Understanding Georgia’s Right-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians and Drivers

• August 14, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Car Accidents

Many people think they understand Georgia’s right-of-way laws for pedestrians and drivers, but real confusion often arises after an accident.

The details that seem obvious in everyday driving or walking can become much more complicated during a personal injury claim, often requiring an attorney’s insight to sort through liability, insurance, and the true meaning of who had the right to proceed.

A sudden accident can leave anyone unsure about who was at fault, what the law says, and what options exist for moving forward. Worrying about mounting medical bills, lost wages, or possibly being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault is natural.

These concerns are exactly what a personal injury attorney at Mann Law Firm addresses every day. During a free case evaluation, you can explore how the following Georgia right-of-way laws apply to your unique situation and better understand what support and compensation may be available under the law.

The Legal Framework Governing Right-of-Way in Georgia

Georgia’s statutes on right-of-way apply to various elements of road-sharing, including marked and unmarked crosswalks, intersections, turning vehicles, and emergency situations. A legal professional can help clarify the following concepts as they apply to your personal injury claim:

• Marked crosswalks: Drivers are required to stop and yield to pedestrians using marked crosswalks when pedestrians are on their half of the road or approaching closely from the opposite direction.
• Unmarked crosswalks: Pedestrians still have the right-of-way at intersections without painted crosswalks. Georgia law considers these areas as implied crosswalks unless signage states otherwise.
• Turning vehicles: Drivers making turns must yield to pedestrians legally crossing the street where the turn is made.
• Pedestrian responsibilities: Pedestrians must use marked crosswalks when available and avoid stepping into traffic unexpectedly in a way that leaves drivers insufficient time to yield.

Understanding these principles is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring that liability is appropriately determined if a legal claim arises from a collision.

Key Responsibilities for Georgia Drivers and Pedestrians

Responsibilities of Drivers

Georgia road users are held to high safety standards when encountering pedestrians. Their legal responsibilities include:

• Yielding at crosswalks: Whether marked or unmarked, drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing at intersections or appropriate areas on the road. This is particularly important in school or pedestrian-heavy zones.
• Following traffic signals: Drivers must adhere to traffic signals and signage, including stop signs and yield indicators. Ignoring these rules can endanger pedestrians and result in legal consequences.
• Care around turning vehicles: When turning, drivers should carefully monitor for pedestrians crossing legally.
• Blind pedestrians: Motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians, identifiable by their use of a white cane or guide dog.

Failure to meet these obligations can endanger lives and result in citations, fines, or increased liability in personal injury cases.

Responsibilities of Pedestrians

Pedestrians in Georgia have specific legal duties that complement driver responsibilities. These include:

• Using crosswalks responsibly: Pedestrians should cross at marked crosswalks when available. Crossing the street outside these areas, or “jaywalking,” is prohibited and may negatively impact liability in case of an accident.
• Obeying traffic signals: Pedestrians must follow traffic control devices, such as walk signals, when present.
• Avoiding sudden entries: It’s illegal to abruptly enter the path of an oncoming vehicle without giving drivers enough time to stop.
• Visibility on roadways: Walking along roadways without sidewalks? Then you should walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic, to enhance visibility and safety.

By adhering to these rules, pedestrians can minimize risks and strengthen potential legal claims in the unfortunate event of an accident.

How Georgia Determines Responsibility in Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions

If you’ve been in a vehicle-pedestrian accident in Georgia, don’t assume you’re solely at fault just because an insurance company says so. Georgia law looks at all circumstances, and drivers often share responsibility for failing to yield, distracted driving, or disregarding pedestrian rights.

Here’s how a knowledgeable Georgia personal injury lawyer can help contest unfair fault assignments and protect your right to full compensation:

• Analyzing the accident scene for key evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and eyewitness statements.
• Challenging inaccurate insurance company claims and advocating for a fair review of the facts based on Georgia’s pedestrian right-of-way laws.
• Identifying all contributing factors, including poor signage, unsafe crosswalk design, or driver negligence, to ensure liability is accurately apportioned.
• Negotiating assertively on your behalf with insurance adjusters to prevent unjust blame-shifting and ensure your injuries and damages are fully recognized.

Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk or uncertain about the right-of-way, Georgia law protects pedestrians from unfair treatment. Don’t let common insurance tactics limit your claim. Legal guidance can make all the difference in achieving a fair settlement for your personal injury case.

Georgia Right-of-Way Laws For Pedestrians and Drivers FAQ

What should I do if an insurance company denies my right-of-way claim?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing liability. If your claim is denied, consult a personal injury attorney who can gather evidence, challenge the denial, and advocate for a fair settlement based on Georgia’s right-of-way laws.

Can poor road design impact liability in a pedestrian accident?

Factors like unclear signage, poorly marked crosswalks, or unsafe road layouts can contribute to accidents. A legal professional can investigate these elements to ensure liability is accurately assigned and strengthen your case.

How does distracted driving affect right-of-way cases?

Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, often leads to failure to yield or other violations. This negligence can significantly impact liability, and an attorney can use this evidence to support your compensation claim.

Georgia Pedestrian Hit By A Negligent Driver? Explore Your Rights and Legal Options With the Help of Mann  Law Firm

Understanding Georgia’s right-of-way laws for pedestrians and drivers can prevent accidents and protect your legal rights in the event of a collision. These laws outline a shared responsibility to prioritize safety and respect traffic rules, whether behind the wheel or on foot.

Are you seeking clarity or considering legal guidance after an accident? Learn more about your rights, responsibilities, and options by contacting the Mann Law Firm for insights tailored to your situation. Schedule a free case evaluation 24/7 by calling (478) 742-3381 or completing a brief online form.