Are Car Accidents Common on College Campuses?

Car accidents on college campuses happen more often than you might think because young students often lack driving experience. Some attend schools farther away and leave their cars in lots, while others live closer and commute to classes. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, or worse. These crashes can also involve staff members and campus visitors.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in people between 15 and 20. Besides being newer drivers, college students are more prone to getting into accidents on campus because they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Campus parties are a fact of college life. Drug use is also commonplace and also impairs driving abilities.

College campuses also have high volumes of pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders on the streets and sidewalks.

Another factor contributing to car accidents on college campuses is fatigue. It is common for students to stay up late at night studying or partying, leading to frequent drowsiness. This could cause them to fall asleep in class or behind the wheel.

What if the Student Attends College in Another State?

State laws also dictate how the claim is handled after a car accident. Illinois is a fault-based state, so whoever causes a college campus accident is legally responsible for the damages and other associated losses. Injured parties can bring insurance claims against them or file lawsuits against allegedly responsible drivers in certain circumstances. Those laws will apply to the case if the student attends college in another state.

Parents and caregivers can prepare their students for driving out-of-state by visiting campus for an initial visit. This creates familiarity with the campus layout and its driving regulations, roads in nearby towns, and the trip to get back and forth from home.

Talk to an East St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer at The Cates Law Firm About Your College Campus Car Accident

Knowing where to turn after a college campus car accident can seem overwhelming, but an experienced East St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Cates Law Firm can offer reassurance and a free consultation. To learn more about our legal services, call us at 618-277-3644 or complete our online form. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.