Georgia Law considers bicycles to be vehicles and, as such, the operator of a bicycle on Georgia roads must follow the same laws that automobile operators, motorcyclists and truck drivers must follow. So, when the term “vehicle” is used, it includes all classes of road transportation including bicycles. When the term “motor vehicle” is used, bicycles are not included in that category. When, specifically, the word “bicycle” is used, the code covers only bikes. A cyclist who is walking their bike on a roadway or in an intersection is considered to be a pedestrian. The laws covering pedestrians differ from those that cover cyclists.
If you are a cyclist, Georgia law prohibits more than one person from being transported on a bicycle unless it is a child in a child seat or pulled behind a buggy. Transporting someone on your handle bars, for example, is not allowed by law. Other laws that cover cyclists include not riding more than two abreast on a roadway, a requirement on the height of handle bars and safety equipment like reflectors on pedals for night time visibility. If a cyclist is following Georgia cycling laws, but is hit by another vehicle, a claim can be brought against the negligent party.
Pedestrian laws are different. Georgia law states that vehicles should stop and stay stopped if a pedestrian is in a marked cross walk or within one and a half lanes of a cross walk (not just yield). That means pedestrians have the right to cross in a marked cross walk. Conversely, no pedestrian is allowed by law to enter a crosswalk when it would be impractical for a vehicle to stop. So, although pedestrians have the right of way in a marked crosswalk, they must still yield to vehicles that do not have the time to stop before the pedestrian enters the crosswalk. It is also illegal for a vehicle to go around another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian. Then there is the “jay-walking” myth. In Georgia, it is actually legal to cross a roadway as a pedestrian even if a crosswalk is not marked, as long as it is safe to do so. In cases like this, vehicles have the right of way over pedestrians. Most pedestrian accidents occur because of distracted drivers who are not focused on foot traffic as much as they are other vehicles. It is always best to make eye contact with a driver before entering an intersection to ensure your safety as a pedestrian.
At Casey W. Stevens Law: Alpharetta Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, our attorneys work with experienced accident investigators and witnesses to analyze and document events related to bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
If you've been seriously injured due to the negligence of a car, truck, or bus driver, contact the bicycle-pedestrian accident lawyers at Casey W. Stevens Law: Alpharetta Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Casey W. Stevens Law: Alpharetta Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers represents bicyclists and pedestrians suffering from the following kinds of injuries due to being hit by the negligent operator of a car, truck, or bus driver:
Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries create substantial costs for individuals and families. In order to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need and deserve, our lawyers consult medical economists and life care planners who quantify costs associated with surgery, physical therapy, medical equipment, and lost wages. We also consider diminished quality of life and the emotional pain and suffering associated with catastrophic injuries. Working with medical experts, we also establish the nature and scope of our client's injuries, explaining lifetime medical costs associated with their condition.
We understand how to investigate and handle personal injury cases involving bicycle accidents and pedestrian injuries. We have the resources and experience needed to help you.
Contact our personal injury lawyers at 770-408-6364 to schedule a free consultation today. If you prefer a face-to-face meeting, you can visit us at one of our North Georgia locations, or we will come to you.