When you find an attorney, find out what the fees are. They will charge you for phone calls, copies, internet research, police reports, medical records, insurance information and anything else they can think of. I got screwed out of 60% of my settlement because my insurance company demanded to be compensated for my treatment. I paid in for many years, but they paid for my treatment, and when they found out that I won a payout, they came running. Between the insurance company and my lawyers, they made more than me. My accident caused me to change jobs, lose about 30% of my salary, and I still get pains in the cold and rain in the ribs and shoulder.
I used the "Aid to injured motorcyclist" lawyers. They were okay, but it took almost 3 years to settle the claim, and they took more than a fair share. My biggest gripe is with Aetna insurance, as they wanted every penny of MY lawsuit against the girl that hit me. They didn't care, until I got a settlement, and then they were all greedy. They never got involved until the payout. Greedy bastards.
Long story short, get as much information as you can, ask questions, get involved in your case. Call your lawyer (when you get one) and get updates. If they don't think there is any money in it for them, they will put your case on the back burner. If you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will.
Good luck, and shop around. Don't go with the first lawyer you find, as you need to be well educated. Even if you get a settlement, the plaintiff may not pay, or be able to. If he has little or no money, it will be an uphill battle.
