Pedestrian rights are key issues in Marietta and Cobb County, with specific laws for drivers and pedestrians.
If you are ever involved in a pedestrian-vehicle incident, seek medical attention and talk to an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer to discuss legal options.
What is Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Georgia?
Georgia pedestrian laws govern the rights of people using the sidewalk or crossing the road. If an accident occurs, these precise laws are designed to determine who is liable.
Ga. Code § 40-6-91 says that pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. Similarly, Ga. Code § 40-6-92 states that pedestrians crossing a roadway at places other than a marked crosswalk shall yield the right of way unless the person has already, and under safe conditions, entered the roadway.
This ruling indicates that drivers need to yield if a person is already on the road, whether fully on the road, halfway, or just crossing. The driver must give the pedestrian the right of way.
Further, in Ga. Code 40-6-93, the law states that drivers must take care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. The code provides stipulations for drivers to exercise caution and honk the horn, especially when observing a child or person who is confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated.
Traffic Rules and Regulations for Georgia Pedestrians
Traffic rules apply to both drivers and pedestrians. In Georgia, when a car hits a pedestrian, the right-of-way rules frequently prevail.
However, there are some situations where pedestrians may contribute to or cause an accident. If a person has left the ‘place of safety’ and moved suddenly onto the road, the driver may not be able to stop.
A person who is driving may not be liable in a variety of instances, such as a person wandering on a busy street, a person sitting or lying on a busy road, or a pedestrian walking with disregard for lights and traffic regulations.
Proving Liability in Georgia
In Georgia, a driver has a legal duty to be careful and alert. Yet, accidents can occur from a variety of causes. Proving liability often requires determining whether the driver or pedestrian had the right of way.
Supporting evidence may include eyewitness statements, photographic images, footage from surveillance cameras, and accounts from bystanders. If police are called to the scene, they will gather evidence and file an official report of the incident.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian in Cobb County
Cobb County government offers practical tips to help pedestrians stay safe when crossing the road. First, minimize distractions by paying attention and staying off of electronic devices.
Many of the pedestrian tips are ones that we learned as children but may forget to follow as adults. Look both ways before crossing. Always use pedestrian-activated signals when available in crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers. Walk on the sidewalk when possible. Watch for vehicles backing up. Keep small children close.
The county advises pedestrians to use crosswalk signals to cross the road safely. If you see the solid yellow hand, it means wait.
Have You Been Involved in a Cobb County Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident?
Paying attention to pedestrian and driver safety can help you and your family stay safe in Cobb County. If you have been involved in a pedestrian-vehicle accident, talking to an experienced lawyer may be useful to understand your legal options.