If an insurance company is refusing to pay, delaying your claim, or offering less than your case may be worth, you should know your alternatives.
After a serious car accident, many people assume the insurance company will “do the right thing.” Unfortunately, that is not always how it works. Delays, low settlement offers, and outright denials are common—especially when injuries are involved.
If you are dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and ongoing pain, you may be asking an important question: Can you sue an insurance company after a car accident in Missouri?
The short answer is yes—under certain circumstances.
Chris Hoffman is an excellent attorney. He is the best above the rest. What makes him different? He communicates promptly - I don't have to leave message after message for him to reach out to me. When I telephone his office, if he doesn't answer the telephone, his assistant does. Chris Hoffman is very attentive and focused. He means business, and he hit the ground running on the cases. I'm so blessed to have him for my attorney.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Understanding the Role of Insurance After a Missouri Car Accident
Missouri is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the crash (and their insurance company) is typically responsible for paying damages, including:
In most cases, an injury claim begins with an insurance claim—not a lawsuit. However, insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even when liability seems clear. When insurers act unfairly or refuse to honor their obligations, legal action may become necessary.
Who Can Be Sued After a Car Accident?
This distinction is critical.
You Usually Sue the At-Fault Driver First
In Missouri, injury lawsuits are typically filed against the negligent driver, not directly against their insurance company. The insurance company then provides defense counsel and pays any settlement or judgment (up to policy limits).
You May Sue an Insurance Company Directly in Certain Situations
There are important exceptions where suing the insurance company itself is allowed. These include:
Claims involving your own insurance policy
Bad faith insurance practices
Certain uninsured or underinsured motorist claims
Refusal to settle when liability is clear
When Can You Sue Your Own Insurance Company in Missouri?
Many drivers do not realize they may need to take legal action against their own insurer.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage may apply. Disputes over valuation often lead to litigation.
Insurance companies in Missouri are required to act in good faith. When they do not, they may be subject to additional liability beyond the original claim.
Examples of Bad Faith May Include:
Unreasonable delays in handling a claim
Denying a valid claim without investigation
Misrepresenting policy terms
Ignoring medical evidence
Refusing to settle when liability is clear
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is five years from the date of the crash. However, waiting can harm your case. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and leverage decreases. Insurance companies know this.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Sue an Insurance Company?
Insurance litigation is not a level playing field. Insurance companies have:
Adjusters are trained to minimize claims
Defense attorneys on retainer
Access to medical consultants and experts
Working with a St. Louis car accident lawyer who regularly handles insurance disputes can help protect your rights and ensure your claim is evaluated properly.
Talk to a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Before You Decide
If an insurance company is refusing to pay, delaying your claim, or offering less than your case may be worth, it is important to understand your legal options before accepting or walking away.
Free consultation • Available 24/7 Call (314) 361-4242 to speak directly with a St. Louis car accident lawyer.
