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Car Accidents on Campus: What to Do After a Crash on a College Campus

Vehicle crashes can occur anywhere and anytime, including on college campuses. Despite the reputation of universities and colleges for providing a safe environment for their students, faculty, and visitors, accidents happen.

A car crash can be traumatic, leaving you feeling overwrought and unsure of what to do next. Understanding the measures to take after a collision on a college campus is essential to ensure everyone’s safety and safeguard your legal and financial interests. In this article, we will address what to do after a car accident on a college campus and how to prevent such accidents.

Common Causes of Car Crashes on College Campuses

Car accidents are rarely accidents. Driver negligence is a common cause of many collisions on the road and on college campuses. Reasons for car crashes can include:

1. Using Mobile Phones While Driving: Over 86% of the world’s population has smartphones. Many get distracted by a message or a phone call and attention of the road, leading to crashes. In 2021 alone, 3,522 people lost their lives due to distracted driving.

2. Drunk Driving: Unfortunately, drunk driving is one of the significant causes of car crashes on campus and around college areas. Parties and drinking are familiar during this phase, but many young people drink out of moderation and then drive while drinking, causing crashes.

3. Differences in Driving Practices: Many states and countries have varying driving rules and procedures. While most laws are consistent, driving behaviors such as the location of the driving seat, weather status and traffic infrastructure can make inexperienced drivers uneasy. 

What to Do After a Car Crash?

Seek Help

If you are injured but are conscious, you need to seek help, call 911 or shout for help. In contrast, if you see a person hit by a vehicle, help them by taking them to get medical aid on campus. If the car has flipped upside down, gather people around you and try to restore the vehicle’s position and then help the people inside.

Move to a Safer Location

If you can drive, move your car to a safer place, aside from the traffic. Turn on the hazard lights of the car to alarm the other drivers. Hence, this can prevent further injuries or mishaps, protecting everyone involved.

Exchange Information

If two cars are involved in the crash, exchange information like phone numbers, names, driver’s licenses, and insurance details.

Legalities

In many states, there is a legal requirement to call the police first to register a case report and document it thoroughly. Filing a case is necessary to recover any damages caused and catch any person involved in the hit-and-run case. The campus authority must also be informed of the incident ASAP so that they may take remedial action.

Note Details

Take pictures of the number plates of the cars, the whole scene, and any damages caused to the vehicle to show them to the police or other authorities to avoid misunderstanding. “Photo and video evidence can support your claim by corroborating your version of how the accident occurred and showing who was at fault,” note accident attorneys at Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, “the damage to the vehicles may indicate the direction each car was traveling when the collision occurred, the approximate speed of the oncoming vehicle, and give clues regarding who caused it.”

Insurance

Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide details of the crash, such as who was involved, what occurred, where it occurred, when it happened and why the accident occurred. Avoid speculation and instead state facts of the crash; do not assign blame to anyone, including yourself. 

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries are slight, it is essential to get checked by any medical professional to avoid any problems that may arise later. Some injuries are not noticeable at first. 

How to Prevent Car Crashes on College Campuses

Avoid Distractions

Tp prevent talking or texting on mobile while driving, switch off your phones or keep them silent and attend emergency calls only. Using mobiles while driving can lead to penalties and fines. 

Do not put on headphones or earplugs while driving; they can be a significant source of distraction. Your attention should be on the road at all times.

Follow Traffic Rules

It is essential to be aware of all the driving rules of the state you are driving in. Know the traffic signs, signals, speed limits, mirror setting, and wear your seatbelt at all times.

Weather Conditions

Always check for weather conditions before taking your car around the campus to avoid accidents. Rain and snow can make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, driving in fog or dew can reduce visibility and lead to crashes.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of road mechanical failures. To maintain, keep doing oil and tire changes whenever needed.

Avoid Influenced Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be extremely dangerous to you and others. It is illegal and can incur heavy penalties or even jail time. If you are on medication, seek another way to reach the campus, like public transport.

Reducing the Number of Car Crashes on College Campuses

Car accidents on college campuses are regrettable occurrences that can happen at any given moment. By adhering to the guidelines outlined above, you can help guarantee the safety of all parties involved and safeguard your legal and financial concerns. 

If you are involved in a campus car accident, remember to remain calm, check for injuries, relocate to a secure area, exchange details, contact campus security or local law enforcement and consult a lawyer, record the incident, inform your insurance provider, and obtain medical assistance if required. 

You can effectively prevent car accidents by strictly adhering to safe driving habits and maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings. Prioritize safety above convenience and ensure that you stay safe on the road.