Getting hit by a car while walking is a traumatic experience, especially in a busy college town like East Lansing. Whether you were crossing Grand River near MSU, heading to class across Farm Lane, or walking through downtown Lansing, a pedestrian accident can lead to serious injuries, financial stress, and a long recovery. Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws make these cases more complicated than many people realize, and insurance companies are quick to shift blame or offer low settlements. In this article, we’ll explain what to do after a pedestrian crash in Lansing or on MSU’s campus, who may be responsible, and what legal rights you have if you’ve been injured.
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Lansing
Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere in Lansing, but certain patterns and behaviors make them more likely especially in high-traffic zones like downtown, near schools, or around Michigan State University. Many of these crashes result from driver negligence, but in some cases, pedestrians may be partially at fault. Understanding how and why these accidents happen is the first step toward protecting your rights. Here are some of the top reasons drivers hit pedestrians in Lansing and East Lansing:
| 🚧 Crash Cause | ⚠️ Description | 📍 Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 📱 Distracted Driving | Texting, GPS use, or eating behind the wheel | Grand River Ave, Saginaw St |
| 🚦 Failure to Yield | Ignoring crosswalks or pedestrian signals | Cedar St, Farm Ln near MSU |
| 🏎️ Speeding in Urban Areas | Drivers going too fast to react | Larch St, Michigan Ave |
| 🌫️ Poor Visibility | Low light, rain, snow, or dark clothing | Frandor area, campus at night |
| ↩️ Left Turns | Drivers watching for cars, not pedestrians | Auditorium Rd, MLK Blvd intersections |
Where Pedestrian Accidents Are Most Likely in Lansing
Pedestrian accidents in Lansing tend to cluster in a few high-risk areas, often due to heavy foot traffic, fast-moving vehicles, or poor visibility. One of the most hazardous zones is the Michigan State University campus, where thousands of students cross busy roads like Grand River Avenue, Farm Lane, and Shaw Lane every day. These areas see frequent near-misses and collisions—especially during class transitions, sporting events, and late-night hours.
Outside of MSU, other danger zones include downtown Lansing, Frandor Shopping Center, and intersections near public schools and parks. Poor signage, limited street lighting, and drivers unfamiliar with pedestrian-heavy zones contribute to the risk. Even areas with marked crosswalks aren’t always safe if drivers fail to yield or aren’t paying attention.
Whether you were injured near campus or elsewhere in the city, your legal rights and options remain the same, but knowing the context of where the crash occurred can be important for proving fault and building a strong claim.
Common Injuries Pedestrians Suffer After a Car Accident
Unlike drivers, pedestrians don’t have the protection of a vehicle during a collision. There are no airbags, no seatbelts, and no frame to absorb the impact. That’s why pedestrian accidents often result in severe, long-lasting injuries. Even at low speeds, a car can cause life-changing damage to someone on foot. The type and severity of injuries will depend on the circumstances, including vehicle speed, point of impact, and the victim’s age and health. Below are some of the most common injuries seen in pedestrian accidents across Lansing and near the MSU campus.
| 🩼 Injury Type | 🧠 Severity Level | ⏳ Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🤕 Head Trauma | Concussion, brain bleed, skull fracture | Weeks to permanent damage |
| 🦴 Broken Bones | Commonly legs, arms, pelvis, or ribs | 6–12 weeks or longer |
| 🩸 Internal Bleeding | Abdominal or brain hemorrhaging | Immediate critical care |
| 🧍♂️ Spinal Cord Injuries | Herniated discs to paralysis | Months to lifelong care |
| 🤕 Soft Tissue Damage | Sprains, bruises, ligament tears | Days to several weeks |
These injuries often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, long-term disability accommodations. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer early before medical bills and insurance issues pile up.
