If you’ve been injured or lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, you may search for “best personal injury lawyer near me.” It’s a natural instinct, you want the best possible representation for your case. But here’s the thing: finding the “best” personal injury attorney isn’t as straightforward as reading a few online reviews and picking the lawyer with the highest star rating. In fact, the question of who qualifies as the “best” involves a surprising intersection of subjective preferences, the unique needs of the case, and objective metrics that may not always align.
This guide will walk you through the complexities of finding a personal injury lawyer who is genuinely the best fit for your specific situation—because ultimately, that’s what matters most.
Why Lawyers Can’t Simply Claim to Be “The Best”
Before we dive into how to find a great personal injury lawyer, it’s important to understand a fundamental constraint that affects legal advertising: state bar associations prohibit attorneys from making unsubstantiated claims of superiority.
Under the ethical rules governing attorney conduct in most states, a lawyer cannot claim to be “the best” unless that claim can be backed by objective, verifiable data. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, like those in most jurisdictions, prohibit misleading communications about a lawyer’s services. A claim like “I’m the best personal injury lawyer in Dallas” would be considered misleading unless the attorney could point to concrete, objective metrics supporting that assertion.
This is why you’ll rarely see a reputable law firm’s website boldly declaring that they’re “the best.” Instead, you’ll see language like “experienced,” “dedicated,” “award-winning,” or references to specific accomplishments and case results. These statements can be verified. A blanket claim of being “the best” cannot.
So what does this mean for you as a consumer? It means that any lawyer or firm advertising themselves as definitively “the best” without backing it up may actually be violating ethical rules—which should give you pause about their judgment and integrity.
The Subjective Side of Finding “The Best” Lawyer
Even if we could objectively measure legal excellence, there’s an inherently subjective element to finding the right lawyer for you. “Best” means different things to different people, and what makes a lawyer ideal for one client might make them a poor fit for another.
Consider what matters most to you:
Communication style. Do you want a lawyer who calls you weekly with updates, or are you comfortable with less frequent communication? Some clients want to be deeply involved in every decision, while others prefer to hand off their case and trust their attorney to handle things.
Aggressiveness versus settlement focus. Some personal injury lawyers are known for taking cases to trial and fighting aggressively, while others excel at negotiating favorable settlements quickly. Neither approach is inherently better; it depends on your case circumstances and your tolerance for a potentially longer, more adversarial process.
Firm size and personal attention. A large personal injury firm may have more resources, but less personal attention. A smaller firm or solo practitioner might offer more personalized attention but fewer staff members to manage your case.
Geographic convenience. While many aspects of personal injury cases can be handled remotely, there’s value in being able to meet your lawyer face-to-face when needed. A lawyer “near me” isn’t just about convenience—it also means they’re familiar with local courts, judges, and opposing counsel.
Fee structure and costs. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, but the percentage can vary. Some firms also advance all case costs, while others may require you to cover certain expenses upfront.
The “best” lawyer for your neighbor’s car accident case might not be the best choice for your workplace injury claim. Understanding your own priorities is the first step in your search.
Objective Metrics for Evaluating Personal Injury Lawyers
While subjective factors matter, there are some objective measures you can use to evaluate personal injury attorneys. However, even here, there’s an important caveat: the metrics you choose to prioritize will influence which lawyers appear “best.”
To illustrate this point, we compiled a 50-state survey examining leading personal injury attorneys across the country using several commonly cited objective metrics: Google review counts, Google ratings, Avvo ratings, Martindale-Hubbell ratings, and Super Lawyers recognition. The results demonstrate just how much the definition of “best” depends on which yardstick you use.
50-State Survey: Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Objective Metrics
The following table presents attorneys from each state who rank highly across various objective measures. Note that this data represents a snapshot in time and these rankings change as attorneys accumulate more reviews, receive new recognitions, or as rating methodologies evolve. The results also reflect the metrics that are used and there are countless objective factors tha could be used.
