The initial consultation with the lawyer is free. Explain to the lawyer what happened. The lawyer will evaluate your case and determine if the case is valid and how much the case is worth.

If you hire the lawyer, you still don't have to pay anything. The lawyer only gets paid if you obtain compensation—either through a settlement, through arbitration, or after a trial. The lawyer's pay is usually one-third of what you receive or one-half if the case goes to trial. Most cases don't go to trial.

Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the case, visit the accident scene, and interview witnesses. If you're having trouble paying bills because you can't work, the lawyer can contact creditors to explain what is going on. Let the lawyer know about your medical treatment and prognosis as well as your employment status. The lawyer may ask you to keep a diary of the pain you experience and any daily activities you can no longer perform.

Your lawyer will work with the insurance company to get the best settlement possible. The lawyer will discuss any settlement offer with you. The lawyer will set out the pros and cons, but, in the end, you decide whether to accept or reject the offer.

In some cases, the claim may be heard by an arbitrator, a neutral party. Your lawyer will present your case and try to reach an agreement with the other party.

The litigation process may be lengthy. Each side will engage in discovery. This may be in the form of interrogatories (a list of questions). You may be asked to give a deposition, where you are questioned by the other side's lawyer. Expect delays while motions are filed and argued.