The moments and days after a bicycle accident are overwhelming. You probably have painful injuries, mounting medical costs, and more. You might think about hiring a lawyer for help, but you wonder how much they’d charge. Thankfully, the way lawyers charge for bicycle accident claims is advantageous to you.
Before hiring any lawyer, you’ll want to get clear on their costs. Each lawyer varies in their services, and your case details can impact the rate. Schedule a consultation to ask questions and get to know the attorney more.
Below, we’ll cover how lawyer fees work. If you’re ready to schedule a FREE consultation, contact John Foy & Associates. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
How does a Lawyer Charge for Bicycle Accident Cases?
Personal injury lawyers handle bicycle accident claims. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee:
- You only pay your lawyer if they handle your case successfully.
- The lawyer accepts a fixed portion of your settlement as their payment.
- If you don’t win a settlement, your lawyer does not receive payment.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a lawyer’s contingency fee is often one-third (or 33%) of the recovery. If you end up filing a lawsuit, the cost will usually be higher.
Most bicycle accident lawyers have a fee between 33% and 40% of what they win you. The fee is usually 33% if you settle through a personal injury claim. If you need to file a lawsuit, the contingency fee will be closer to 40%.
Always discuss a lawyer’s costs in advance of hiring them. Your lawyer will provide a contingency fee agreement explaining their pricing. Do not continue with a case until you’re clear on the lawyer’s legal fees and other costs.
Other Bicycle Accident Case Fees
Your lawyer will incur other costs as they work on your case. Although your attorney handles these expenses out-of-pocket, they rarely require upfront repayment.
Typical bicycle case-related costs include:
- Investigator fees
- Crash report costs
- Medical records fees
- Printing or copying expenses
- Exhibit costs
- Filing fees
- Postage costs
Most lawyers will deduct the above costs from your final settlement. You will not have to worry about them during your case. Plus, you won’t pay out-of-pocket since your lawyer repays themselves from the settlement.
Discuss possible costs with your lawyer during the consultation. They can let you know what extra expenses they might have while working on your case. After your settlement, you should get an itemized list detailing each expenditure.
Get the strong arm
Will Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer Take Your Claim to Trial?
It’s possible, but most bicycle accident claims do not go to trial. A tiny percentage of personal injury claims actually go to trial. Lawsuits are lengthy and expensive, so the insurance company is likely to settle before you sue.
In rare situations, a lawsuit might be the best option. For example, maybe the insurance company will not agree to a settlement high enough for your damages. If you need to sue, your lawyer will know what to do.
The lawyer fee is typically around 40% if you go to trial. While the percentage is higher, you could also bring home much more compensation. If your lawyer is successful, the benefit to you is still high.
Can You Handle Your Bicycle Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
There is no requirement for you to hire a lawyer for your claim. However, it’s generally a bad idea to handle your case alone. Although you’ll avoid the legal fees without a lawyer, a lawyer can help you win much more.
Experienced bicycle accident lawyers have worked on countless cases like yours. They know how insurance companies operate, and they know how to handle them. A lawyer will consider damages and accident cases that haven’t crossed your mind.
Insurance companies are not on your side. The insurance adjuster will do whatever they can to reduce your settlement. If you do not have a lawyer, the insurer might also take your case less seriously.
Get Back to Your Normal Life Sooner
A personal injury claim should “make you whole” as much as possible. Since you did not cause your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay the costs. A bicycle accident lawyer can fight for the recovery you deserve.
Bicycle accidents are also very stressful. Instead of worrying about the legal details, you can focus on healing. Your lawyer can handle everything else, including communication with the insurer.
If an insurance adjuster sees that you have a lawyer, they’re more likely to make a fair offer. The insurer will assume that you’re serious about fighting for your rights. An insurance company might be more inclined to settle at a higher amount to avoid a trial.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
After a bicycle accident, there is limited time to file. If you live in Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date (Georgia Code Section 9-3-33). The sooner you can get started, the better it will be for your rights.
Contact John Foy & Associates to discuss your case for FREE. We’ll answer your questions and talk about your options. To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
