Why You Want a Local Lawyer if Your College Student Gets Hurt

So your child decided to stay at school for the summer. Maybe they’re taking summer classes to get enough credits to earn that double major. Or they don’t want to lose the sweet apartment and job they landed last semester. No matter why, they’re on their own now. And accidents do happen. What would you do if your child was hurt or injured while they were away at school?

There are many ways a student could be injured, from preventable accidents to unanticipated mishaps.

So let’s take a look at some of the most common ways college kids get hurt.

Risky driving behaviors cause the most accidents

Car crashes pose a serious risk to young drivers, especially as they are less experienced than their older counterparts. Younger drivers are also prone to speeding and other reckless behaviors such as tailgating and thrill-seeking behind the wheel.

Another issue among young drivers is texting while driving, or what the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General refers to as “driving intexticated.” Texting and driving is so prevalent that there are many campaigns against it, from official Pennsylvania government campaigns to homespun PSAs from local businesses and individuals alike. Texting is part of the overall trend toward “distracted driving,” which can be anything from taking photos on your smartphone or interacting with your car’s built-in infotainment system.

Being drunk or high on other substances is another serious risk factor. According to The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 16% to 30% of college students report drinking and driving, which is a leading cause of death and injury among college-aged students.

Even if you’re sober, driving is dangerous. The American National Safety Council is a proponent of educating college students on the dangers of “drowsy driving” since this population is known for its lack of adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased attention and vigilance among the student-aged subset says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, thereby increasing the risk of accidents of all types.

Injuries from car accidents in Lancaster, PA

Your child’s injuries can vary based on the type of crash and the severity of the accident. Common injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Contusions, or mild to moderate bruising
• Whiplash, which is common if your car was rear-ended
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations

If the accident was more severe, possible injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Limb loss and amputation
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 1,900 drivers aged 15 to 20 died as a result of car accidents in 2020.

Sports injury on or off campus

There are many college sports, but football is undoubtedly America’s favorite college sport, attracting huge numbers of viewers, both in-person and onscreen.

The most common football injuries include:

• Ankle sprains
• Knee injuries
• Quad, hamstring, and groin strains
• Hip pointers
• Shoulder dislocations
• Acromioclavicular sprains
• Wrist and hand injuries
• Concussions

Basketball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse round out the top five most popular NCAA sports. Though they are not as high-impact and dangerous as football, they all carry their own risk of injury. Basketball players are at risk of ankle sprains and foot fractures. Baseball players should try to prevent oblique strains and tendonitis. Soccer players are more vulnerable to concussions, ACL tears, and strained hamstrings. And the most common lacrosse injuries involve ankles, knees, hands, and wrists, according to the National Institutes of Health.

And those are just the typical collegiate sports. Your child can easily turn an ankle, sustain a head injury, or get heatstroke playing frisbee, Spikeball, or disc golf with friends, too.

Other types of on- and off-campus injuries

There are many ways a student could be injured around campus. A student might fall while walking to class, exercising (either outdoors or in the school gym), swimming in the campus pool, dancing at a house party, or slipping on a wet floor in the dining hall. They may even be hit as a pedestrian or cyclist, even if they are obeying the appropriate traffic laws. (Here are some tips on what to do if your child has been hit by a car while riding their bike.)

It’s not something we like to think about, but according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 26.4% of college females experience on-campus acts of sexual assault and violence, as do 6.8% of males. The U.S. Department of Education says that forcible sexual offenses made up 43% of all campus crimes.

Other violent attacks on campus can include aggravated assault, manslaughter, and even murder. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, these violent acts are least likely to occur at private, for-profit institutions.

Your child doesn’t have to be a daredevil who enjoys the adrenaline rush of a daily skydiving run to be in harm’s way. An accident can happen anywhere whether they’re shopping at the mall, working out at an aerial silks studio, visiting a local landmark, or dancing at their favorite club.

Why is it better to get a local lawyer in Lancaster, PA?

You probably have a lot of questions. If your child is attending college out-of-state, you’re likely wondering “Can I use a lawyer from a different state?” Your first instinct may be to just use someone from your hometown like a trusted lawyer you know or maybe have worked with in the past.

However, if your child is living out of state, you need a local lawyer who can practice in that state.

Most lawyers have been admitted to the bar in only one state, and this is where they are authorized to practice law. Plus, Pennsylvania is an expansive state. So even if you live within the state, you still want a lawyer who is local to the college.

A local lawyer will be familiar with the lay of the land (and the local courts) and know how to navigate the system. If your child fell down a flight of stairs at the galleria in town, chances are somebody else has as well or has done something similar. A local personal injury lawyer can guide you through making a claim and getting the compensation you deserve.

What are the options if your child gets hurt on a college campus or while away at college? After they receive the appropriate medical attention, the next step is to contact a local personal injury professional. In the case of vehicular collisions or drunk driving accidents, you want a car accident lawyer in Lancaster, PA.

If you and your child have a personal injury case, you can turn to the experts at KBG Injury Law. We have legal specialists in York, Harrisburg, Hanover, Gettysburg, and Lancaster, PA. Fill out our contact form and get the help you need today.