Needing to buy a car

Hello guys. I'm a medical student. A week ago or so, I got into a car accident. I was driving my 2002 Honda Accord, that my dad had given me, but due to the accident, it was totaled. My insurance company is giving me $8,000 and I have a week or two before I need to get a new car. I'm willing to spend upto $20,000 for a car. I was thinking of getting a new 2012 Honda Accord for ~$22,000 or buying a 2012 Civic for $16,000. I commute in the city and my education requires me to drive frequently in the week (about 200-300 miles per week).
I've really been out of the car loop for a few years now so I have no idea whats great or not.
mpg is pretty important here too.
Please give me your thoughts and opinions as well as your recommendations.
Thank you!

The Civic will be smaller, but should also get better mileage. I was recently driving a 2012 Civic as a loaner when my Subaru was in the shop and it was a great car! Made it kinda hard to go back to driving my 97 Civic. LOL

Honestly, both are great cars and should be pretty much bulletproof. Good luck in your decision!