Man’s Best Friend is NOT a Cyclist’s
So many people in this world love their dogs. Some dog owners take their
dogs everywhere with them, even possessing paraphernalia to identity them
as dog lovers. Plus, there is that old saying that a dog is "man's
best friend." While most dogs have good dispositions and are treated
as part of the family, they are animals that have been known to dart out
in front of traffic, run away from home, and act in unpredictable ways.
What happens when a dog darts in front of traffic?
In October of last year, four Southwest DeKalb High School students were
involved in a Georgia car accident when the driver of the vehicle swerved
to avoid a dog that ran into the street. The crash caused the car to flip
over, killing the driver's younger sister and seriously injuring the other
occupants. Dogs not only have been the cause of fatal car crashes, but
they also have caused Atlanta bicycle accidents. This is why there are
leash laws in place. Not only do Georgia leash laws protect motorists
and bicyclists, but they also protect our canine friends from harm.
Taking a Closer Look at Atlanta Leash Laws
If a dog owner allows his or her pet to roam freely, the individual is
in violation of the local leash law. A dog owner can be responsible for
injuries if the dog escapes from the owner's house or yard. If a dog is
outside of the home or fenced yard, it should be on a leash or tied up
to a tree or post. "If the owner fails to follow that law, and a
person suffers serious bodily injury or death as a result of that failure,
then the owner should be held fully accountable."
Leash laws are different depending on the county in which the accident
occurs. For example, Fulton County Code, DeKalb County, and Cherokee County
all have some differences to their leash laws. This is why it is important
to talk to a skilled Atlanta bicycle accident attorney who is familiar
with the different leash laws in Georgia. If you have been injured because
a dog attacked you or darted in front of your bicycle and caused you to
crash, you need to seek legal advice.
Dog cases can be complex and require extensive research and knowledge.
Contact The Kalka Law Group to speak with an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer who will be
able to answer your questions in a free legal evaluation. Call (404) 907-1594 today.