1. Schedule a Free Consultation to Find the Right Lawyer Most car accident lawyers do not charge for consultations. Unless your situation requires immediate legal advice, arrange an appointment with several traffic accident attorneys to find one you are comfortable with. You will likely be communicating with this person and his office staff for several months while your case is ongoing, so you need to make sure your accident attorney is professional, timely, and on your side.

2. Discussing Advances or Fees Many personal injury attorneys do not charge fees unless the case is won. While some attorneys will require you to pay before your case goes to trial, you should have no trouble finding someone to take your case without paying. If you reach a settlement over a car accident, your attorney will charge a percentage of the money as a service fee.

3. Apply for a service contract. If your case is successful, ask a collision attorney about fees. Most personal injury attorneys withhold a percentage of severance payments. Know this amount before hiring a lawyer. Obtain a service contract that clearly states that percentage, and keep a copy for your personal records.

4. Bring all the information you have about the accident to your first visit Give your accident attorney all the information you have about the accident. On your first visit, bring your auto insurance policy, health insurance policy, any medical records or hospital bills from the accident, photos of the vehicle after the accident, a copy of the police report, and any contact information you may have gathered from others about the parties. All of this information will help your attorney prepare your case in a timely manner and allow you to receive your benefits faster.

5. Processing is expected to take some time. Don't expect a quick turnaround. Depending on the circumstances of your car accident, it can take months or even years to receive compensation. Although your attorney should be in communication with you throughout the process, you should be aware that taking someone to court is a lengthy process. 6 Sociable, helpful and professional. Do your part. The collision attorney you hire to represent you in a car accident is only one member of the team. Keep all appointments with your attorney, organize all your documents, and respond to any letters or phone calls you receive from the law firm. If you need to appear in court at any point during the process, follow your personal injury attorney's instructions to appear handsome and respect the judge.