Author: Shelby Benavidez  

Contributing Attorney: Dennis Moore, attorney  

Heading off to college can be one of the most exciting times in a student’s life. They have more freedom to explore and make new friends. Not to mention, students have pretty much everything they could ever need just a few steps away. It’s no wonder college campuses are bustling with students walking and biking every day! Unfortunately, students are at high risk for pedestrian accidents due to distracted driving and negligent behavior.    

It’s important to understand how to protect yourself and your rights if you’re injured while walking on campus. In this blog, we’ll cover campus pedestrian safety, highlight common risks, and provide practical tips and legal insights to help students stay safe and navigate campus life with confidence.  

College Campus Pedestrian Accidents: What Students Need to Know  

Statistics and Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents on Campus  

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise across the U.S., with 7,345 deaths reported in 2022 alone. While walking around campus might feel routine, it might actually be riskier than you think. With high foot traffic and a mix of so many transportation methods zipping around campus, accidents can happen fast. In fact, a study at the University of Austin found 79 pedestrian-related incidents on campus between 2017 and 2020.  

Unfortunately, many of these accidents could have been avoided. Texting while driving and other distractions are one of the leading causes of auto-pedestrian accidents on campus, followed by drinking while driving. While accidents can happen at any time, nighttime is especially risky since low visibility makes it harder for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other.  

The campus itself can make a difference, too. Poor lighting, faded or missing crosswalks, and construction zones all raise the risk of accidents. And with more students relying on e-scooters and bikes to get around, often driving on sidewalks to avoid traffic on the streets, students have even more hazards to watch out for.  

Physical, Emotional, and Academic Impacts on Students  

Getting hit as a pedestrian on campus can turn a student’s life upside down, especially when it’s the result of someone else’s negligence. A careless or impaired driver can leave a student with serious injuries, from broken bones and concussions to long-term disabilities that completely change daily life.  

When accidents like this happen, the damage isn’t just physical. Many students struggle with the emotional aftermath, too. Anxiety, stress, or even fear of walking across campus can creep in, making it harder to enjoy college life the way they used to. Beyond that, injuries lead to missed classes, falling behind on assignments, and, in some cases, having to delay graduation. Years of hard work can be thrown off track in an instant.  

The financial side only adds more pressure. Medical bills, rehab costs, and lost income from part-time jobs can stack up fast. What makes it even more frustrating is that these burdens often fall on students and their families because of someone else’s reckless choices.  

In the end, pedestrian accidents aren’t “just accidents.” They can derail a student’s education, health, and future. Holding negligent drivers and institutions accountable is important because it gives injured students the chance to recover and keep moving forward with the support they deserve.  

Pedestrian Safety Tips for College Students  

Be Aware and Stay Alert  

As with any situation, staying alert and aware are some of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Always look both ways before crossing the street, even at designated crosswalks, and avoid distractions while walking, such as texting or listening to music. If you can, try to make eye contact with drivers to confirm they see you before stepping into the road.  

Use Campus Resources  

Awareness goes a long way, but it works even better when you take advantage of the safety resources your campus offers. Stick to sidewalks, bike lanes, and marked crosswalks whenever you can. Many campuses also have emergency call boxes for quick help, plus escort services and safety apps to keep you protected, especially after dark.  

Be Visible and Predictable  

Finally, put in the effort to stay visible and predictable. Wear bright or reflective clothing at night or in bad weather to help drivers see you. Follow pedestrian signals and stick to marked crosswalks so drivers know where to expect you. As strange as it may sound, be intentional with how you move. Avoid any sudden turns or stops to give drivers the time they need to react safely. For example, if you suddenly realize you left your textbook in your dorm, check for nearby cars before darting across the street to go back for it.  

Do You Get Free Tuition if You Are Hit on a College Campus?  

A common misconception is that being injured on campus automatically entitles a student to free tuition. In reality, this is rarely the case. Pedestrians can be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident—not tuition.  

That said, every case is different. In certain circumstances, financial assistance or reimbursement for tuition may be part of a broader settlement or award, but this depends heavily on the details of the accident and the role negligence played. Because these situations can be complex, talking to a qualified personal injury attorney is essential to determine what forms of compensation may be available and whether tuition-related costs could be recovered.  

What Happens if You Get Hit by a Bus on a College Campus?  

Collisions involving campus shuttles or buses can result in serious injuries, and knowing what to do immediately afterward is important. The first step is to report the accident right away to campus authorities and seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.  

It’s equally important to document the scene by taking photos of the area, the vehicle, and your injuries, as well as gathering contact information from any witnesses. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, your documentation can help build your case. If you need to be taken by ambulance for your injuries, don’t worry about collecting documentation at the scene. Police reports and investigators can help you collect this information after you’ve been examined by a doctor.  

Because campus transportation systems are typically insured, victims of bus-related accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Understanding these steps not only protects your health but also strengthens your ability to hold negligent drivers or institutions accountable.  

Contact an Attorney  

Pedestrians on college campuses in Texas have legal rights, but knowing what they are and how to protect them is essential. Understanding your rights can help you respond effectively if you are involved in an accident.   

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, talking to a personal injury attorney should be your next step after dialing 9-1-1. A qualified attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents can help you file a claim, explain your rights, and fight for full value for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.   

For example, Dennis Moore and the Daniel Stark team successfully helped a student pursuing his Ph.D. at Texas A&M who was struck on campus secure compensation that allowed him to focus on recovery and continue his education. Cases like this demonstrate how legal representation can make a significant difference in outcomes and provide peace of mind during a stressful time.  

Taking a comprehensive approach to campus pedestrian safety by understanding the statistics, following practical safety tips, and knowing your legal rights can help students navigate campus life more safely. By staying alert, using available safety resources, and seeking proper legal guidance when necessary, students can minimize the risk of accidents and protect themselves if an incident occurs.