How Much Do Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge?

After a bicycle accident leaves you with injuries, legal representation might feel like just another thing to worry about on top of all the medical bills. However, having an attorney on your side can actually lighten your financial burden since they can help you secure much bigger compensation than you could reach yourself.

There are various ways law firms charge for their services. In this article, we’ll overview the most common fee models and break down extra costs your bicycle accident case may involve so you know exactly whether hiring a lawyer is worth it.

Key Takeaways:

• The most common law firm pricing models are the contingency fee, hourly rates, flat fee, retainer model, and mixed pricing arrangements.
• The contingency fee model means your lawyer only gets paid if you win.
• Your bicycle accident claim may involve other costs, like medical record fees, police reports, expert witnesses, and filing fees.
• Your bicycle accident lawyer understands cyclist rights and can precisely calculate your damages.

What Percentage of Your Settlement Do Bike Accident Attorneys Take?

Bicycle accident lawyers typically take between 33% and 40% of your settlement. The final amount comes down to several factors. If your case isn’t too complicated and is likely to settle quickly, the fee might be around 33%. On the other hand, if your case goes to trial or involves some tricky circumstances, the fee might increase to 40% or even a bit more. 

Location plays a role here, too. In bigger cities where the cost of living is higher, lawyers tend to charge more compared to those in smaller towns. However, these percentages don’t cover the extra expenses tied to your bicycle accident claim, such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records (we’ll discuss them in detail later). These costs normally get taken from your part of the settlement.

Most bicycle accident attorneys offer a free consultation. This is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss fees in person and weigh your options before you sign an agreement.

How Are Bicycle Accident Legal Fees Typically Structured?

Most bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t have to pay anything upfront — they will receive a payment only after you win. Your bicycle accident lawyer will deduct their fee from the settlement check once it’s in your hands, which is great if you’re facing medical bills and can’t afford legal support otherwise.

Just note that the contingency fee agreement is a legally binding contract. This document explains how your lawyer will be compensated and what expenses you might need to cover. So, make sure to take your time and read through it all, especially the fine print.

No-Win, No-Fee Concept

You might come across different names for this payment structure, like the contingency fee basis or no-win no-fee principle. This payment model motivates attorneys to put in their best effort because their payment depends on the actual bicycle accident case outcome. 

At the same time, this fee arrangement can make a bicycle accident lawyer more selective about the cases they accept. They’ll closely examine the evidence, liability issues, and potential settlement amounts before deciding to represent you. 

If a law firm realizes there are major weaknesses in your claim and thinks you won’t get much compensation, they might choose not to take your case. Thus, their choice to work without the upfront fee shows they believe your case is solid and has a decent chance of success.

Example of a Legal Fee Breakdown

Let’s take a look at a real-life example. A cyclist gets into an accident with a distracted driver. The injuries require surgery and a long recovery period. For this reason, the cyclist can’t work.

The injured cyclist hires a lawyer who agrees to work on a 35% contingency fee basis. After negotiations, the insurance company comes back with an offer of $120,000. The bicycle accident lawyer advises accepting this offer, as it is a reasonable outcome given the situation. 

Ultimately, here’s how the compensation is divided:

• Total settlement: $120,000
• Lawyer fees: $42,000 (that’s 35%)
• Extra case expenses: $7,800
• Amount paid to the cyclist: $70,200

Without a contingency arrangement, the injured cyclist would have paid around $300 per hour for legal services, and that’s around $15,000 in lawyer fees plus the $7,800 in extra expenses, all paid upfront and regardless of the case results.

Even though the cyclist gets only 58.5% of the total settlement, they don’t have to pay anything while being unable to work and recovering. The no-win, no-fee model gives them reliable legal representation when they need it.

What Alternative Fee Structures Do Bicycle Accident Attorneys Offer?

There are a few other fee approaches you might encounter. Before you sign a fee agreement with a lawyer, it’s worth understanding all your options:

• Hourly rates

  Some lawyers charge by the hour, usually $200-$500, depending on their experience and location. You should receive detailed invoices that reflect what you’re paying for. This approach can save you money if your case settles quickly, but it can get pricey if it requires more time and effort.