| State | Attorney | Firm | City | Google Reviews | Google Rating | Avvo | Martindale-Hubbell | Super Lawyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alexander Shunnarah | Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys | Birmingham | 6,500 | 4.5 | 8.1 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Alaska | Jeffrey J. Barber | Barber & Associates LLC | Anchorage | 52 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Arizona | John Osborne | Goldberg & Osborne | Tucson | 2,000 | 4.8 | 8.7 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Arkansas | Mike Rainwater | Rainwater, Holt & Sexton | Little Rock | 1,100 | 4.7 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| California | Juan J. Dominguez | The Dominguez Firm, LLP | Los Angeles | 1,900 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Colorado | Darin Schanker | Bachus & Schanker, LLC | Denver | 2,824 | 4.7 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Connecticut | Michael L. Chambers, Jr. | Law Office of Michael L. Chambers, Jr. | Hartford | 260 | 5.0 | 8.5 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Delaware | Samuel D. Pratcher, III | Pratcher Krayer LLC | Wilmington | 153 | 5.0 | 10.0 | Client Champion Gold | Yes |
| Florida | Dan Newlin | Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys | Orlando | 10,646 | 5.0 | 9.3 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Georgia | Michael J. Warshauer | Warshauer Woodward Atkins | Atlanta | 34 | 4.7 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Hawaii | Daniel T. Pagliarini | Daniel T. Pagliarini Attorney at Law | Honolulu | 26 | 5.0 | 9.4 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Idaho | Kurt D. Holzer | Hepworth Holzer, LLP | Boise | 164 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Illinois | Patrick A. Salvi, Sr. | Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. | Chicago | 200 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Indiana | John Hensley | Hensley Legal Group, PC | Indianapolis | 4,000 | 4.9 | 6.9 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Iowa | Tim Semelroth | RSH Legal | Cedar Rapids | 57 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Kansas | James Roswold | Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys | Overland Park | 715 | 4.9 | 9.4 | AV Preeminent | No |
| Kentucky | Darryl Lee Isaacs | Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers | Louisville | 1,313 | 4.6 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | N/A |
| Louisiana | Gordon J. McKernan | Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys | Baton Rouge | 7,500 | 4.9 | 9.7 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Maine | Peter Thompson | Peter Thompson & Associates | Portland | 13 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Maryland | Byron L. Warnken | Warnken, LLC | Baltimore | 750 | 5.0 | 9.2 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Massachusetts | George N. Keches | Keches Law Group, P.C. | Bridgewater | 1,000 | 4.8 | 7.8 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Michigan | Steven M. Gursten | Michigan Auto Law | Farmington Hills | 2,500 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Minnesota | Steven J. Terry | TSR Injury Law | Bloomington | 1,017 | 4.8 | 7.4 | Notable | Yes |
| Mississippi | Richard Schwartz | Richard Schwartz & Associates | Jackson | 6,100 | 4.9 | 7.1 | AV Preeminent | No |
| Missouri | Stephen R. Schultz | Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers | St. Louis | 808 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Montana | John Heenan | Heenan & Cook, PLLC | Billings | 218 | 4.8 | 7.7 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Nebraska | Steven M. Lathrop | Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop | Omaha | 473 | 4.9 | 9.7 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Nevada | Farhan Naqvi | Naqvi Injury Law | Las Vegas | 1,249 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| New Hampshire | John J. Tenn | Tenn And Tenn, PA | Manchester | 560 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| New Jersey | Jeffrey S. Hasson | Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson | Teaneck | 204 | 5.0 | 9.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| New Mexico | Bertrand R. Parnall | Parnall Law Firm, LLC | Albuquerque | 1,000 | 4.8 | 9.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| New York | Jeffrey A. Block | Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP | New York | 170 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| North Carolina | James S. Farrin | Law Offices of James Scott Farrin | Durham | 8,000 | 4.9 | 8.7 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| North Dakota | David S. Maring | Maring Williams Law Office, P.C. | Fargo | 45 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Ohio | Alberto R. Nestico | Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC | Fairlawn | 1,000 | 4.8 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Oklahoma | T. Luke Abel | Abel Law Firm | Oklahoma City | 231 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Oregon | Travis Mayor | Mayor Law, LLC | Portland | 78 | 4.8 | 9.2 | N/A | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Eric T. Chaffin | Chaffin Luhana LLP Injury Lawyers | Pittsburgh | 634 | 4.8 | 9.8 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Rob Levine | Rob Levine Law | Providence | 2,000 | 4.7 | 8.0 | Notable | No |
