on August 26, 2025. As part of his plea deal, Cutler will serve four days in Williamson County Jail starting on September 29, pay a $350 fine, and undergo a DUI safety class. Additionally, his Tennessee driver’s license has been revoked, and he will be on unsupervised probation for a year.
Cutler’s legal issues stem from an incident where he rear-ended a blue GMC with his Dodge Ram truck and attempted to flee the scene before offering the other driver $2,000 to avoid involving the police. Upon the arrival of Franklin Police Department officers, Cutler exhibited signs of intoxication, including a strong smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. He also refused field sobriety tests and was taken to a local hospital for a blood sample.
The former quarterback was initially charged with DUI, possession of a handgun while under the influence, and failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision. However, as part of his guilty plea, the gun charge was dropped. Despite the legal implications, Cutler has not provided a response to requests for comment on the matter.
Lee, through his legal representatives, expressed the impact of the crash on his life, emphasizing the need for justice to receive adequate care and move forward. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages to cover lost wages, earning capacity, and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Cutler’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of driving under the influence and the potential consequences of irresponsible actions behind the wheel. It also highlights the importance of accountability and justice in ensuring that victims of such incidents receive the necessary support and restitution.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how Cutler will address the civil lawsuit and navigate the aftermath of his DUI incident. The legal battle serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle and underscores the significance of upholding safety measures to protect oneself and others on the road.
Overall, the situation involving Jay Cutler serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of reckless behaviour and the impact it can have on individuals’ lives. It underscores the need for accountability and awareness when it comes to road safety, urging individuals to prioritize responsible and sober driving to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring.