Is That TV Lawyer Right for Your Case?

July 9, 2025

Personal Injury Lawyer Virginia Beach

It’s a rainy afternoon, and you’re watching your favorite television show when a flashy commercial comes on. A well-dressed lawyer stands in front of a sleek office or maybe in a scenic outdoor setting. They promise to fight for you and that if you call them, you’re sure to enjoy big settlements from your case, whatever it may be. There’s dramatic music, a bold phone number on the screen, and a voice telling you to “Call now.”

You may not think much about it at the time, but a few months later, let’s say you’re in a car accident. You’re in the hospital, overwhelmed, your family is upset, and you’re not sure what to do next. Suddenly, that commercial pops back into your mind. Should you call that lawyer for help?

It’s understandable. When people are scared, injured, and facing rising medical bills, they want help fast. If a lawyer has a memorable ad, it might seem like a good place to start, but ask yourself this: Does a good television commercial mean a good personal injury lawyer?

The short answer is, not always.

At Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp, we believe that your lawyer should earn your trust, not just buy it with a fancy commercial. Our firm has a long record of success in personal injury cases, and we’ve been helping people like you for decades. If you’re facing a situation like this, call our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

The Truth About TV Lawyer Ads

A TV commercial is designed to grab your attention and stick in your memory. It’s all about marketing the lawyer and their firm, which isn’t a bad thing. Every business needs to advertise. But just because someone has a flashy ad doesn’t mean they’re the best choice to represent you in a personal injury claim.

Some law firms spend a lot of money on ads like this, but that doesn’t tell you anything about how they treat their clients, what their track record is, how knowledgeable or experienced they are, or whether they will respond when you need answers.

So, what should you look for if you’re trying to find the right lawyer for your type of case?

What to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Instead of going by advertising alone, always consider these five things when searching for a good attorney.

1. Track Record of Success

Has the lawyer or law firm won cases, especially ones like yours? Have they helped clients get fair settlements or jury verdicts in car accidents, medical malpractice cases, or other injury claims?

A lawyer may say they are successful, but it’s best if you do your homework. Start by checking their website. Most reputable law firms will highlight their case results there. (Find our case results here.) Next, look for awards and recognition. Honors like being listed in Super Lawyers or receiving high marks from lawyer rating services like Martindale-Hubbell often indicate that a lawyer or firm has earned respect in their field. (Find more about our awards and recognitions here.)

Next, read client testimonials and reviews. You can find reviews on Google, and often, law firms will list their testimonials on their websites (see ours here). Then, if you decide to go for a free consultation with that lawyer or firm, simply ask them: “Have you handled cases like mine before? What happened?” A trustworthy lawyer will be open about their experience and results without overpromising anything.

Finally, search the lawyer’s name along with terms like “verdict,” “settlement,” or “injury case” online. That might lead you to more information about their record of success.

2. Reputation

Do other people trust this lawyer? For more information, you can research testimonials and other relevant details mentioned above. Check legal directories like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell, which rate lawyers based on peer reviews and evaluations.

3. Experience

How long has the lawyer and/or firm been handling personal injury cases like yours? Someone might be a great divorce lawyer, for instance, but lack the experience in handling a complex truck accident case. You want someone with experience in the kind of case you have, so you can be sure they will be able to represent you well.

At Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp, personal injury is what we do. We’ve spent decades in this field, handling all types of injury cases, and we do nothing else.

4. Communication Style

There are few things as frustrating as having a lawyer who won’t answer your emails or calls or who won’t update you about what’s going on with your case. Before hiring any lawyer or law firm, talk to them. Set up a free consultation and see how they make you feel. Do they listen to you? At our firm, we believe every client deserves honesty, respect, and clear answers, and we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable.

5. Fee Structure

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you don’t have to pay lawyer fees unless the firm wins your case. Don’t hesitate to ask any potential lawyer how they manage their fees. Ask about costs, how much the lawyer takes if you win, and whether there are any fees if you don’t.

At Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp, we don’t charge you lawyer’s fees unless we win your case. We’re upfront about any additional fees, which may include court filing fees, expert witness fees, investigation costs, and administrative expenses, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp is a Smart Choice

When you evaluate Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp against these five criteria, you’ll find that we meet all the requirements for quality legal representation. Our reputation in the legal community speaks for itself, with recognition from peers, professional associations, and clients alike. Good legal representation can make a difference between a fair settlement that covers your expenses and a disappointing outcome that leaves you struggling.

We have a track record of fighting for personal injury victims and winning, as we did for our client, who was hit by a commercial van driver while crossing a parking lot driveway. We helped negotiate a $1 million settlement on her behalf. Contact us at Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp today.

You can find our law offices in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, and Chesapeake.