Almost every personal injury firm’s website says some version of “top-rated.” It’s used so often in legal advertising that it’s stopped meaning much on its own. If you’re comparing car accident lawyers in Maryland, here’s how to actually check whether a “top-rated” claim holds up — and what to look for instead of taking it at face value.
What “Top-Rated” Should Actually Mean
There are a handful of real, checkable sources behind a legitimate “top-rated” claim:
- Maryland State Bar standing — you can verify any attorney is licensed and in good standing (no active discipline) through the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission’s public lookup.
- Peer-review ratings — services like Martindale-Hubbell base ratings on evaluations from other attorneys and judges, not just client reviews or self-reporting.
- Verified client reviews — platforms like Google and Avvo aggregate reviews that are at least tied to an identifiable account, unlike testimonials a firm writes and posts on its own site.
- Published case results — actual settlement and verdict amounts (where a firm discloses them) are a far more concrete signal than a rating badge alone.
- Years of practice and case volume in the specific practice area — a firm’s general reputation doesn’t always reflect deep experience specifically in car accident litigation.
Questions Worth Asking Any Firm You’re Considering
- Can you point to specific case results in car accident claims, not just general firm accolades?
- How many years has the attorney who’d actually handle your case — not just the firm’s named partners — practiced personal injury law?
- Are client reviews visible on a third-party platform, or only on the firm’s own website?
- Is the firm in good standing with the Maryland State Bar, with no unresolved disciplinary history?
Where Houlon Berman Stands on These Points
We’d rather you check these things yourself than take our word for it — but for reference:
- Houlon Berman has represented Maryland clients for over 50 years across criminal, family, and personal injury matters.
- Our attorneys are in good standing with the Maryland State Bar.
- We handle car accident cases throughout Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the wider Maryland/DC area, working on a contingency basis — you don’t pay unless we recover for you.
If you’re at the point of deciding between firms, our post on choosing the right car crash lawyer walks through the practical decision criteria — this page is specifically about verifying the ratings claims you’ll see along the way.
Talk to Houlon Berman
The best way to judge a “top-rated” claim is a direct conversation about your case. Consultations are free.
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