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 Kalka & Baer LLC 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.