Hit as a Pedestrian on or Near Purdue’s Campus? Here’s What to Do

August 6, 2026

• Walking on or near Purdue’s campus can be great, but the proliferation of cars and the distraction of other forms of transportation can put pedestrians in danger.
• If you are hit as a pedestrian, it can lead to serious long-term injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and a decreased ability to live your life. While some people don’t know the law around pedestrian accidents, you have the right to pursue financial recovery.
• Calling the authorities, seeking medical treatment, and talking to Lafayette lawyers knowledgeable about pedestrian accidents are key steps to take after being hit by a car.

It’s a beautiful day in West Lafayette. You’re walking toward Ross-Ade Stadium. You wait for the light at Stadium Avenue, then cross. But drivers are impatient, and one of them turns against a light, trying to find parking. He isn’t looking. He hits you. And like that, your life is changed.

Being hit as a pedestrian can happen anywhere on or near Purdue’s campus. It can lead to serious injuries with long-term consequences and escalating costs. It changes your life.

Pedestrians have the same rights as anyone. You can pursue a claim against the driver who hit you, and potentially against other parties, if you know your rights. Working with Lafayette car accident attorneys who understand how to protect pedestrians can help you get back on your feet.

Is It Safe to Be a Pedestrian on or Near the Purdue Campus?

In October of 2024, the Purdue Exponent published an article about pedestrian safety on campus. That year (with a few months to go) there had been 67 accidents involving pedestrians and cars, scooters, or e-bikes. The previous year, there had been 89. And that’s just reported accidents; many more go unreported.

There’s a good reason for this. West Lafayette, like most college campuses, has a mix of traffic types. You have thousands of people walking every day, but you also have people taking scooters, skateboards, e-bikes, hoverboards, and more to class and around campus. And then you add in the cars, which are hopefully trying to navigate all of this, and it can be extremely dangerous. There’s a reason why people getting hit on bikes near Purdue is such a problem.

You’d like to think drivers are careful. But if the driver isn’t? If looking for parking or getting to class or off campus is a priority? That puts pedestrians at risk.

The Dangers of Being Hit by a Car

You’re at the very least near a major university, so we probably don’t have to tell you that cars weigh a lot more than people and are generally going faster. Pedestrians usually aren’t wearing pads and helmets that can make accidents marginally safer. Serious injuries can result from this, including:

• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries

These injuries can lead to high medical costs and also lost wages if you are working. They could mean missing class or having trouble keeping up with assignments. They can cause pain and suffering and take away from your college experience and anything else in life.

Taking the right steps right after being hit can help you collect fair compensation for these financial, physical, and emotional damages.

What To Do After Being Hit on or Near Purdue’s Campus

After being hit, if you don’t have an obvious injury, you might think you’re okay and maybe one of the “unreported accidents” we mentioned above. But there could be deep muscle injuries or injuries to the organs or brain that aren’t noticeable right away. That’s why it is crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

You also want to reach out to authorities, who can create an accident report. This is a key piece of evidence for insurance companies and courts. It helps determine who is at fault. (And remember, there may be three or four different potential police departments in Greater Lafayette, depending on where the accident happened.)

You might think the case is easy to prove: the car hit you. But there are complicating factors, including the potential for other parties to have contributed to the accident. That’s why it is important for you not to try to handle this on your own.

Working with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Not every lawyer in Lafayette has experience with pedestrian accidents. But a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney will know the steps necessary for a successful claim, including:

• Preserving critical evidence
• Understanding liable parties
• Working to get a fair settlement
• Representing you at trial if necessary

Understanding which parties are liable is extremely important. The car that hit you may have been forced to change lanes by another driver. The driver might not have been able to see due to construction. Traffic lights may have malfunctioned, or the roads might not have been cleared. There could be many parties with varying degrees of responsibility for the accident.

Your lawyer will have to deal with all the insurance companies, all of whom will try to deflect blame. If the city or state is a liable party, you’ll have a much shorter time period to start your claim. And remember, this is the same even if you are an out-of-state Purdue student. Indiana laws apply; Indiana lawyers know them.

It’s complex. We don’t want you doing it alone.

Reach Out to Our Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Walking is putting one foot in front of the other. A veteran pedestrian accident attorney does the same thing: making sure your case goes smoothly by following all the processes all the way to the end.

The lawyers who know how to pursue your case if you’ve been hit as a pedestrian are at Hensley Legal Group, PC, a dedicated Indiana personal injury law firm whose experienced attorneys have been fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured since 1998.

Simply call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Lafayette car accident attorney.