What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accidents on College Campuses

Bill Allen | February 9, 2024 | Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents have been increasing for several decades. Preliminary data from the GHSA indicates that the number of pedestrian deaths in 2022 is the highest it’s been since 1981. Pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles across the state of Florida, including on college campuses.

Being away from home and dealing with a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. Therefore, college students should understand how to stay safe while walking on campus and what to do after a pedestrian accident.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident on a College Campus in Florida?

College students do a lot of walking around campus, and the number of cars on college campuses has grown significantly in recent years. The combination can be deadly.

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident on a Florida college campus, the steps you should take include:

Call 911 to Report the Accident

Even though you are on a college campus, you need to report the accident to the police. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, ask witnesses for their contact information. Additionally, take some photos of the area and the vehicle involved. You should also notify the appropriate officials on campus of the accident.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Being checked by the campus medical facility may seem convenient, but you might need a higher degree of medical care than the campus can provide. It is best to see a doctor or go to the hospital after the accident.

First, prompt treatment improves your chances of recovery and reduces the risk of life-threatening conditions. Second, timely documentation of your injuries helps you with a personal injury case.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With a Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

You may be able to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. However, you must prove that the driver was at fault. Also, you might need to defend yourself against allegations that you contributed to the cause of the pedestrian accident. Comparative fault can reduce the amount of money you receive for your claim and bar your right to receive any compensation in some situations.

An Ocala personal injury lawyer can help. They’ll handle all matters related to your claim so you can focus on healing and school work. Accepting a settlement offer from the driver, insurance company, college, or other party is unwise without consulting a lawyer. The proposed settlement amount could be much lower than the value of your damages.

What Damages Can I Receive After a Pedestrian Accident on a College Campus in Florida?

Depending on the facts of your personal injury case, you could receive compensation for economic damages, including:

Medical bills
Property damage
Lost wages
Reduction in earning capacity
Out-of-pocket expenses
Funds lost because you cannot attend classes
Personal or nursing care

In addition to your financial losses, you can also claim non-economic damages.

These damages compensate you for pain and suffering caused by:

Physical injuries
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Diminished quality of life
Mental anguish
Scarring and disfigurement
Disability and impairments

The value of your Florida pedestrian accident case depends on a number of factors. An attorney can help you maximize the value of your claim to get you the best possible settlement.

How Can I Avoid a Pedestrian Accident on a Florida College Campus?

Regardless of whether you are a pedestrian or motorist, it’s crucial that you take steps to avoid accidents on a college campus. Students riding bicycles, scooters, and other forms of transportation should also be cautious.

Ways that you can reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident on a college campus include:

Wear brightly colored clothing to be visible to drivers
Use a flashlight when walking during dawn, dusk, or dark
Do not walk, ride, or drive while distracted
Avoid drinking and driving/drinking and walking
Do not wear headphones or use a cell phone while walking
Always look both ways before crossing the road, even if you have the right of way
Walk on sidewalks, cross at intersections, and use crosswalks whenever possible
Walk in groups to increase visibility to drivers

Even if you take every precaution, you may still be struck by a car on a college campus. If so, you likely have many questions about your legal rights. You can get answers to your questions and help with a pedestrian accident claim by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced Ocala pedestrian accident lawyer.

Contact Our Ocala Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala pedestrian accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652