If a lawyer believes your claim is insurable and one you can recover on, then, after you have signed the retainer, he or she will proceed to gather information about your claim. In order to arrive at a figure for damages, your lawyer will need to determine the extent of your injuries, including pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, the cost of medical treatment, and lost wages. Your lawyer will then provide your damages figure to the insurer of the person who injured you. If the insurer considers it a valid claim, the case is likely to be resolved early on and won't have to be tried in court.