• Flat fee

  If you have a simple bicycle accident claim that involves only minor injuries, some attorneys can offer a fixed price. You might pay $1,500–$3,000 for the whole case. The fee agreement should outline what’s included and what could lead to extra charges. This approach is suitable when your case has predictable steps and timelines.

• Retainer fee

  Within this fee model, you deposit a sum of money into an account, and your lawyer uses it as they work. Once the balance decreases to a certain point, you’ll need to deposit more funds to continue receiving legal services.

• Mixed fee arrangements

  Your lawyer may also combine the approaches mentioned above. They may charge lower hourly rates plus a smaller percentage of your settlement. Both sides face some risk, but no one pays all the costs alone.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fee Comparison

If you’re trying to understand what the best payment structure is for your situation, clearly each option has pros and cons, depending on your unique circumstances and how complex your case is. Let’s sum up the differences so you can make a choice that suits your needs:

Overall, the contingency fee arrangement remains the best option for bicycle accident victims, and for good reason. You can receive legal services on time, regardless of your financial situation. 

Plus, this payment structure aligns the interests of your lawyer with yours. Sure, you’ll have to pay bicycle accident lawyer fees from your settlement, but you’ll never pay more than what you actually get.

What Else Will You Pay in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Remember to take into account some other expenses that aren’t included in your lawyer’s fees. Most lawyers cover these costs upfront and will take them out of your settlement later, but they still affect your final compensation. Here’s what you should also expect to pay for:

• Medical record fees: Every time you visit the hospital, see a doctor, or go for therapy, there are records created that your lawyer will need. Each record implies fees. Although they’re insignificant, the more doctors you see, the higher these costs can get. 
• Police report costs: When you provide the evidence, you’ll also require a copy of the official accident report. Usually, the cost of this copy isn’t significant either, yet these expenses are also worth mentioning.
• Courier and postage fees: Personal injury cases mean mountains of paperwork. Sometimes, you might even need a same-day courier service, and these fees can add up, too.
• Investigation expenses: If you need a private investigator to search for witnesses or gather other proof from the accident scene, expect to pay them per hour for their work.
• Expert witness fees: Medical experts also charge to review your bicycle accident case, and it gets even pricier if they have to testify. Accident reconstruction specialists who can explain how your crash requires investment, too.
• Deposition costs: When witnesses give testimony before the trial, you’ll need to cover the court reporter’s fees and the cost for every page of the transcript.
• Mediation costs: If the bicycle accident claim goes to mediation, you’ll share the cost of the mediator’s hourly rate with the other party involved.
• Filing fees: When your lawyer officially files your lawsuit, you’ll need to pay filing fees.

Why Hire a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?

Finding legal help might be the last thing on your mind after a collision with a motor vehicle. Yet, a bicycle accident lawyer has the expertise that can positively affect your financial situation after getting injured. So, how does a bicycle accident attorney have you covered?

• Knows the rights and duties of road users: They’re well-versed in bicycle-specific traffic laws, as well as the legal aspects of motor vehicle accidents. 
• Gathers critical evidence: They make sure to collect witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any physical evidence.
• Handles complex paperwork: Your lawyer deals with all the confusing forms, filings, and deadlines that come with injury claims so you don’t accidentally make a mistake that might negatively impact your claim.
• Helps with insurance company tactics: Your lawyer knows the tricks insurance companies use to downplay bicycle accident claims and can fight back against them.
• Calculates true damages: Aside from just medical expenses, they factor in the costs of replacing your bike, lost wages, and more to calculate your settlement.
• Offers objective advice: Your bicycle accident lawyer can provide clear-headed guidance when emotions might make it hard to make decisions about settlement offers.
• Provides peace of mind: Your lawyer will take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and getting back on track.

Conclusion

When you weigh all the aspects of working with a good lawyer, the decision comes down to this: bicycle accident lawyers can reach settlements far larger than injured cyclists can get on their own, even after their fees are deducted.

Insurance companies may underestimate your claim and start with lowball offers. But a seasoned bicycle accident attorney knows how to calculate all the damages and confidently negotiate with insurance adjusters.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group has extensive experience protecting injured riders’ rights. We don’t get paid unless you do. Contact us to discuss your case — no strings attached!

Posted by Robert Goldwater

Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.

All articles by Robert Goldwater