Table of contents
Sending your son or daughter away to college in Fort Myers is a huge milestone! They have been preparing for years to get to this point, and now the next chapter in their lives’ is about to begin. They are ready for almost anything. But does your future college student know what to do if they get in a car accident on college campus?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 8% of car crashes involved college students between the ages of 21 and 24 and 17% resulted in deaths. Fort Myers campus car accidents are bound to occur, whether it’s two cars, a pedestrian accident or an accident involving a campus shuttle. We want you to feel safe sending your child off to college.
We created this guide to walk students and parents through what to do.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit on Campus
If you are involved in a campus car accident, whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, here are the first steps to take.
- Identify the Driver
Get the name, phone number, and insurance information of the person who hit you. Taking a photo of their driver’s license and license plate is often the easiest way to document this. If it was a hit-and-run and you did not get the plate number, report the exact time, location, and vehicle description to campus police immediately. Parking garages and entrances often have cameras that may assist with identification. - Call the Police
Always report the incident to campus police or local law enforcement. A police report creates an official record of what happened. The report is an important starting point, but it does not automatically decide fault. That’s why photos, witness names, and medical records matter. Be specific about:- The exact location (garage level, ramp, intersection)
- Direction each vehicle was traveling
- Where on your body you were struck
- Any witnesses present
- Take Photos and Preserve Evidence
Take photos of:- All vehicles involved
- The surrounding area (lighting, signage, road markings)
- Any visible injuries
- Damage to clothing or personal items
Evidence disappears quickly on college campuses. Documentation protects you.
- Get Medical Treatment Even If You Feel “Okay”
Some injuries do not appear immediately. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, concussions, and spinal strain often develop hours or days later. If you were struck by a motor vehicle, Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law generally requires that you seek initial medical attention within 14 days of the accident to qualify for benefits.
Delaying treatment can affect both your health and your ability to recover medical expenses.
Keep copies of:- Emergency room or urgent care records
- Imaging results (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
- Follow-up appointments
- Prescription receipts
- Mileage to medical visits
Were You a Pedestrian on Campus Hit by a Car?
College campuses are heavily pedestrian environments. Many students walk between classes, parking garages, dorms, and dining halls.
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in certain unmarked intersections. However, pedestrians also have duties under the law.
Fault is not always black and white. For example:
- Drivers must yield when a pedestrian is lawfully within a crosswalk.
- Pedestrians cannot suddenly step into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely.
- Crossing outside a marked crosswalk may affect fault analysis, but it does not automatically eliminate a claim.
Each situation depends on timing, visibility, speed, and location.
Even if you think you may have been partially at fault, you should still speak with an attorney. Florida law allows injured parties to recover damages even if they share some responsibility, although compensation may be reduced.
How Is the School Involved? Understanding Who May Be Responsible
Not every campus accident is the same. Liability depends on who was involved and what caused the crash.
Hit by Another Student or Visitor Driver
If another private driver hits you, the claim typically proceeds like any other Florida car accident claim through that driver’s insurance company.
Hit by a Campus Shuttle or University Vehicle
If the vehicle belongs to a public university (such as Florida Gulf Coast University or Florida Southwestern State College), special rules may apply.
Public universities in Florida fall under sovereign immunity laws (Florida Statute 768.28). This means: Damage caps are generally $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. A written notice must typically be provided to the government agency and the Florida Department of Financial Services before filing suit
There are also procedural timelines that must be followed. Private universities, such as Hodges University, may have different insurance structures. In some cases, third-party contractors operate campus shuttles or maintenance vehicles.
Third-Party Contractors on Campus
Food service vehicles, construction crews, delivery trucks, and maintenance contractors often operate on campus. In those cases:
- The contractor’s commercial insurance may apply
- The university may share responsibility depending on the situation
- Multiple insurance policies may be involved
Unsafe Campus Design or Maintenance
Not every campus accident is purely a driver issue. Poor lighting, missing signage, faded crosswalk markings, malfunctioning signals, or dangerous garage layouts may contribute to crashes. When unsafe conditions play a role, the property owner’s responsibility may be examined. These cases are fact-specific and require careful investigation.
How Medical Bills and Compensation Work After a Campus Accident
After a student is hit by a car on campus, one of the first questions is simple: Who is going to pay for this?
In Florida, the answer often starts with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but it does not always end there.
Immediate Medical Coverage: Florida’s PIP Rules
Florida is a no-fault state. If a motor vehicle is involved, PIP insurance may provide initial medical coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. Here are the key points students and parents need to know:
- You must receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
- PIP typically covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses, up to policy limits.
- Coverage may apply through your own auto policy or sometimes a parent’s policy if the student qualifies.
- Proper documentation is critical.
This is why we always recommend getting checked out right away, even if injuries seem minor. Waiting too long can affect both your health and your ability to access available benefits.
Keep copies of:
- Emergency room or urgent care records
- Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Follow-up appointments
- Prescription receipts
- Mileage and transportation costs related to treatment
Early documentation protects your case.
When the Case Goes Beyond PIP
When serious injuries are involved, or if medical bills exceed PIP limits, additional compensation may be available depending on the facts of the accident.
This may include:
- Medical expenses not covered by PIP
- Future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (when legally permitted under Florida law)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (medical devices, prescriptions, transportation)
- Academic impact costs, such as course withdrawals, delayed graduation, or housing changes
Every case is different. Insurance coverage, injury severity, and whether a private driver, university vehicle, or third-party contractor was involved all affect what compensation may be available.
The important thing to remember is this: getting medical care promptly and documenting everything puts you in the strongest possible position.
Final Thoughts
When a student is hit by a car on campus, it can feel overwhelming. Between medical appointments, classes, insurance calls, and uncertainty about what comes next, it is easy to make mistakes.
Reporting the incident, seeking medical care promptly, and preserving documentation can make a significant difference.
If you or your college student were injured in a campus car accident, our legal team is here to help you understand your options. We offer a free consultation to review what happened, explain how Florida law applies, and help you determine the next step. We have offices in:
Every case is unique. Getting the right guidance early can protect both your health and your future.
