Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Georgia, where accidents with pedestrians and motor vehicles continue to make headlines. Many people believe the rights of pedestrians are absolute,that they always have the right of way,but that’s not entirely true. Georgia pedestrian laws protect walkers in many situations, but there are also clear limits.
In this article, we’ll break down traffic laws, explain fault in pedestrian accidents, and cover what both drivers and walkers need to know. If you or someone you know has suffered pedestrian injuries, consulting a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer is essential.
What Do Georgia Pedestrian Laws Say About Right of Way?
Pedestrian laws in Georgia are primarily governed which outlines responsibilities for both automobile drivers and walkers. These traffic rules are meant to reduce vehicle collision risks and improve safe conditions on public roads.
Pedestrians have the right of way when:
- They are within a marked crosswalks
- They are crossing at a green light or pedestrian signal
- A driver is turning at an intersection and a pedestrian is lawfully in the lane of traffic
But if you’re crossing an unmarked crosswalk or against a traffic signal, you could be partially at fault.
When Don’t Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Georgia?
Not every pedestrian is automatically protected. Drivers may not be held liable if a walker:
- Crosses outside a crosswalk or mid-block (jaywalking)
- Walks during a flashing “Don’t Walk” pedestrian crossing signals
- Suddenly enters traffic without giving enough time to react (this can even happen near pedestrian walkways or pedestrian tunnel areas)
- Walks on two-lane road highways or multi-lane roads where pedestrian crossings are not permitted
These conditions often factor into who is considered the fault driver in pedestrian accidents.
Driver Responsibilities Under Georgia Law
Traffic control signals don’t only apply to walkers,drivers must also:
- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, even if they haven’t reached your traffic lanes
- Exercise extra care around children, elderly people, or anyone who seems impaired
- Never pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian,they may be blocking for someone you don’t see
Drivers ignoring these traffic signs or engaging in aggressive driving can face criminal charges, especially if they cause fatal injuries.
What is Shared Fault in Pedestrian Accidents?
Georgia follows comparative negligence laws. This means both the pedestrian and the driver can be at fault,and a walker can still file a personal injury claim if they are less than 50% responsible.
Example: If a pedestrian is jaywalking but the driver was speeding and texting, insurance companies might assign 30% fault to the pedestrian. A $100,000 personal injury lawsuit could still result in fair compensation,about $70,000.
How Is Fault Determined in Pedestrian Accidents?
Fault in traffic accidents involving walkers is assessed using:
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Traffic laws
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reconstruction reports
Sometimes a police officer might assign fault without considering every angle,an experienced personal injury attorney can challenge that.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Distracted walking or distracted driving
- Speeding in poor visibility zones
- Drivers not yielding at pedestrian crossing signs
- Impaired driving near school zones, railroad crossings, or adjacent intersections
These can all result in serious pedestrian accident claim filings and even fatal pedestrian injuries.
Can You Still File a Claim If You Were Partially at Fault?
Yes,Georgia allows partial fault claims under comparative negligence. Even if you were walking without a signal or failed to use pedestrian walkways, you might still have a strong case,especially if the driver was using a phone, speeding, or violating other traffic control signals.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia
Steps to follow:
- Call 911 and request help from law enforcement
- Get medical attention even if your injuries feel minor
- Exchange contact info with the driver and witnesses
- Take photos of road conditions, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings
- Don’t admit fault or apologize
Then, contact a top-rated pedestrian accident attorney like Ted Law Firm to begin the legal process.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Georgia Residents
To keep pedestrians safe, follow these:
- Obey traffic signs and pedestrian crossing signals
- Wear bright clothing at night
- Use eye contact to confirm drivers see you
- Stick to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks
- Stay alert,don’t text while walking!
Why You Need Legal Representation
Facing insurance companies after pedestrian accidents is tough. They’ll try to shift blame to reduce medical costs, avoid paying for property damage, or even deny your personal injury claim outright.
The team at Ted Law Firm helps you:
- Investigate the crash
- Fight biased police report
- Secure medical care documentation
- File a strong personal injury lawsuit
- Seek fair compensation
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Let Ted Law Firm Help You.
Let Ted Law Firm handle the legal stress while you focus on healing. We proudly help people in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Savannah, Warner Robins, and all of Georgia! We advocate for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. We fight for fair compensation – even when insurance companies don’t.
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Ted Law Firm are here to support you. From handling insurance companies to building a winning case, we fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Call today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
