Was your car accident claim denied in Missouri? We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
A denied car accident claim can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Whether the insurance company denies your claim outright or offers an unsatisfactory explanation, you still have options.
In Missouri, understanding the reasons behind the denial and knowing how to challenge it can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we understand how overwhelming dealing with a denied car accident claim can be. With over 25 years of experience, we’re here to help you fight back and secure the compensation you need.
The at-fault driver’s insurance may not cover the damages.
Their policy may have lapsed due to non-payment or may not include certain types of coverage (e.g., uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
Delayed Filing
Failing to report the accident or file a claim promptly could result in denial.
Missouri law requires prompt reporting of accidents to insurance companies.
Pre-Existing Conditions
The insurer may argue that your injuries existed before the accident and are unrelated to the crash.
Claim Errors or Misrepresentation
Simple paperwork mistakes, missing information, or inconsistencies in your statements can cause a denial.
Steps to Take After Your Car Accident Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, don’t panic. Follow these steps to challenge the decision effectively:
Carefully Review the Denial Letter
The insurance company is required to provide a written explanation for denying your claim. Carefully review:
The stated reasons for the denial.
The section of the policy or law they cite to justify their decision.
Any deadlines for appealing the decision.
Contact the Insurance Company
Reach out to the insurance adjuster who handled your case and request clarification. Misunderstandings or administrative errors may have caused the denial. Be polite but firm when seeking answers.
Gather Additional Evidence
Strengthen your case by collecting or re-evaluating key evidence, such as:
Police Reports: Official accident reports can help prove fault and document the crash.
Medical Records: Obtain detailed reports linking your injuries to the accident.
Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene.
Expert Opinions: Accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals can provide testimony to support your claim.
File an Appeal with the Insurance Company
Most insurance companies offer an appeal process for denied claims. Follow these steps:
Submit a written appeal explaining why you believe the denial was incorrect.
Include all relevant evidence to support your claim, such as updated medical records or new witness statements.
Meet all appeal deadlines to avoid forfeiting your right to challenge the denial.
Consider Mediation or Arbitration
If negotiations stall, consider alternative dispute resolution methods:
Mediation: A neutral third party helps facilitate negotiations between you and the insurer.
Arbitration: A neutral arbitrator reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision on the claim.
These options are less formal and typically faster than a lawsuit.
File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to reconsider your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit. In Missouri, you must file a personal injury lawsuit five years from the accident date (Missouri Revised Statute § 516.120).
Represent you in court and present compelling evidence.
How a Missouri Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Navigating a denied claim alone can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters or complicated legal processes. Hiring an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer can improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Here’s how a lawyer can help:
Review Your Denial: A lawyer will analyze the insurance company’s reasoning and identify flaws or inconsistencies.
Gather Evidence: They’ll collect additional evidence to strengthen your claim, such as expert testimony or accident reconstructions.
Negotiate on Your Behalf: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can push back against insurance companies’ low offers.
File a Lawsuit if Needed: If the insurance company won’t budge, your lawyer can take the case to court to fight for fair compensation.
Preventing Claim Denials: What to Do Immediately After an Accident
To avoid unnecessary denials, take these steps immediately after an accident:
Report the Accident: Notify the police and file a report.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out to document your condition.
Take Photos and Collect Information: Document vehicle damage, the accident scene, and all parties involved.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid admitting fault.
Keep Records: Save medical bills, repair estimates, and other documents.
Key Takeaway: You Can Fight a Denied Claim
A denied car accident claim in Missouri does not mean you’re out of options. By understanding the reasons for the denial, gathering strong evidence, and seeking legal assistance, you can challenge the insurance company’s decision and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm Today
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we understand how overwhelming dealing with a denied car accident claim can be. With over 25 years of experience, we’re here to help you fight back and secure the compensation you need.
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!
