If you are going to hire a lawyer, do it sooner rather than later. Evidence gets cold. Witnesses who are at first anxious to help become uncooperative as time passes. 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.