College campuses are typically bustling with activity. Campuses provide a unique environment in which pedestrians, bicyclists, cars and buses and other commercial vehicles must all navigate a relatively small and densely populated area. While thankfully, accidents occurring on college campuses seem to be fairly rare; when they do happen they are often serious in nature.

The family of an 18-year-old Ohio State University student, who was struck by a dump truck while on campus last fall, has filed lawsuits against the university and several construction entities. The accident occurred as the 18-year-old was attempting to navigate through an area where heavy construction vehicles were working.

According to the 18-year-old, he was walking his bicycle on the sidewalk past the construction site when a dump truck unexpectedly turned into his path striking him. The young man's account, however, is different from those of eyewitnesses who contend the 18-year-old was riding his bicycles on the sidewalk when the 71-year-old dump truck driver backed into him.

Regardless of what exactly happened that day, it's clear that the dump truck hit the 18-year-old. What's also crystal clear is that the young man has suffered great physical and mental pain since the commercial vehicle accident. It's also evident that both the university and construction contractors failed to take proper safety measures to warn passersby of the fact that heavy commercial vehicles were moving in and out of the construction site.

Today, the 18-year-old must learn to navigate through life after losing his right leg. Additionally, he is in constant pain due to severe damage suffered to both his pelvis and spine. The family is seeking an amount in excess of $25,000 per lawsuit as well as punitive damages.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, "Suits filed over OSU bike accident in which student hit by truck," Encarnita Pyle, Jan. 8, 2013