You will benefit from consultation with the attorney during the early stages of the case. The greater the injuries and damages, the more important it is to have competent legal representation and to have it early. If damages are potentially large you can be sure that trained professionals are working hard to defeat the case from day one. In most personal injury cases the lawyer will ask you to sign a contingent fee contract which obligates you to pay a percentage of the settlement or recovery in your case. The lawyer should sign the fee contract and give you a copy.
Funds are usually available within a week or ten days after the settlement is verbally agreed.