What to Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident on a College Campus

Bill Allen | June 26, 2025 | Car Accidents

What to Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident on a College Campus

College campuses in Florida are busy places. Accidents are common with cars, bikes, scooters, and pedestrians moving in every direction, especially in crowded parking lots and intersections. Knowing what to do after being injured in a car accident on a college campus can help you protect your health, finances, and legal rights.

Students, faculty, and campus visitors should be informed of the proper procedure on campuses, just like anywhere else. 

Check for Injuries Right Away

Your safety is always the top priority, so after a collision:

  • Check yourself and any passengers for injuries
  • Call 911 if anyone is hurt or unresponsive
  • Move to a safe area if you’re able, away from traffic or bike lanes

Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Severe conditions like concussions, spinal injuries, or internal bleeding may also not be obvious at first.

Report the Accident to Campus or Local Police

Most Florida universities have their own campus police departments. 

If an accident occurs:

  • Call campus police or local law enforcement immediately
  • Stay at the scene until officers arrive
  • Get a copy of the accident report or the report number

An official report is crucial for any insurance claim or potential lawsuit. It documents what happened and who was involved.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Before leaving the scene, gather key information, including:

  • Name, phone number, and address of the other driver
  • Driver’s license number and issuing state
  • License plate number and vehicle description
  • Insurance company name and policy number

If the other driver is a student, note their student ID if they provide it. Also, collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Take Photos and Document the Scene

Using your phone, take clear photos and videos of any evidence, such as:

  • All vehicle damage from multiple angles
  • Any visible injuries you sustained
  • The location, including street signs, crosswalks, or landmarks
  • Traffic signals, signs, or obstructions that played a role

Write down the time of day, weather conditions, and anything else you remember from the accident. Memories fade quickly, so documenting details early can strengthen your claim later.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt, see a doctor within 24 hours. Before your visit, write down any pain, dizziness, headaches, or stiffness you have experienced since the accident. Follow all treatment recommendations, and keep records of diagnoses, bills, and follow-up appointments.

Under Florida’s no-fault insurance rules, seeking medical treatment within 14 days is necessary to qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to report the accident promptly. 

When speaking with adjusters:

  • Stick to the facts of what happened
  • Avoid admitting fault or speculating about causes
  • Provide photos, reports, and medical records when requested

If another driver’s insurance contacts you, it’s wise to consult a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offers, especially if injuries are serious.

Understand Liability on College Campuses

Accidents on college campuses can involve complex liability issues. 

In addition to the other driver, you may have a claim against the university if unsafe conditions contributed to the crash, such as:

  • Poorly designed parking lots or blind corners
  • Broken traffic lights or missing stop signs
  • Lack of crosswalks or faded lane markings
  • Failure to control traffic during peak hours or events

If campus negligence played a role in your accident, an experienced attorney can investigate and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Can You Sue the University?

If the university’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may be able to sue. However, public universities are considered government entities in Florida, meaning special notice requirements and shorter deadlines apply. Contacting a lawyer quickly ensures your rights may be preserved.

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

Knowing what to do after being injured in a car accident on a college campus is essential. Taking these steps protects your health and legal rights so you can recover fully and move forward with your education or work without unnecessary financial burdens.

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258