Rear ended

Typically, lawyers may only practice law in states where they are licensed.  One common exception to this rule is where an attorney from another state files a motion to admit the out-of-state lawyer pro hac vice.  This is a temporary admission for the specific case.  This often only occurs in cases with large amounts of damages.  Unless you have permanent or severe injuries, you will probably have to hire a lawyer from the state where the accident occurred.  In either case, you may want to organize your evidence so that the attorney can more efficiently evaluate your claim.  This article covering what to do after a car accident should help point you in the right direction.