19-Year-Old Student Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries After Pedestrian Crash Involving Box Truck in Gainesville

A 19-year-old college student was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a box truck on a Gainesville campus Monday morning, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

The crash occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Buckman Drive near Buckman Hall, temporarily shutting down part of the roadway as officers and emergency responders worked the scene.

Authorities say the crash involved a female pedestrian and a box truck associated with a local Hare Krishna organization that provides campus lunch services.

Witnesses reported that the student was stepping toward a sidewalk near a crosswalk when she was struck by the truck. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, officials confirmed.

Police later identified the victim as a 19-year-old student. As of the latest update, no additional information has been released regarding her condition.

The Gainesville Police Department is treating the incident as a traffic homicide investigation, a standard procedure for crashes involving fatal or life-threatening injuries to determine contributing factors and potential liability.

A representative from the Hare Krishna organization confirmed the box truck involved belongs to the group. The organization temporarily paused its campus lunch service following the crash, stating that members are deeply shaken by the incident.

According to the representative, the organization is praying for the student’s recovery and cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.

Ongoing Investigation

At this time, investigators have not announced whether any charges will be filed. Under Florida law, traffic crash reports are typically unavailable to the public for 60 days unless requested by an involved party, meaning additional details may not be released immediately.

Authorities will review evidence including:

• Witness statements
• Scene evidence
• Vehicle positioning and movement
• Surveillance or nearby video footage
• Driver and pedestrian actions prior to impact

These investigations help determine whether the crash was the result of driver negligence, roadway conditions, visibility issues, or other contributing factors.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns on Campus

Pedestrian-vehicle collisions on or near college campuses can be especially severe due to heavy foot traffic and delivery vehicles operating in tight spaces. Even low-speed collisions involving trucks or commercial vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries due to their size and limited visibility.

Common factors in pedestrian crashes include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Limited driver visibility around large vehicles
• Poor lighting or obstructed views
• Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas

Legal Options After a Serious Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is seriously injured in a vehicle collision, an investigation may reveal whether negligence played a role. Depending on the circumstances, liability could involve:

• The vehicle driver
• An employer or organization operating the vehicle
• A commercial insurance policy
• Third parties responsible for roadway design or safety

Victims and families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm represent victims of serious pedestrian accidents and catastrophic injury cases throughout Florida. Our firm conducts thorough investigations and works to hold negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident and need guidance on your legal rights, you may contact our office for a confidential consultation.