Bicycle Accident Attorney

Move away from the road if you can. Safety should be your top priority. Call 911 at once and document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, bike damage, and the driver’s information. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention — symptoms of hidden injuries can appear later.

Avoid admitting fault to the other driver or your insurer. Before you make any statements or sign anything, contact a lawyer to protect your rights. An attorney will guide you on what to do after the accident.

Your compensation depends on fault, insurance policies and limits, and evidence strength. A fair settlement covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and bike repairs. The average settlement is between $10,000 and $100,000, and serious cases can be much higher. Learn what your case might be worth by contacting us today.

Discover more about bicycle accident claims in our guide.

Yes, you need a bicycle accident lawyer to work with insurers who undervalue cyclists’ claims. An attorney helps level the playing field. They handle evidence, negotiate settlements, and decode laws. 

Managing the case yourself, you risk missing deadlines or agreeing to a low settlement. Results vary, but represented claimants often recover 3-5 times more than the initial offers, and the legal fees can be flexible. For example, we work with no upfront costs and no fees unless we win.

The statute of limitations is the official deadline for taking legal action. It varies by state. For instance, you have three years to file a bicycle accident claim if you were injured in New York City, but if you got into a crash in Jacksonville or San Diego, the timeframe shrinks to two years.

The countdown starts from the accident date, and missing the deadline bars your claim. Although there are some exceptions, you need to act fast to preserve options. Our nationwide team knows your local rules.

Most law firms work on contingency — the “no win, no fee” approach. This means no upfront costs for consultations and case building, which levels the field for injured riders. After you receive the settlement, you typically have to pay 33-40% of the final amount to your lawyer. Other attorney fee structures are also possible. With BALG, you don’t have to pay unless we win

In bicycle accidents, fault depends on negligence and state law. Most often, drivers cause crashes by failing to yield, speeding, or dooring. However, cyclists also have to follow traffic laws and can be found at fault if they don’t. Evidence like witness statements, photos, and video footage helps establish liability.

Some states use no-fault systems, which require basic insurance payouts no matter who’s responsible (e.g., PIP). Still, this coverage is limited. We pursue full compensation for all victims. Contact us to assess fault and its impact on your case at no cost.

The top causes of bike crashes are distracted and drunk driving, failure to yield, dooring in urban areas, and poor road conditions, such as potholes. Sometimes, cyclists contribute to accidents, such as when riding ebikes at high speeds or ignoring traffic signs. Being careful at intersections, on narrow city streets, and in poor visibility helps prevent collisions. Our experts analyze claims to determine all contributing factors and pursue maximum recovery.

Yes, if your state follows a comparative negligence system. In most states, you can recover if you are less than 50 or 51% at fault, with compensation reduced by your share of responsibility. For example, if you’re found 10% at fault in a dooring accident, you get 90% of the damages. Some states use contributory negligence rules that bar recovery if you are even 1% at fault. We fight to minimize your blame.

Cyclists have the same rights and obligations as motorists. You can use lanes and expect drivers to share safely, but you must signal turns and obey road signs. Specific laws vary by state, but they usually grant riders a safe passing distance (e.g., a three-foot rule) and protection from hazards. Know your rights to ride confidently — and reach out to our team if you believe they were violated.

Ebike accidents typically result in severe injuries and product liability claims because ebikes allow riding at higher speeds and have battery and tech-related risks. Additionally, riders are often unaware of the legal limitations and requirements applicable to ebikes in their states. See our analysis of electric bicycle laws in New York, Georgia, and Arizona. Contact us to learn what rules apply in your case — free of charge.

Key evidence for a bicycle accident claim includes:

• Photos of the scene, your injuries, bike damage, and all relevant details
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Traffic and security camera footage.

You need to collect information quickly: skid marks fade, footage can be deleted, and witnesses forget details. We work to obtain all important evidence before it’s lost. Find more tips in our article on preparing a claim after a bike crash.

To calculate your claim’s value, you need to consider your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts, such as rehabilitation or reduced earning capacity. Factors like shared fault and evidence play a big role, too. Use our settlement calculator for an estimate, or contact us and get a detailed, personalized evaluation.

To prove negligence, you need to establish a duty of care, breach of the duty, causation, and damages supported by evidence. The claim process begins with notifying insurers, gathering documentation, and negotiating settlements. It’s safer to handle these steps with a lawyer by your side. An attorney knows what to look for, which documentation to prepare, and how to negotiate for the best outcome. Worried about cost? Our lawyers work with no upfront fees.

States and municipalities have different laws regarding headphone use for cyclists. Distracted riding increases accident risk, so some ban headphones for safety, while others allow one ear. In Seattle, Charlotte, and San Antonio, for instance, wearing headphones is allowed but strongly discouraged. In Orlando, San Diego, and New York City, one ear must remain uncovered. If you love listening to music while riding, check out our article about headphone regulations.

If you get into a crash with a cyclist, you must stop, call 911, and exchange information. Fleeing the scene can lead to hit-and-run charges. After the collision, your insurance and liability come into play. The cyclist may seek compensation. Read our driver’s guide: “What Happens If You Hit a Cyclist with Your Car?”

Most states require riders to signal left and right turns and stops to prevent accidents in traffic. Learn the basics to communicate with drivers and avoid collisions in our bike hand signal guide.

The average bicycle accident settlement falls between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on injuries, shared fault, and state laws. Severe cases can reach $4 million or more. To estimate the potential value of your claim, use our settlement calculator — it’s completely free.

Most bike accident lawsuits settle in 6-18 months. Complex cases with conflicting evidence, serious injuries, or disputes can extend to two years or more. We push for quick resolutions with fair compensation. Start early to meet legal deadlines and keep your bicycle accident lawsuit timeline on track.