Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney—Not a General Personal Injury Lawyer After a Bike Crash

General personal injury lawyers primarily handle vehicle-to-vehicle cases, but bicycle crashes present fundamentally different challenges:

No Physical Protection

Unlike motorists shielded by steel frames, airbags, and crumple zones, cyclists bear the full force of impacts with their bodies. This vulnerability often results in more serious injuries, even in collisions that seem minor.

A skilled bicycle accident attorney understands the significance of this distinction in terms of the types of injuries, the type of medical care required, and how cases are evaluated.

Higher Exposure to Secondary Impacts

When cyclists are struck, they often suffer multiple impacts: the initial hit from the vehicle, the fall to the pavement, and sometimes a collision with roadside objects. Each trauma needs to be documented and linked to the crash—a complexity that general attorneys often overlook.

Unfair Blame and Bias

Cyclists often face uphill battles when it comes to establishing who was at fault in a crash. A lack of understanding about cycling laws, practices, and rights can lead to cyclists being unfairly blamed for collisions. This systematic bias extends to:

• Law enforcement officers unfamiliar with cycling laws
• Insurance adjusters who make assumptions about cyclist behavior

Due to these challenges, cyclists frequently face unfair blame from law enforcement officers and insurance adjusters.

Even pro cyclists like Phil Gaimon have experienced this. He was wrongly stopped and cited by a Los Angeles sheriff who misinterpreted the law.

Cycling Injuries Are Often More Severe—and Can Take Time to Show

Cycling injuries aren’t always apparent at first. We’ve represented clients who felt “shaken up” after a crash, only to develop traumatic brain injury symptoms days later. Common injuries include:

• Concussions and TBIs
• Fractures (clavicle, wrist, ribs, pelvis)
• Spinal damage
• Road rash and infections
• PTSD and emotional trauma

A general attorney may rush to a quick settlement. We don’t. We collaborate with medical professionals to thoroughly document and treat your injuries, ensuring that no detail is overlooked or undervalued.

The Problem with "General" Personal Injury Firms

General injury lawyers often treat bike crashes like fender-benders. Here's where that approach falls short:

Misunderstanding Property Value

General attorneys often fail to value cycling equipment properly. A $15,000 custom-built bike with high-end components might be treated as "just a bicycle."

Bicycle accident attorneys understand:

• The true value of all types of bicycles and cycling gear
• How to document and substantiate these values for claims
• The difference between repair and replacement for property damage

Missing Signs of Delayed Injury

General attorneys may not recognize warning signs of serious cycling injuries that develop gradually:

• Subtle cognitive changes indicating traumatic brain injury
• Progressive neck or back pain suggesting spinal issues
• Psychological trauma that emerges weeks after a crash

This knowledge gap can lead to premature settlements that fail to cover long-term medical needs.

Failing to Investigate from a Cyclist's Perspective

General attorneys rarely understand the physics and dynamics of bicycle crashes. They might miss crucial physical evidence like:

• How driver behavior affected the cyclist's options
• Road design flaws that contributed to the crash

A bicycle accident lawyer who understands cycling can reconstruct what happened accurately and build a stronger case based on that knowledge.

Settling Too Early Without Full Analysis

The pressure to resolve cases quickly can lead general attorneys to accept inadequate settlements before:

• All injuries have fully manifested
• Long-term prognosis is established
• Complete economic impact is calculated
• All potential recovery sources are identified

Not Understanding Cyclists' Rights and Obligations

Cycling laws vary significantly by state and locality. General attorneys often lack knowledge about:

• Lane positioning rights
• When cyclists may use full lanes
• Local ordinances specific to bicycles
• How comparative negligence applies to cyclists

This knowledge gap can severely undermine your case if your attorney cannot effectively explain why your actions were legal and appropriate.

Why Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get Better Results

General personal injury lawyers handle a wide variety of personal injury claims—from premises liability to product defects to auto accidents.

In contrast, we focus on one thing: representing injured cyclists. That specialization gives you a powerful advantage:

Legal Knowledge

We know state and local cycling laws inside and out—from lane positioning rights to safe passing laws. We know how to argue comparative fault when drivers and insurance companies try to blame you.

Technical Understanding

We understand cycling gear, components, and crash dynamics. We can read Strava and Garmin data, explain braking patterns, and prove how a crash unfolded.

