St. Louis Hit and Run Lawyer
The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., has represented hit-and-run victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri, for 25 years.
At our St. Louis law firm, we know how frustrating it can be to suffer severe injuries in a car or truck accident and then feel as if you have no means of recovery. We can fight to protect your rights and obtain compensation for you. Whether you need help with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we will be by your side every step.
It is stressful to be involved in any car accident. If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident, taking specific actions immediately after, if possible, can be very helpful to your case.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
You will love this car accident lawyer.
Response from the owner: You are the best! Thanks for the review. Our attorneys work hard but it all starts with a great client.
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Great law firm thanks Leah for the referral
Response from the owner: Appreciate you recommending our law firm. Car accident litigation is all we do and specializing allows us to focus.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
A+ attorney. Smart. Helpful. Great for automobile accident cases. Located in saint louis, missouri. Use him!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Car accident cases are difficult without the right attorney and great clients. Much appreciated.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
Get this lawyer if you have an automobile accident. Simply the best!
Response from the owner: Thanks Lizzy. Recommendations from other is the best way to find a car accident attorney.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Very very good at injury claims for car wrecks. Use this St Louis attorney. Two thumbs up!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the review! All we do is accidents. When you specialize, your knowledge base and practice skills grow. Thanks!
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Best for car accidents in St Louis. Use this attorney.
Response from the owner: Thanks. Great clients make for great cases!
This lawyer is great for car accident injury claims. Did an uninsured motorist case. Very good attorney.
Response from the owner: Car accidents can be insured or uninsured. The claims are much different. Thanks for the review.
Great lawyer if you are in an auto accident. I recommend this attorneys office.
Response from the owner: Thanks J. Glad we got your auto accident case completed and that for telling others about our lawyers.
Very good car accident attorney. Did my and my relatives claims and paperwork. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our law firm on car accident cases.
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
Response from the owner: Thank you!
Recommend this attorney for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our attorneys for an automobile accident.
Best St Louis lawyer for car accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Great Lawyer!!
Response from the owner: Thank you
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
If you have an auto accident and need an attorney in St Louis, I recommend Mr Hoffmann.
Response from the owner: Appreciate this James and you did great as well. Car accident claims always start with a good client.
Great car accident lawyer. Did a very good job on my injury case. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Appreciate the compliment. All we do is car accident litigation.
Very accomplished accident attorney in Saint Louis. 5 stars for sure!
Response from the owner: Thanks
A car accident lawyer I would recommend to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thanks. That is great of you to say about our lawyers.
Great car accident attorney!!
Response from the owner: Thanks
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Response from the owner: Thank you
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
Great people, helped me through a situation over the phone. His words and advice eventually helped me in my case.
Response from the owner: Glad to hear!
Although Mr. Hoffman did not represent me in my case he was willing to take the time to get me in touch with someone who specializes in the type of incident I needed legal representation with. Attorney's such as Mr. Hoffman are difficult to find. He took personal time to keep in touch with me and give me sound legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend speaking with Mr. Hoffman if you require his services. I truly believe he is the type of person who cares and will make sure the job gets done RIGHT. Do not hesitate to contact him
Response from the owner: Anytime!
In an auto accident in St. Louis, the other car pulled out and hit us. The collision was very bad. We were all injured and used this attorney. He is very experienced in handling injury claims and got a great settlement after filing a lawsuit for us. 5 Stars!
Response from the owner: Thanks Ms. Santoni. Side impact car accidents are some of the worst our lawyers see. We have to file lawsuits on nearly every case because insurance companies deny almost every claim, but I am glad we got yours resolved. I appreciate you recommending our lawyers and giving us a 5 Star rating.
My daughter and I were in an car accident. We for both injured badly. After I finally got out of the hospital, I started looking for lawyers in Saint Louis and found this attorney who does accident and injury claims. It said their attorney would answer 24 hours a day. I called their law firm at 10 p.m. and a injury lawyer answered. He was polite, knowledgeable, and advised me of what needed to be done for myself and my daughter regarding the car accident. I hired them to do or auto accident case. They kept me well informed during the car accident case in Saint Louis County Court. I was well prepared for depositions. He help with everything. I got a good settlement as did my daughter for our injuries. Although the car accident was scary, it was bearable having a good helpful attorney on our side. I highly recommend this Saint Louis car accident law firm. Their attorneys and lawyers are great. Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Happy to help.
The Chris Hoffman law firm takesgreat care of all my legal needs. They are caring and personal and will fight for what you need. I highly recommend them. You will be very satisfied and know he got you the best deal available.
Response from the owner: Great cleints are the start to pursuing any legal case and you are the best! Thanks for the recommendation Barbara!
A true professional in terms of car accident cases. I definitely recommend this lawyer for any injury after a St. Louis accident. Very good at what these attorneys do!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for such a great review. Our attorneys work hard at providing great service. Car accident cases are fought by insurance companies from the property damage through the personal injury claim. This forces people to get local lawyers to do their claims. Missouri and Saint Louis, in particular, is known for accident claim denial even against your own insurance carrier. Thanks again!
