How Much Will a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Cost? [2024]

Bicycle accidents can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 846 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2019 in the United States and an estimated 467,000 emergency department visits for bicycle-related injuries in 2018. 

Pursuing legal action can help victims of bicycle accidents obtain compensation for their losses. But first, it's essential to understand the different costs associated with these lawsuits. This page provides an overview of the costs associated with bicycle injury lawsuits, including legal fees, medical expenses, court costs, and other financial damages.

We also discuss the factors that can impact the costs of a bicycle injury lawsuit, such as the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case. By understanding these costs and factors, victims of bicycle accidents can make informed decisions about pursuing legal action and seek the compensation they need to recover and move forward.

Do I Need a Bicycle Injury Attorney?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In such cases, an experienced bicycle injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and build a solid case to support your claim. The attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the client in court if necessary. 

In addition, a bicycle injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Working with an attorney increases your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and get back on your feet.

Biking Accident Lawsuit Costs: What to Expect

The costs associated with bicycle accident lawsuits can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved. Some of the typical costs associated with bicycle accident lawsuits include legal fees, court costs, expert witness fees, investigation costs, and medical expenses. 

It's essential to remember that these costs can add up quickly and that the amount of compensation may only cover some of the expenses incurred. However, many bicycle injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if their client wins their case or settles for a fair amount. This can minimize the financial risk for the client. 

Legal Fees

Legal fees for bicycle accident cases can vary depending on the case's circumstances and the attorney's experience. Some bicycle injury attorneys charge an hourly rate, while others work on a contingency fee basis. 

If the attorney charges an hourly rate, the client will typically pay a retainer fee upfront, an amount held in trust and used to pay for the attorney's time as the case progresses. Hourly rates for bicycle injury attorneys can range from $150 to $500 per hour, depending on the attorney's experience and location. 

Alternatively, if an attorney works on a contingency fee basis, they will only be paid if the client wins their case or settles for a fair amount. The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award obtained, ranging from 25% to 40% of the total recovery. 

Court Costs

Court costs refer to the fees and expenses associated with filing a lawsuit and appearing in court. These costs can add up quickly and vary depending on the jurisdiction and the case. Some of the standard court costs associated with bicycle accident cases include filing fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees, and trial expenses. 

Court costs can add up quickly and may significantly increase the overall cost of the case. However, many bicycle injury attorneys will advance these costs on behalf of the client and will only seek reimbursement if the case is successful. Additionally, some jurisdictions may limit the number of court costs that can be recovered, so it's important to check with a local attorney to determine the specific laws in your state. 

Expert Witness Fees

Expert witnesses charge fees for their time and services in providing testimony or a written report in a legal case. In a bicycle accident case, expert witnesses may include medical, engineering, or accident reconstruction experts. 

Expert witness fees can vary widely, depending on the expert's area of specialization, their level of experience, and the case's complexity. Some experts charge an hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee for their services. These fees can significantly impact the cost of a bicycle accident lawsuit, particularly if the case is complex or requires multiple expert witnesses. An experienced attorney will identify the needed experts and negotiate their fees on behalf of the client to minimize the overall cost of the case. 

Investigation Costs

Investigation costs refer to the expenses incurred during a bicycle accident case investigation. These costs can include the expenses associated with gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining relevant documentation, and other information about the case. Some common investigation costs associated with bicycle accident cases include document review fees, witness interviews, and expert consultation fees. 

Investigation costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of evidence that needs to be gathered and analyzed. Similar to other related costs, many attorneys will advance these costs on behalf of the client and will only seek reimbursement if the case is successful. In some cases, the defendant's insurance company may be responsible for paying the investigation costs if the case is successful.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses refer to the costs incurred from medical treatment for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. These expenses can include the cost of emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatments that may be necessary. 

In a bicycle accident lawsuit, the victim can seek to recover the cost of their medical expenses as part of the settlement or award. This may include not only the cost of current medical treatment but also the cost of any future medical treatment that may be required due to the accident. 

It's crucial to keep detailed records of all medical expenses related to the accident, as this information will be necessary to prove the extent of the damages in the case. An experienced attorney can help the victim gather the required documentation and evidence and negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant's attorney to ensure they receive fair compensation for their medical expenses.

Legal Resources for Bicycle Accident Victims

Bicycle accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial scars. Therefore, in the aftermath of an accident, it's vital for victims to know their legal rights and how to access resources that can help them navigate the legal process. In this list, we have compiled various legal resources for bicycle accident victims, including organizations that provide legal representation, advocacy, and support for victims. 

The League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of bicyclists in the United States. It was founded in 1880 and has been working to improve conditions for bicyclists ever since. The League of American Bicyclists provides various resources and support for bicycle accident victims, including information on your rights, connections to legal resources, education resources, and advocacy efforts. 

The Department of Transportation

A state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) can provide various resources and support to a bicycle accident victim, including information about the causes of bicycle accidents and the measures that can be taken to prevent them. This information can also help the victim understand the circumstances that led to the accident and what steps can be taken to avoid similar accidents. In addition, the DOT can provide advocacy and support by working with local organizations and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of road safety for cyclists.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a federal agency responsible for promoting road safety and reducing accidents. If you're a victim of a bicycle accident, the NHTSA can be helpful by providing information on the causes of accidents and ways to prevent them, setting standards for bicycle and vehicle safety, and conducting educational campaigns to raise awareness about road safety. In addition, NHTSA's data collection, safety regulations and standards, and education efforts can be valuable resources for victims of bicycle accidents.

The Bike Law Network

The Bike Law Network is a group of attorneys who specialize in representing cyclists who have been injured in accidents. They provide legal representation, advocacy, resources, and community support to victims of bicycle accidents. Their attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving cyclists and can help victims navigate the legal process. In addition, The Bike Law Network also advocates for cycling safety and works to promote policies that protect cyclists on the road. They also offer resources for cyclists, including information on what to do after an accident, how to file an insurance claim, and how to find medical and rehabilitation services.