| South Carolina | Dirk J. Derrick | Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers | Conway | 5,000 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| South Dakota | Scott A. Abdallah | Johnson, Janklow & Abdallah, LLP | Sioux Falls | 119 | 4.9 | 6.4 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Tennessee | James Higgins | The Higgins Firm | Nashville | 228 | 4.6 | 9.4 | Distinguished | Yes |
| Texas | Benson Varghese | Varghese Summersett PLLC | Fort Worth | 1,254 | 4.9 | 10.0 | Client Champion | Yes |
| Utah | C. Ryan Christensen | Siegfried & Jensen | Salt Lake City | 2,112 | 4.8 | 6.8 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Vermont | Michael Jonathan Sabbeth | Sabbeth Law | White River Junction | 19 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Virginia | James R. Parrish | Parrish Law Firm, PLLC | Manassas | 102 | 4.9 | 9.7 | AV Preeminent | No |
| Washington | Christopher M. Davis | Davis Law Group, P.S. | Seattle | 683 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| West Virginia | S. Brooks West II | West Law Firm, LC | Charleston | 241 | 5.0 | 6.8 | AV Preeminent | No |
| Wisconsin | Russell Nicolet | Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers | Hudson | 974 | 4.9 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
| Wyoming | Jim Fitzgerald | The Fitzgerald Law Firm | Cheyenne | 7 | 5.0 | 10.0 | AV Preeminent | Yes |
This survey reflects metrics gathered at a specific point in time. Rankings and ratings change continuously as new reviews are submitted, recognition lists are updated, and attorneys’ practices evolve. The attorneys listed here are not necessarily the “best” in their states—they are attorneys who perform well across multiple objective metrics we chose to examine. Different metrics would yield a different list.
What This Data Reveals About “Objective” Rankings
Looking at this 50-state survey illustrates a crucial point: even when using objective metrics, who appears “best” depends entirely on which metrics you prioritize.
If you ranked attorneys solely by Google review volume, Dan Newlin of Florida would top the list with over 10,000 reviews—a testament to his firm’s scale and client volume. But if you prioritized Avvo ratings, you’d have a much longer list of attorneys tied at a perfect 10.0, from Jeffrey Barber in Alaska to Jim Fitzgerald in Wyoming.
Consider the trade-offs: An attorney with 7,500 reviews at a 4.9 rating has demonstrated consistent client satisfaction across thousands of cases. But an attorney with 19 reviews at a perfect 5.0 rating might simply have a smaller practice—or might be exceptionally selective about cases and provide an extraordinarily personalized experience. Which is “better”? It depends on what you value.
Similarly, Super Lawyers recognition indicates peer respect and professional achievement, but absence from the list doesn’t mean an attorney lacks skill—they may simply be earlier in their career.
Case Results and Verdicts
One metric not captured in our survey—but critically important—is an attorney’s track record of case results. Many firms publish notable verdicts and settlements on their websites. However, interpret these with caution.
A lawyer who advertises a $10 million verdict might sound impressive, but consider: Was it a single outlier in decades of practice? What were the specific facts that led to such a large award? Past results don’t guarantee future performance, and every case is different. More important, many massive settlements are subject to nondisclosures. Sometimes doing what’s best for the client means you can’t talk about the win.
Experience and Specialization
Years of experience matter, but so does the type of experience. A lawyer who has practiced personal injury law for 20 years has likely seen scenarios similar to yours and knows how to navigate them. But be sure their experience aligns with your specific type of case.
Personal injury law encompasses many subspecialties: car accidents, truck accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, workplace injuries, and more. A lawyer who primarily handles slip-and-fall cases may not be the best choice for a complex medical malpractice claim, even if they’re excellent at what they do.
Professional Recognition and Awards
Various organizations recognize outstanding lawyers through awards, certifications, and rankings. These can be useful data points, but understand what they actually measure:
Board certification. In Texas, lawyers can become board certified in personal injury trial law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This requires passing an examination, meeting experience requirements, and receiving peer evaluations. It’s one of the more rigorous credentials available.
Super Lawyers. This publication uses a combination of peer nominations and independent research to identify top attorneys. Being listed is generally a positive sign, though the methodology varies by region and the number of attorneys recognized is limited.
Martindale-Hubbell ratings. These ratings are based on peer reviews and can indicate an attorney’s ethical standing and professional ability as perceived by other lawyers. The “AV Preeminent” rating is the highest designation.
Avvo ratings. Avvo’s numerical ratings incorporate various factors including experience, disciplinary history, and peer endorsements. While useful, the algorithm is proprietary and shouldn’t be the sole basis for your decision.
