Who Is the Best Injury Lawyer?

February 5, 2025 | By Colombo Law

The “best injury lawyer” is one who listens to your concerns, helps you identify your legal options, and has the experience and knowledge to handle your case successfully. It is crucial to consider a number of different factors when finding the personal injury attorney who is right for you.

Colombo Law has been serving clients in Morgantown and Monongalia County for more than 25 years. Our firm is focused 100% on representing plaintiffs in personal injury matters. We have built a reputation as a preeminent personal injury law firm in West Virginia, distinguished by our compassion, personalized attention, legal capabilities, and history of success.

Find out if Colombo Law meets your need to find the best injury lawyer. Call 304-599-4229 today for a FREE case review with a personal injury attorney in Morgantown.

What to Look For in an Injury Lawyer

Choosing a lawyer can feel overwhelming. Most people have little to no experience with the legal system, and it can be difficult to know what to look for when you need legal advice. It may be tempting to pick an attorney you see on billboards, TV, or the Internet, but you should never make a decision based on ads alone.

The following can help you narrow down your search and find the best injury lawyer for your needs:

1. Focus on Personal Injury

If you have been injured, you need a lawyer who is fully dedicated to representing injured people. Furthermore, the attorney you choose should be experienced in the specific kind of situation in which you were harmed.

Here at Colombo Law, for example, the personal injury cases we focus on include:

2. Years of Experience

The more experienced the injury lawyer, the more knowledgeable and confident they tend to be. Successfully handling personal injury claims requires knowledge of the local statutes, the ability to develop an effective strategy, and the confidence to go up against major insurance companies.

In the majority of cases, personal injury claims are settled through negotiations between the plaintiff’s lawyer on one side and the defendant’s insurance company on the other. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to file a lawsuit and (perhaps) go to trial. In this situation, your lawyer needs personal injury litigation and trial experience.

3. Contingency Fee Agreement

With a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer agrees to only take a fee if the case is resolved successfully. The contingency fee represents a percentage of the recovery. Any injury attorney you consult should be able to tell you upfront what percentage they take in the event of a favorable outcome.

Contingency fee arrangements are fairly standard in personal injury matters. They allow the victim of an accident to obtain legal representation without upfront cost or ongoing fees—expenses most injured people cannot afford.

Learn About Our No Fee Promise

4. Results

Any reputable personal injury attorney will tell you that previous results do not indicate future performance. Even the best injury lawyer doesn’t win 100% of cases. That said, a track record of substantial settlements and favorable trial awards may suggest a high rate of success.

Insurance companies take notice of lawyers and firms that secure big payouts. This reputation can prove advantageous in settlement negotiations, potentially resulting in a better offer.

5. Reviews

From search engines to social media, you can find all kinds of opinions online. Look for reviews from clients who are satisfied and unsatisfied; in the latter case, how the firm responds to negative feedback can give you an idea of what it’s like to work with them.

We also suggest looking up attorneys on websites designed specifically for people in need of legal service. Avvo is an excellent example.

6. Reputation

If you’ve lived in Morgantown or another part of Monongalia County for awhile, you probably know of a few attorneys already. But knowing their names isn’t the same thing as knowing if they’re the best injury lawyer for your case. You need to dig a little deeper.

Ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers if they’ve used a personal injury lawyer in the past. You should also go to the website for the West Virginia State Bar to see if the attorney is (a) licensed to practice law in West Virginia and (b) in good standing with the Bar.

7. Local Prominence

Some large law firms set up satellite offices in multiple communities to generate business. Often, these cases are settled quickly or referred to other firms. You don’t need a middleman—you need a lawyer who is devoted to you and your cause.

Generally speaking, firms with a strong community presence have a better understanding of the legal landscape in the city, county, and state in which their clients live. This is invaluable for understanding the nature of your case (the attorney may drive the same streets where your accident occurred, for example), the parties that may be involved (such as defense lawyers, judges, court staff, etc.), and especially if your case needs to be taken to trial in Monongalia County Circuit Court.

8. Availability

When you meet with a personal injury lawyer, it is important to ask if their firm has the time and resources to take your case. Some claims are more complicated than others, requiring extensive evidence, testimony from multiple experts, and more. The best injury lawyer will have the ability to prepare the strongest case on your behalf.

9. Clear Communication

The aftermath of an accident is an uncertain and stressful time. Personal injury claims can be complicated. You need an injury lawyer who understands the former and can help you through the latter. This requires strong communication skills.

Clear, consistent communication is particularly important when it comes to updates about your case. You need to feel confident in your attorney’s ability to help you determine whether it is in your best interest to settle or if it is necessary to file a lawsuit and, potentially, prepare for trial.

10. Personal Comfort

In our experience, clients want both a sympathetic ear and someone who will serve as their champion. Everyone has different needs and expectations, however, which is why there is no getting around the importance of meeting with one or more lawyers in person to gauge how comfortable you are working with them.

This is a big decision. You only have one opportunity to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. As such, it is important to take your time and weigh your options carefully.

Looking for the Best Injury Lawyer?

Colombo Law has a lengthy history of representing people who have been injured through no fault of their own. Today, we are recognized as a leading personal injury law firm committed to serving Morgantown, Monongalia County, and all of West Virginia.

Don’t allow the insurance companies to take advantage of you or pay less than you deserve. Learn how our personal injury lawyers can help to even the playing field and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.