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In Georgia, understanding when and where to yield to pedestrians is more than just polite driving, it’s the law. If you’ve ever been unsure about the rules around unmarked crosswalks, you’re not alone. Many drivers and pedestrians don’t fully understand their rights and responsibilities.

This article breaks down Georgia crosswalk laws and explains how unmarked crosswalks work, as well as helps you avoid accidents or legal trouble. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, the Georgia personal injury lawyers at Seay Felton are ready to help.

What Are Georgia Crosswalk Laws?

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91) is clear: Drivers must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, whether it’s marked or not.

That means:

• A crosswalk exists at any intersection, even without painted lines.
• If a pedestrian is on your side of the road or close to it, you must stop.
• You must remain stopped until the pedestrian is completely out of your lane.

Marked or unmarked, if it’s a crosswalk at an intersection, drivers are legally required to yield. That applies to turns, too. If someone is crossing while you’re making a turn, you have to wait.

Georgia Pedestrian Laws and Responsibilities

It’s not all on drivers. Pedestrians also have duties under Georgia law.

• Pedestrians must obey traffic signals at intersections.
• They must not suddenly step off the curb into traffic.
• When crossing outside a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to vehicles.
• If there’s a sidewalk, they’re required to use it. If not, they must walk facing traffic.

So, while drivers are often at fault in pedestrian accidents, that’s not always the case. Georgia law recognizes shared responsibility.

What Is an Unmarked Crosswalk?

An unmarked crosswalk is the part of the road that extends across an intersection, even if there are no painted lines.

For Example: Picture a typical four-way intersection in a neighborhood. There might be no white lines painted on the street, but legally, there’s still a crosswalk at each corner.

Drivers often think that if there’s no visible crosswalk, pedestrians don’t have the right-of-way. That’s wrong and can lead to serious accidents.

Why This Matters?

If a driver fails to stop at an unmarked crosswalk and hits someone, they could face:

• Traffic citations
• Lawsuits for negligence
• Increased insurance premiums
• Criminal charges in serious injury or fatality cases

On the pedestrian side, not yielding outside of a crosswalk or darting into traffic could reduce or eliminate their ability to recover damages in a claim.

Why Drivers Often Misunderstand Unmarked Crosswalks?

A major reason pedestrian accidents happen in Georgia is confusion over what counts as a crosswalk, especially when it isn’t painted on the street. Many drivers believe that a crosswalk only exists when it’s marked with lines or there is signage, but that’s not the case.

Under Georgia pedestrian laws, most intersections automatically have unmarked crosswalks even if there are no painted lines. These areas still require drivers to yield to pedestrians who are crossing safely.

Here’s why the confusion happens:

• Some drivers assume "no paint" means "no rules."
• In busy urban areas, unmarked crosswalks may blend into the street layout.
• Suburban intersections often lack signage or traffic lights, making the presence of a crosswalk less obvious.

Even worse, weather or fading paint can cause once-visible markings to disappear over time. This only adds to the misunderstanding.

When drivers are unclear about the law, they’re more likely to roll through stop signs, fail to slow down at corners, or not check for pedestrians before turning.

This misunderstanding doesn’t excuse driver behavior. If a pedestrian is hit in an unmarked crosswalk, the driver can still be held legally responsible, especially if the pedestrian was crossing safely and within their legal right-of-way.

What Are Common Mistakes Drivers Make?

Here are a few:

• Not recognizing unmarked crosswalks as legal crosswalks.
• Failing to stop completely when pedestrians are crossing.
• Passing a stopped car at a crosswalk.
• Making turns while pedestrians are still in the road.
• Not slowing down near schools or neighborhoods where crossings are more likely.

These actions can lead to serious consequences for both the driver and the pedestrian.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’re involved in an accident, here’s what to do:

• Call 911. Always report the crash and request medical help.
• Don’t admit fault. Be polite, but don’t say “sorry”.
• Document everything. Take photos and gather witness names.
• Get medical care. Even minor injuries can become serious.
• Call a lawyer at Seay Felton. Especially if you’re unsure who’s at fault.

The Georgia pedestrian accident lawyers at Seay Felton can review the case and help you understand your legal rights.

Tips for Drivers

• Treat every intersection as if a crosswalk is there, because it is.
• Slow down when approaching corners or pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Watch for kids, especially near schools and parks.
• Never pass another car stopped at a crosswalk because it’s illegal.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians before proceeding.

Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks when possible.
• Never assume a driver sees you and always make eye contact.
• Wait until traffic has come to a full stop.
• Avoid distractions like phones or headphones.
• Wear visible clothing at night.

These simple steps can help prevent serious injuries.

Why Legal Help Matters?

In Georgia, determining who’s at fault in a pedestrian accident isn’t always clear. A pedestrian may have had the right-of-way, but stepped out suddenly. A driver may have been speeding or not watching.

This is where the accident lawyers at Seay Felton can help:

• Investigate the accident.
• Gather evidence and traffic camera footage.
• Handle conversations with insurance companies.
• Fight for fair compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Compensation in Pedestrian Accidents

When someone is hit by a car, even at low speeds, the injuries can be life-changing. These accidents often involve more than just broken bones or bruises. They affect how a person works, lives, and feels day to day. Victims can claim compensation for:  

• Medical bills (including surgeries, therapy, rehab)
• Lost wages from missed work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Property damage (phones, glasses, etc.)
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

If the driver was reckless, punitive damages may also apply.

Your Rights deserve Protection

Yes, in Georgia you do need to yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks. The law treats them just like marked ones. Failing to stop can lead to accidents, injuries, and legal action.

Drivers must stay alert and stop when required. Pedestrians must be cautious and follow the rules, too.

And if someone gets hurt? The personal injury lawyers at Seay Felton are here to help. Call us! Whether you were hit while crossing the street or involved in a crash with a pedestrian, you have rights.

Frequently Asked Questions