Sharing opinions, thoughts, pictures, ideas, and reviews are almost second nature thanks to the advancements in technology and social media. Advertisements are becoming less effective because of Yelp, Google, Facebook, and other rating services that have become our trusted source for how reliable a business is; just as Amazon reviews are our trusted source for products.

But are we placing too much trust in these reviews? In recent days, Amazon is employing third-party companies to catch and expose fake reviews. These reviews come from people that are being paid to give positive feedback on products, but the same happens for companies on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. The difference? Companies are less likely to try and remove a review if it’s positive and a high rating, even if it’s false, or worse, they are the ones supplementing the reviews.

The policies that the review websites, like Google, have made it nearly impossible to get reviews removed, unless they break a specific standard. Unfortunately, those standards don’t include false reviews or people who haven’t used a business’ services.

It’s easy to find a business with tons of reviews and a perfect rating, but are you actually getting that perfect rating in your service? Before believing the all-knowing star system, read through some of the reviews. The old saying “there’s no pleasing everyone” should ring through your head; almost every business has disappointed clients that will leave negative reviews. How do you know if they are faking it? Be on the lookout for reviews that use the same word choice when describing the business, promote something that the business doesn’t do, or a lot of perfect reviews with no comments.

Everybody wants the “best,” especially when it comes to choosing a personal injury attorney. How do you find the one that will handle your case? Reviews can still be helpful, just be cautious, read the reviews, and research the attorney. Look for third-party websites that offer their own rating and more comprehensive reviews, like Avvo. From there you can start to look for reliable indicators of a good attorney; their experience, credentials, skills, and dedication are all important to picking the right attorney. Use the free legal consultation that personal injury attorneys offer as a way to get to know your attorney and if the reviews on them are true. Keep in mind, no two cases are identical, so past performances do not guarantee future results; your case is contingent on the details of your accident and your injuries. Selecting an attorney based only on reviews, especially if they are faked or misleading, can lead to your case being mishandled, and ultimately, your disappointment.

Of course, here at The Pottenger Law Firm, we are proud of our reviews and good ratings. They are a reflection of our diligent work to make sure our clients are shown care and compassion, and that they receive proper compensation. If you’ve been in an accident, we will treat your case with the same thoroughness and concern. To reach us, call 816-531-6006 or send us a message to arrange a free consultation.