You will not find better attorneys for a car accident in St. Louis. Very experienced. These attorneys know all the facets of an accident case and have great advice when problems come up during the injury claim.
Response from the owner: Thanks Jack. Our attorneys appreciate a great review like this. It helps car accident victims know who are the real lawyers in St. Louis who do this work versus the mere advertisers who refer victims to lawyers they have never met for a kickback. Much appreciated!
Thanks for helping with my car accident case. These lawyers are best in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: You are welcome and thanks for the review! A lot of car accident victims read these and find it helpful in choosing a lawyer for their case. Great cases always start with great clients!
great lawyer for auto accident cases . I thought this law firm did great work .Very happy with their services. I would recommend them to others.
Response from the owner: It was very nice of you to leave a review. Thanks Brenda! A good case always starts with a great client. We appreciated the recommendation. It is good to hear back from clients and have them refer us to other injury victims after a car accident. Wish you well!
This is the best choice for a car accident attorney. These lawyers get great settlements.I was recommended to them from some people I know and was happy to get a great recommendation.
Response from the owner: Our attorneys appreciate the compliment! It is great to hear we are doing well. It means a lot when you recommend our lawyers to other car accident victims. Thanks again!
Glad I switched to this auto accident lawyer. These lawyers fight hard for their injury clients. I highly recommend these lawyers.
Response from the owner: We are happy you switched as well. Good clients are the basis for a good case. Fighting to protect your rights after an accidental injury is our sole focus. Your recommendation means a lot. Thanks again for the review.
If you are injured in a car accident you should hire this attorney. This is the best legal representation. These attorneys are very professional.
Response from the owner: Thank you for reviewing our law firm and recommending our lawyers. Attorneys appreciate feedback on whether they are doing well on cases and reviews are one of the best means for this.
ST.LOUIS AUTO ACCIDENT? I RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER FOR ANY ACCIDENT CASE INVOLVING INJURIES. VERY GOOD LAWYERS!
Response from the owner: Appreciate the Good Words! SInce our law firm started focusing exclusively on car and auto accidents, the focus had increased our knowledge and the learning curve has greatly benefited out settlement results. Specializing is key for any lawyers! All benefit from this. Thanks again for the review!
Hit-and-Run Accidents
There are numerous reasons that an individual may wish to flee the scene of an accident. Some of these reasons may include:
- Drunk driving
- Fear of getting caught driving without a license
- Fear of getting caught driving without insurance
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Fear of going to jail
A hit-and-run case has severe legal consequences. The person responsible for the incident can have their driver’s license suspended, canceled, and possibly revoked for a lifetime. It is often considered a criminal offense.
At our St. Louis law firm, we know how frustrating it can be to suffer severe injuries in a car or truck accident and then feel as if you have no means of recovery. We can fight to protect your rights and obtain compensation for you. Whether you need help with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we will be by your side every step.
Actions to Take Following a Hit-and-Run Accident
It is stressful to be involved in any car accident. If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident, taking specific actions immediately after, if possible, can be very helpful to your case.
First, record as much information as possible about the vehicle that caused the accident. Write down as many details as you can remember, such as the color, make, and model. Did you see the license plate number? Give as much information as you can in the police report.
If you didn’t see the other vehicle, note the time, location, and anything else you think may be essential to remember. Check to see if there were any witnesses to the accident. Get their names and numbers.
Common Injuries from Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents often result in serious injuries due to the sudden and unexpected nature of the collision. Here are some common injuries sustained by victims of hit-and-run accidents:
- Head Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the victim’s head impacts the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden impact can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and even paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s mobility and quality of life.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, which may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash occurs due to the sudden jolt of the head and neck during the collision, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, can result from blunt force trauma, sometimes requiring immediate surgery.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and sharp metal from the impact can lead to deep cuts and lacerations, often resulting in permanent scarring.
- Psychological Injuries: Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression due to the traumatic nature of the accident.
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time if untreated. Prompt medical treatment ensures your health and safety and creates a detailed medical record that can support your claim.
Consulting a hit-and-run accident lawyer is equally important. An experienced lawyer can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Gather evidence, identify witnesses, and investigate the accident
- Deal with insurance companies that may try to deny or undervalue your claim
- Advocate for fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Handling Issues With Your Insurance Company
If it is impossible to uncover who the driver at fault in your accident was, then we may still be able to pursue your own insurance company for compensation. You can rely on our knowledge in this area to advocate for you in your time of need.
What to do if you were hit?
How you respond to a hit-and-run accident can make or break your case. Therefore, remaining calm and remembering the following steps after a hit-and-run car accident is important.
- Write Everything Down: Write down everything you remember about the accident. It is helpful to be very specific about the date and time of the accident and, if possible, a description of the car and the person driving. In certain situations, you may not be able to identify the specific details but try to remember as much as possible.
- Look for Witnesses: If anyone was around during the accident, you should get their name and contact information. They may be used as a witness later on.
- Do Not Chase the Driver: Following a hit-and-run accident, you may be tempted to follow the driver. Consider why this would not be a good idea: First, you do not know the other driver’s state of mind and could put yourself and others at risk. Also, because you may be driving in an emotional, possibly even aggressive state, you could cause another accident due to your lack of judgment.
