Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in California (2024 Update)
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: The average bicycle accident settlement in California is approximately $30,000 for minor cases and approximately over $100,000 for cases with severe injuries. There are cases that settle for seven figures, but many cases settling for five figures brings the average range into approximately the five and six digit zone.
Average Hit By a Car on a Bike Settlement in California
| Severity Level | Average Settlement |
| Low | Approximately: $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Moderate | Approximately: $30,000 – $85,000 |
| High | Approximately: $85,000 – $500,000+ |
Example Bicycle Accident Settlements in California
- San Diego paying $3.3 million to settle injury lawsuits, including $3M to Carlsbad man thrown off bicycle in Bay Ho
- Uber headed to court after San Francisco bicyclist refuses $1 million settlement
- Oakland approved a record $6.5 million payment to settle a lawsuit alleging that a broken city street caused a life-altering bicycle crash
- Los Angeles OKs $6.5 million to settle lawsuit after cyclist hit a pothole
- Cyclist gets $24 million payout after crash in San Diego
Factors That Can Increase Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts
Several factors can contribute to a bicycle accident settlement amount being higher. Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the specific circumstances will influence the outcome. Here are some factors that may lead to a higher settlement:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of injuries sustained by the cyclist can significantly impact the settlement amount. More severe injuries, especially those requiring extensive medical treatment or resulting in long-term disabilities, may lead to higher compensation.
- Medical Expenses: Higher medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, can contribute to a larger settlement. The injured party is typically compensated for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If the cyclist is unable to work due to the injuries sustained in the accident, the lost wages may be factored into the settlement. This can include both current and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life, can increase the overall settlement amount. Calculating these damages often involves subjective considerations.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to the bicycle and any other personal property can be included in the settlement. This may involve repair or replacement costs.
- Liability of the At-Fault Party: Clear evidence establishing the liability of the at-fault party can strengthen the injured party’s position during negotiations. If it’s evident that the other party was negligent, it may lead to a more favorable settlement.
- Witness Testimonies and Evidence: Eyewitness accounts, video footage, or other forms of evidence that support the cyclist’s version of events can bolster the case and potentially lead to a higher settlement.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party may influence the settlement amount. If the responsible party has a higher coverage limit, it may provide more funds for compensation.
- Negotiation Skills: The effectiveness of the legal representation and negotiation skills of the injured party’s attorney can play a crucial role in securing a higher settlement.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If the accident exacerbates pre-existing health conditions, it may contribute to a higher settlement amount. The responsible party is typically liable for the worsening of existing injuries.
Understanding these factors and working with an experienced attorney can help maximize the chances of a favorable and higher settlement in a bicycle accident case.
Factors That Can Cause Bicycle Accidents to Settle for Less Money
Several factors can contribute to a bicycle accident settlement amount being lower. It’s essential to consider the complexities of each case, as various factors may influence the final settlement. Here are some factors that could lead to a lower settlement:
- Minor Injuries: If the injuries sustained in the bicycle accident are relatively minor and do not require extensive medical treatment, the settlement amount may be lower. Insurance companies often consider the severity of injuries when determining compensation.
- Shared Fault or Contributory Negligence: If the cyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, the settlement amount may be reduced proportionally. Some jurisdictions follow comparative or contributory negligence rules, impacting the final compensation.
- Lack of Clear Liability: Establishing clear liability is crucial in a personal injury case. If there is uncertainty or a lack of evidence regarding who is at fault, it may lead to a lower settlement amount.
- Limited Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits can influence the settlement. If the responsible party has low insurance coverage, it may limit the available funds for compensation.
- No Insurance or Underinsured Motorist: If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, it may affect the potential for a higher settlement. In such cases, recovering the full amount may be challenging.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If the injured party had pre-existing health conditions, insurance adjusters might attribute some of the injuries to those pre-existing conditions, potentially reducing the settlement amount.
- Quick Settlements: Insurance companies may offer lower settlements early in the claims process to resolve the case quickly. In some instances, injured parties may accept these offers without fully considering the long-term impact of their injuries.
- Inadequate Documentation: Insufficient documentation of injuries, medical expenses, and other damages may weaken the injured party’s case and result in a lower settlement offer.
- Failure to Seek Timely Medical Treatment: Delayed medical treatment or gaps in seeking medical attention after the accident may be used by insurance companies to argue that the injuries were not severe or directly related to the accident.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the injured cyclist does not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it may limit their ability to recover additional compensation if the at-fault party is unable to cover the full damages.
Understanding these potential factors and working with a skilled attorney can help injured parties navigate the complexities of a bicycle accident case and pursue a fair and just settlement.
Documentation Tips to Help Maximize Your Claim
To maximize a bicycle accident settlement, thorough documentation is crucial. Keep detailed records of medical expenses, including bills, prescriptions, and rehabilitation costs.
Document lost wages with pay stubs and a letter from your employer. Maintain a diary outlining pain, emotional distress, and daily challenges due to injuries. Preserve any relevant evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, damaged property, and contact information for witnesses.
Obtain a comprehensive medical report detailing injuries and treatment plans. Lastly, consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can guide you in presenting a compelling case and negotiating effectively with insurance companies.
How Long Do Bicycle Accident Settlements Take
The duration of bicycle accident settlements varies widely based on the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and other factors. Simple cases with clear liability might settle in a few months, while more complex cases may take a year or longer.
Initial negotiations with insurance companies may occur within weeks or months after the accident. However, if a lawsuit is filed, the legal process can extend the timeline.
Factors such as gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and potential court proceedings contribute to the overall timeframe. Consultation with a legal professional can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
Hiring an attorney after a bicycle accident offers crucial benefits. An experienced lawyer navigates complex legal processes, ensuring proper documentation and presentation of your case.
They can assess liability, negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Attorneys understand the nuances of personal injury law, helping you maximize compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Their expertise protects your rights, strengthens your case, and provides valuable guidance, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your bicycle accident claim.
Connect with an Attorney
Recently in a bicycle accident and looking for help? Contact LawLinq today to speak with some of the best bicycle accident lawyers in the state. All initial consultations are free and our lawyers will answer any questions you have.
