It depends on the specifics of your case. If the defendant had an insurance policy that kicked in to cover the accident, chances are that you (or your attorney) have been negotiating with the insurance carrier; either before you ever filed a personal injury lawsuit, or while the lawsuit is ongoing. In that case, the insurance company will usually just write a check for the agreed-upon amount and you will sign a release that absolves the insurer and the defendant of any further liability in connection with the incident that gave rise to your claim. If you sued the defendant directly and there is no insurance coverage in play in the case, things can get more complicated, especially when your case has gone all the way to trial and you've received a judgment in your favor (which includes an order that the defendant pay you a certain amount in damages). Getting a judgment is one thing, but getting your money is another, and it will be a challenge if the defendant does not have much in the way of assets. See: Collecting Your Injury Settlement Money or Judgement