Totaled your car in Missouri? Learn how to handle a total loss claim, maximize your settlement, and protect your rights. Call us today for a free consultation!
Experiencing a total loss of your vehicle after your car has been totaled in a Missouri car accident, correctly handling the total loss claim process is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, consult a lawyer—insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and without legal guidance, you could receive far less than you deserve.
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!
1. Speak with a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
The insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to save the company money by offering the lowest possible settlement. Before discussing your claim with them, contact a car accident attorney who can handle all communication, prevent unfair settlement tactics, and fight for maximum compensation.
2. How Missouri Determines a Total Loss
Missouri law considers a vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair it exceeds 80% of its fair market value—but this only applies to vehicles six years old or newer. If your car is older than six years, the insurance company may use a different formula that could undervalue your claim. An attorney can ensure the valuation process is fair and challenge low offers.
3. Understanding the Insurance Company’s Payout Offer
The insurance company will determine your vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV), but their valuation may not reflect your car’s true market worth. Before accepting any settlement, an attorney can help verify whether the insurer offers a fair amount and negotiate a higher payout if necessary.
Still waiting on a total loss offer? Let us review it for free—no obligation.
If you believe your vehicle is worth more than what the insurance company offers, you have the right to challenge their valuation. This requires gathering evidence such as maintenance records, vehicle upgrades, and independent appraisals—something an attorney can assist with to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
5. Understanding Your Options: Keeping or Releasing the Vehicle
If you accept the total loss settlement, the insurance company will generally take ownership of your vehicle.
If you choose to keep your totaled car, the salvage value will reduce your settlement, and you will need to apply for a salvage or rebuilt title.
An attorney can explain your legal options and help you make the best financial decision.
6. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
Once you accept an insurance settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation. If the insurance company is pressuring you to sign paperwork or settle quickly, do not agree to anything until a lawyer reviews your claim.
7. Protect Yourself—Consult a Lawyer First
Total loss claims can be complicated, and insurance companies look for ways to pay you less. If you’re facing a total loss situation, speaking with an attorney before the insurance company is the best way to protect yourself. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we fight for Missouri accident victims to ensure they receive the maximum settlement possible.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you—contact us today for a free consultation.