Stronger Strategy

We investigate crash scenes ourselves. We analyze road design, lighting, signage, and visibility. We build evidence-backed claims that lead to higher settlements and stronger outcomes if a case goes to trial.

Your Bike and Gear Deserve Full Compensation

To us, your bike isn’t “just a bike.” It’s your freedom, your training tool, your transportation. General attorneys often fail to properly value high-end builds, carbon frames, or electronic drivetrains. We work with trusted bike shops to get accurate repair or replacement quotes.

We also ensure your claim includes compensation for:

• Damaged helmets (single-impact gear that must be replaced)
• Cycling computers, lights, cameras, and accessories
• Technical apparel like shoes, bibs, and jerseys

We handle your property damage claim at no extra cost—because it matters.

Our Clients Get Better Medical and Recovery Support

We work closely with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, and mental health professionals who understand cycling injuries. That means you get referrals to providers who know how to treat athletes, and your recovery is documented in ways that support your claim.

Why Cyclists Trust Bike Legal for Their Bicycle Accident Cases

We don’t just represent cyclists. We are cyclists. We ride the same roads you do. We’ve dealt with the same near-misses and careless drivers. That perspective shapes how we fight for you.

At Bike Legal:

• You speak directly with an experienced attorney, not a call center.
• We return calls the same day.
• We explain every step of the process in clear language.
• We treat you like a teammate, not a case number.

We Understand the Stakes—and We Win

We’ve recovered millions for injured cyclists by doing the work most firms skip. We fight for:

• Full medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage for all your gear—not just your bike

Insurance companies know we’re ready to take your case to court if they don’t offer what you’re owed. That pressure leads to stronger settlements—and justice for you.

Supporting the Cycling Community Beyond the Courtroom

Bike Legal sponsors local race teams, advocates for safer infrastructure, and funds our Junior Cycling Grant Program to support the next generation of riders. We're committed to protecting cyclists on every front—legal, physical, and community-based.

How Do I Find the Best Bike Accident Attorney?

When searching for bicycle accident representation, look for these key indicators:

• Specialization in bicycle crash cases: Check their website and case history for evidence of bicycle-specific experience
• Reputation within the cycling community: Ask local bike shops, cycling clubs, or advocacy groups for recommendations
• Track record with insurance companies: Look for attorneys with a history of standing up to insurance tactics
• Trial experience: While most cases settle, you want an experienced attorney who is prepared to go to trial if necessary

During your initial consultation, ask the attorney these 16 important questions.

Your Bicycle Crash Deserves Specialized Representation

After a bike crash, you only get one shot at recovery—financially, physically, and emotionally. Don’t gamble that on a lawyer who doesn’t ride or doesn’t understand what it’s like to be hit while doing what you love.

📞 Call 877-BIKE LEGAL (877-245-3534) for a FREE Consultation.

FAQs

What are the common mistakes to avoid when hiring an accident attorney?

Avoid attorneys who lack bicycle-specific experience, seem unfamiliar with cycling terminology, or treat your case like a standard car accident. Also, be wary of firms that promise quick settlements without thorough investigation or that don't return your calls promptly.

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

Most personal injury attorneys operate on contingency fees ranging from 33-40% of the final settlement or verdict. Specialized bicycle attorneys often provide additional services like property damage claims without extra charges.

When should I contact a bicycle accident attorney?

After a bicycle crash, consult with a specialized attorney as soon as possible. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence, document injuries properly, and prevent you from making statements to insurance companies that could harm your case.

Do insurance companies want you to get a lawyer?

No. Insurance companies prefer you handle claims without legal representation because unrepresented cyclists typically receive significantly lower settlements.

Is it worth it to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

Yes. Specialized bicycle accident attorneys typically secure settlements that far exceed what cyclists can negotiate on their own or what general personal injury attorneys might achieve. The specialized knowledge of cycling laws, injuries, and proper valuation of equipment often results in substantially higher compensation.

Do most personal injury cases settle?

Yes. About 95% of personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle crashes, are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial. That said, hiring an attorney who’s ready and willing to take your case to court often leads to stronger settlement offers. Insurance companies are more likely to negotiate fairly when they know your lawyer is prepared to fight in front of a jury.