When should you get a lawyer when you have been in an accident? My accident was only a week and half ago.

If you are in so much pain you could not go back to work, contact a local personal injury lawyer immediately. Do not try to settle it on your own. Insurance companies low ball plaintiffs who handle cases on their own. I have been told by clients adjusters have called them before they retained us and offered $100 – $500 range to settle. The difference in the outcome can be tremendous especially if you have serious symptoms and will get medicare care.