The key insight is that different rating systems prioritize different things. A lawyer ranked highly by one system might not appear in another—not because they’re less qualified, but because the criteria differ.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews offer valuable insights into what it’s actually like to work with a particular lawyer. Look at reviews on Google, Avvo, and other platforms. Pay attention to patterns rather than individual reviews—both extremely positive and extremely negative reviews can be outliers.
When reading reviews, look for comments about communication (did the lawyer keep clients informed?), case outcomes (were clients satisfied with results?), staff interactions (was the firm responsive?), and overall experience (would clients recommend the lawyer to others?).
Trial Experience
Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but having an attorney who is willing and able to take cases to trial can significantly impact settlement negotiations. Insurance companies and defense attorneys know which lawyers have trial experience and which tend to settle everything. If the other side believes your lawyer will take the case to trial if necessary, they may offer a better settlement.
Ask potential lawyers about their trial experience: How many personal injury cases have they actually tried? What were the outcomes? When was the last time they took a case to verdict?
Disciplinary History
Check whether a lawyer has any disciplinary history with the state bar. In Texas, you can search the State Bar of Texas website to see if an attorney has been publicly disciplined. A clean record is what you want to see, though minor technical violations shouldn’t necessarily disqualify someone with an otherwise excellent reputation.
How to Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You
Now that you understand both the subjective and objective factors to consider, here are practical ways to find personal injury lawyers in your area:
Online Search
Starting with a Google search for “personal injury lawyer near me” is perfectly reasonable. Look beyond the ads to the organic search results and Google Maps listings. Visit law firm websites to learn about their experience, case results, and areas of focus. Read their blog posts and resources to get a sense of their expertise and communication style.
State Bar Referral Services
The State Bar of Texas offers a lawyer referral service that can connect you with personal injury attorneys in your area. This service screens participating lawyers and can be a good starting point, though you should still do your own research on any referred attorney.
Personal Referrals
Ask friends, family members, or colleagues if they’ve worked with a personal injury lawyer they would recommend. Personal referrals can be valuable because you’re getting firsthand information from someone you trust. However, remember that their case and priorities may differ from yours.
Professional Networks
If you have a lawyer you’ve worked with for other matters—perhaps a family attorney or business lawyer—ask them for a referral. Lawyers often know which of their colleagues are skilled in particular areas and can point you toward someone reputable.
Legal Directories
Directories like Avvo, FindLaw, and Martindale-Hubbell allow you to search for personal injury lawyers by location and read profiles that include experience, education, and client reviews. These can be helpful for creating a shortlist of attorneys to research further.
The Consultation: Your Most Important Evaluation Tool
Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. This is your opportunity to evaluate the attorney in person and determine whether they’re the right fit for you and your case. Come prepared with questions and pay attention to how the lawyer responds.
Consider whether the lawyer listens carefully to your situation and asks relevant follow-up questions. Do they explain the legal process in terms you can understand? Are they honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, or do they make unrealistic promises? Do you feel comfortable with them? Would you trust them to represent your interests?
Ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, their approach to handling your case, who will actually be working on your case, how they communicate with clients, and their fee structure.
The consultation is as much about gut feeling as it is about credentials. You’ll be working closely with this person during a difficult time in your life, so feeling comfortable with them matters.
The Bottom Line
There is no single “best” personal injury lawyer that’s right for everyone. What exists is the best lawyer for you—someone whose experience aligns with your case type, whose communication style matches your preferences, whose track record demonstrates competence, and whose personality makes you feel confident in their representation.
As our 50-state survey demonstrates, even objective metrics tell different stories depending on which ones you prioritize. An attorney with thousands of reviews reflects high volume; an attorney with a perfect Avvo score reflects peer recognition; an attorney with AV Preeminent status reflects professional standing. None of these alone makes someone the “best”—but together, they can help you identify attorneys worth considering.
Don’t be swayed by flashy advertising or unsubstantiated claims of superiority. Instead, do your research, understand both the objective metrics and subjective factors that matter to you, and trust your instincts after meeting with potential attorneys.
The right personal injury lawyer will be honest with you about your case, experienced in handling claims like yours, responsive to your questions and concerns, and committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Your search for the “best personal injury lawyer near me” should ultimately lead you to the attorney who is best equipped to help you navigate this challenging chapter and move forward with your life.