- Call the Police: If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to contact the police and file an accident report using your recorded information. Filing a report is important even if you have little information to provide law enforcement. This official document will give you something to rely upon later.
The Plague of Hit-and-Run Drivers
Most drivers would never consider leaving the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, federal data shows that hit-and-run accidents have increased by over 13%. Drunk driving plays a major role in many hit-and-run accidents. Other reasons a driver may flee the scene of an accident include:
- driving without a license
- driving without insurance
- driving under the influence of drugs
- fear of going to jail
Hit and Run Defined
Missouri law clearly defines a hit and run. The operator of any motor vehicle being used on a roadway or inside a parking lot that is knowingly involved in an accident that resulted in the injury of a person or damage to property that flees the scene of the collision is guilty of leaving the scene of an accident. By default, leaving the scene of an accident is possibly considered a misdemeanor unless the collision injured a person, the property damage is over $1,000, or the driver has a prior history of hit-and-runs. If any of these circumstances exist, the crime of leaving the scene of an accident may become a class D felony.
A driver may flee the scene of an accident for many reasons. He may be unlicensed, uninsured, or even guilty of driving while under the influence. They often run to avoid facing charges; unfortunately, over half will get away with it.
Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers
Under any circumstances, it is never a good idea to leave the scene of a car accident. Missouri considers leaving an accident scene a criminal offense, and there are stiff penalties for doing so, including a suspended or revoked license and jail time. Missouri statute states:
The offense of leaving the scene of an accident is:
- A class A misdemeanor; or
- A class E felony if:
- (a) Physical injury was caused to another party; or
- (b) Damage over one thousand dollars was caused to the property of another person; or
- (c) The defendant has previously been found guilty of any offense committed in another jurisdiction that would violate an offense in this section if committed in this state.
Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, there are certain steps you can take that will help you recover compensation. Record as much information as you possibly can:
- color, make, and model of the car
- license plate number
- time and location of the car accident
- contact information of any eyewitnesses
Take pictures, call the police, and file a police report. The identity of the hit-and-run driver may be found, and then you can pursue a car accident claim against the at-fault driver.
Who Pays for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The driver of the offending car fled the scene and is now nowhere to be found. Who is going to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages? Luckily for Missouri drivers, hit-and-runs are covered in their insurance policies, just like uninsured motorists. This means you must now file a claim with your car insurance company. They will not be pleased and, more often than not, will try and avoid paying such claims. Don’t let them get away with that. You pay insurance premiums for a reason. Let a St. Louis car accident attorney help you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
In St. Louis, a bicyclist was hit and seriously injured by a vehicle whose driver chose to flee. Even though many witnesses to the accident and the make and model of the car were identified, police chose not to pursue it and closed the case. Wisely, the bike rider sought advice and retained a St. Louis car accident lawyer willing to investigate the collision further. They identified the vehicle driver and, using the witness testimony, reached a settlement agreement of $50,000. Another $1.75 million was awarded to a Missouri woman struck by a hit-and-run driver in her car. In this instance, the driver was never apprehended, and the woman had to rely on her own insurance to help cover the cost of her head and orthopedic injuries. The insurance company felt that the case was only worth $500,000, but her Missouri car accident attorney fought against them for the larger sum.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in St. Louis?
After a hit-and-run accident, try to remain calm and collect as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver, including color, make, and model. Note the time, location, and license plate number, if possible. Seek witnesses, call the police, and file a report using your recorded information. Avoid chasing the driver and contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer.
What legal consequences does a hit-and-run driver face in Missouri?
In Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense. Penalties include a suspended or revoked license and jail time. Depending on the severity, it may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony:
- Class A misdemeanor
- Class E felony if physical injury occurs, property damage exceeds $1,000, or the driver has a prior hit-and-run conviction.
Can I receive compensation if the hit-and-run driver isn’t identified?
Yes, Missouri drivers are covered by uninsured motorist insurance policies, which often include hit-and-run accidents. If the driver is not identified, you can still file a claim with your insurance company. However, they may attempt to avoid payment, so it’s essential to have a hit-and-run lawyer advocate for you.
What kind of damages can I recover from a hit-and-run accident?
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in St. Louis may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
How can a hit-and-run lawyer help me with my case?
An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to identify the responsible driver
- Gather crucial evidence, including witness testimonies and surveillance footage
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary
What information should I collect if I’m involved in a hit-and-run accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, try to collect:
- Vehicle details: color, make, model, and license plate number
- Time and location of the accident
- Contact information of any eyewitnesses
- Photos of the accident scene and damage
Is leaving the scene of an accident always considered a hit-and-run?
Yes, in Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a hit-and-run if:
- The driver knowingly caused injury or property damage
- The driver flees without providing necessary information or assistance
What are the most common reasons drivers flee the scene after an accident?
Common reasons include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving without a license or insurance
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Fear of going to jail
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident in Missouri?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri is five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to act quickly to gather evidence and identify the hit-and-run driver.
How can I handle issues with my insurance company after a hit-and-run accident?
If your insurance company refuses to cover your hit-and-run accident claim or offers an insufficient settlement, a hit-and-run lawyer can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
