Guidelines for Students Involved in A Campus Accident
As an enrolled college student, you may be on your own for the first time in your life. Far from home, you now face another challenge: a car collision on your school’s campus.
The presence of blood, the pain in your torso and the wreckage of two vehicles confront you. But you do not know what to do. There are crucial steps you must take after a collision on a college campus.
Contact Authorities and Seek Witness Statements
Traffic accidents are among the three leading causes of death among college students, and half of those crashes are alcohol-related. Whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist or car driver, you must follow through with certain actions after a car crash.
Here are some of the things you must do:
Seek help: Call 911 to report the accident and provide details, thus alerting law enforcement, which should arrive soon. And if you, your passengers or the other driver are hurt, request an ambulance. (Contacting your parents also is a good idea.)
If possible, move your vehicle from the traffic lane: As long as your car still runs, move it to the side of the road. Doing so may prevent further accidents.
Exchange information with the other driver: Request phone numbers and insurance information. Also, make sure to record the year, make and model of the other driver’s vehicle.
Record the accident scene: A cell phone allows you to take photos and videos of the accident scene and surrounding area. Record every detail you can think of, and this includes your injuries, vehicle damage, license plates, roadway debris and all surrounding damages.
Find witnesses: These people are crucial should you file a personal injury claim. Get statements from people who saw the crash. Make sure to obtain their names and contact information. Please share your information with them, too.
Many car crashes that result in injury are caused by the negligence of drivers. They may be driving while drunk, distracted by their phones or just plain reckless by ignoring traffic signals and signs.
Contact a Seasoned Attorney
You want your college days to be memorable and go as smooth as possible. But a car collision may threaten that security. If you are involved in such a crash, make sure you follow these steps. You also may consider seeking advice from a seasoned personal injury attorney.