Understanding bicycle accident lawyer fees is key before hiring an attorney after a crash. According to Bike Legal, the most common payment model in these cases is a contingency fee—you don’t pay anything upfront, and the lawyer only gets paid if your case results in a settlement or award.

Here’s how it typically works: the attorney agrees to handle your case without charging hourly fees. Instead, their payment comes as a percentage of what you recover. This percentage usually falls between 30% and 45%, depending on factors like the case’s complexity, the risk involved, and the lawyer’s experience. If you don’t win, you owe no attorney fee—just the costs the lawyer may have advanced.

The contingency fee usually covers key legal services: case evaluation, investigation, negotiation with insurance companies, and even litigation if needed. However, there are often additional lawsuit expenses that aren’t included in the contingency fee, such as expert witness fees, court filing fees, and costs to obtain medical records.

Apart from contingency arrangements, some lawyers may offer other billing structures:

Hourly rate, if you want more control over costs

Fixed fee, for more predictable legal costs

Hybrid or retainer fee, depending on how the case is structured

When you first talk to a lawyer, ask clear questions about their fee structure: what percentage they take, whether there are any upfront costs, and what additional expenses you may be responsible for. This transparency helps you make an informed choice and understand your financial commitment when hiring a bicycle accident lawyer.