Generally speaking, pulling over on any street or highway can be dangerous, especially at night or on a roadway that has a high speed limit. Whatever the reason may be for the need to pull over, you should take all steps possible to ensure you are protecting yourself. Further, it is important that all Georgia drivers understand what state law allows and does now allow when it comes to pulling over and/or parking on the side of a street or highway.
It is Illegal to Park on a Highway in Georgia
Under Georgia law, it is illegal to park on the side of a highway. This is understandable given the safety issues associated with doing so. Of course, there are situations where you may need to pull over for reasons including, but not limited to, a flat tire, running out of gas, engine trouble, sleepiness or fatigue, and the need to get something out of the back of your vehicle. However, anytime a vehicle is parked on the side of a highway, there is an increased risk that an accident may occur. As such, voluntarily parking on the side of a highway should be avoided at all costs. Emergencies do happen, and if the need to pull over does arise, it is important to take all steps possible to protect yourself, inclusive of making your vehicle as visible as possible to all passing drivers.
Accidents Involving Parked Cars
Many accidents involving parked cars do not necessarily involve significant injuries to anyone, especially when a driver has struck a parked car with nobody inside. However, when it comes to parked vehicles on the side of a highway, any accident could result in serious injuries or death given that the speed limit is likely to be high. Further, if there are occupants in a vehicle that is parked on the side of a highway, and the vehicle is not clearly visible to other drivers, there is a chance an accident may result if passing vehicles veer off to the side for any number of reasons. For example, if a driver tries to avoid a deer by swerving to the right, and this takes the vehicle off the shoulder of the highway, and there is a parked vehicle in the way, both drivers and any passengers are at risk for being seriously injured or killed. In these types of circumstances, it is sometimes difficult to determine what driver is at fault for causing an accident. Therefore, if you believe someone else may be at fault for causing your injuries, it is important that you consider speaking with an attorney at Montlick & Associates. Our attorneys will examine the facts and circumstances of what happened to you and advise you on what steps can be taken to protect your rights.
For more Family Safety & Legal Tips, visit Montlick & Associates’ Family Safety & Legal Tips Portal.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with an attorney from our experienced accident injury attorneys in Georgia. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source: http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/driver/stopping-standing-parking/
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