Who’s Liable for a Pedestrian-Car Accident in Lansing?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t always as simple as “the driver is at fault.” Michigan uses a comparative fault system, which means both the driver and the pedestrian could share responsibility depending on the circumstances. In many cases, drivers are found liable for:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding or running red lights
- Distracted or intoxicated driving
- Ignoring stop signs in pedestrian-heavy areas like MSU
However, pedestrians can also bear some responsibility such as crossing outside of marked crosswalks, walking into traffic while distracted, or not obeying traffic signals. At MSU, accidents often involve students crossing mid-block or drivers unfamiliar with campus traffic patterns. If you were hit while walking on or near MSU’s campus, fault may also involve additional factors like campus security footage or municipal vs. university jurisdiction. The bottom line: liability depends on the details. Gathering evidence like witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports is key to building a strong case.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car in Lansing
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Lansing or near MSU, what you do next can have a major impact on your health, recovery, and legal claim. The moments after a crash are overwhelming but taking the right steps can protect your rights and help you secure fair compensation.
| 📝 Action | ✅ Why It Matters | ⏱️ When to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 📞 Call 911 | Ensures medical help and creates a police report | Immediately after the crash |
| 📷 Document the Scene | Take photos, get witness names, record vehicle details | Before leaving the area |
| 🏥 Seek Medical Attention | Proves injury and starts a medical record | Within 24–48 hours |
| 🛑 Avoid Quick Settlements | Insurers may offer lowball payouts | Don’t sign anything early |
| 👨⚖️ Contact an Attorney | Helps navigate no-fault claims and build your case | As soon as possible |
Even if you feel “okay” at the scene, it’s critical to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries, especially head trauma and internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help preserve evidence, calculate damages, and deal with pushy insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Compensation Available in Lansing Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you were hit by a car while walking, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, especially if the accident resulted in serious injuries, time off work, or long-term medical care. In Michigan, injured pedestrians often start by filing a no-fault claim with their own auto insurance (or a household member’s policy), even if they weren’t driving at the time. However, serious injury cases may also qualify for a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Here are the most common types of compensation available:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, and future treatment costs
- Lost Wages: Paychecks missed due to injury, recovery, or disability
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Medications, transportation, home modifications
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash
At The Clark Law Office, we’ll help you calculate the full value of your case, not just what the insurance company wants to offer. If your injuries meet the “threshold” for a lawsuit under Michigan’s no-fault law, you may be able to recover substantial compensation beyond PIP benefits.
When to Call a Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed especially if you’re dealing with pain, bills, and insurance adjusters who don’t have your best interests in mind. That’s exactly why speaking with an experienced Lansing auto accident attorney can make such a difference. At The Clark Law Office, we handle every case with care and personal attention. We don’t pass clients off to associates or treat you like a number. If you were hit while walking in Lansing or on the MSU campus, we’ll help you:
- Understand your rights under Michigan law
- Deal with medical bills and insurance issues
- Investigate who was at fault and preserve evidence
- File a no-fault claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Maximize your compensation without being rushed into a lowball settlement
Timing matters. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the easier it is to protect critical evidence and avoid costly mistakes. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
FAQ: Lansing Pedestrian Accident Claims
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking near MSU?
Call 911 immediately, seek medical care, and document the scene. Then contact a pedestrian accident lawyer familiar with cases on or around campus. Your legal options may depend on whether the driver was at fault and what insurance coverage is available.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Michigan follows a comparative fault system. If you were partially at fault (e.g., jaywalking or distracted), your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible.
Does Michigan no-fault insurance cover pedestrian accidents?
Yes. Pedestrians injured by a vehicle in Michigan are typically eligible for no-fault benefits, including medical expenses and lost wages, even if they don’t own a car. These benefits usually come from the auto insurance policy of the driver or a household member.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Michigan?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, no-fault claims and notices may have shorter deadlines, so it's best to act quickly and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
How much is a pedestrian accident case worth in Lansing?
Case value depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. Minor injuries may result in lower settlements, while serious or permanent injuries can lead to six- or even seven-figure compensation.
