Personal injury cases are brought in civil courts, but many may also be settled prior to the case.  Insurance companies will often try to persuade the victim to sign off on a settlement arrangement prior to any type of personal injury claim.  It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident and to make sure you do not sign any paperwork from the opposing party’s insurance company.  If you sign anything, you may box yourself into an inability to receive further settlement.  Insurance companies are often relentless in the days following the accident in their pursuit of you, and it is therefore important to try and hire an attorney shortly after the accident who can speak to the insurance agents on your behalf.