What are the pedestrian right-of-way laws in Georgia? Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks and certain intersections, while drivers must yield to prevent accidents.
However, pedestrians must also follow traffic signals and avoid stepping into moving traffic outside designated crossing areas, and failure to do so could make your legal claim more challenging for your Duluth pedestrian accident lawyer.
When You Have the Right of Way as a Pedestrian in Georgia
If you are crossing the street at an intersection, pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must slow down and yield to you when you are legally crossing. If a driver fails to stop and causes an accident, they may be held responsible for your injuries when your Duluth car accident lawyer pursues legal action.
When there are no traffic signals, drivers are required to come to a complete stop if you are within a crosswalk. This applies whether the crosswalk has painted lines or is simply an extension of the sidewalk. If a driver does not stop, they may be violating traffic laws and putting you in danger.
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91 requires drivers to stop and allow you to cross safely when you are in a crosswalk. If you are approaching from the opposite side of the street and are close enough to be in danger, drivers must wait until you have fully crossed. Any driver who ignores this rule can face fines, license penalties, and liability for your injuries.
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When You Must Yield to Vehicles in Georgia
You are required to follow traffic laws just like drivers, and there are times when you must yield. If you cross outside of a marked crosswalk or designated crossing area, you must wait for a safe gap in traffic before stepping into the road. If you cross without looking and an accident occurs, you may be found partially or fully at fault.
Jaywalking, or crossing the street against a traffic signal, is illegal in Georgia. If you cross while a “Do Not Walk” signal is displayed, drivers who have the right of way may not have time to stop. You could also receive a citation or fine for violating pedestrian traffic laws.
If you were injured while crossing unlawfully, your ability to recover compensation may be affected. Insurance companies and courts may assign partial or full blame to you if you fail to follow traffic signals. While drivers are expected to avoid accidents, you are also responsible for making sure you cross safely.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in School Zones and Residential Areas
If you are walking in a school zone or residential neighborhood, drivers are required to use extra caution and be prepared to stop. Children often cross the street unexpectedly, and reduced speed limits are in place to protect pedestrians. If a driver does not slow down or yield in these areas, they may be held responsible for any injuries they cause.
In residential areas, lower speed limits are strictly enforced to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian crossings are designed to improve visibility, but drivers who fail to stop or ignore crossing areas can still create dangerous situations. If you were hit while walking in a residential area, the driver may be fully liable for your injuries.
Some pedestrian-friendly areas provide additional protections for walkers. Places with heavy foot traffic, such as parks, shopping centers, and city squares, often have designated pedestrian crossings that drivers must obey. If you were injured while using a crosswalk or pedestrian-only area, the driver could face increased penalties for failing to yield.
How Right of Way Laws Apply to Parking Lots and Driveways
Parking lots and driveways present unique dangers for pedestrians. Unlike major roadways, these areas often have limited visibility, making it harder for drivers to spot people walking nearby. Knowing how the following right-of-way laws apply in these areas can help you avoid accidents and understand when a driver may be responsible for your injuries:
- Crossing parking lot entrances and exits – Drivers must yield to pedestrians when entering or exiting a parking lot. Many accidents happen when drivers fail to look for people walking on sidewalks or designated crossing areas. If a driver hits you while pulling out of a parking lot, they may be responsible for your injuries.
- Turning into private driveways – Vehicles entering or exiting driveways must yield to pedestrians walking on sidewalks or crossing nearby streets. Drivers who do not slow down before turning may fail to see pedestrians in their path. If you were struck by a vehicle turning into a driveway, the driver may be liable for failing to yield.
- Limited visibility in parking lots – Parked cars, poor lighting, and sharp turns can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Many pedestrian accidents in parking lots occur when drivers are backing out of spaces without checking for people walking behind them. If you were hit in a parking lot, liability may depend on whether the driver took proper precautions.
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Pedestrian Right of Way at Public Transportation Stops
Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing to or from a public bus or train stop. Whether you are walking to board a transit vehicle or exiting a bus, drivers must exercise caution in these areas. Many pedestrian accidents happen near bus stops when drivers fail to yield to people crossing the road.
Drivers must stop when pedestrians are boarding or exiting a transit vehicle at a designated crosswalk. If a bus or train stops to let passengers off, vehicles in both directions may be required to stop as well. Failing to yield in these areas can lead to dangerous collisions and severe pedestrian injuries.
Ignoring pedestrian right-of-way laws at public transit stops can result in serious penalties for drivers. A driver who fails to stop may receive fines, points on their license, or face legal liability if an accident occurs. If you were hit by a vehicle near a bus or transit stop, proving the driver’s failure to yield can help your Duluth catastrophic injury lawyer establish fault in your personal injury claim.
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Learn More From Your Duluth Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents often involve disputes over the right-of-way laws for pedestrians, making legal representation essential for protecting your claim.
Your Duluth personal injury lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney will review the accident details and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us by calling our office today for a free case evaluation.
Call or text 404-951-3513 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
