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Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

When to Get a Lawyer in a St. Louis Car Accident

January 6, 2023 by Christopher

If you’ve been injured, another driver caused your accident, or you are unsure of your legal rights, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a car accident lawyer.

Being involved in a St. Louis car accident can be extremely overwhelming. From dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages to dealing with insurance companies on top of it all, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. You may understandably feel overwhelmed by the amount of decisions you need to make. One of the most important is deciding when to get in touch with a car accident lawyer.

The benefits of getting in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, before speaking with any insurance adjusters, cannot be overstated. An attorney can ensure your legal rights are protected, and your injuries and expenses are well-documented.


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a woman involved in a car accident calls a car accident lawyer

Steps to Take After a St. Louis Car Accident

The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is to prioritize the health and safety of yourself and others involved in the accident. If you or anyone else has been severely injured, it is important to contact emergency medical services. Even if you feel okay after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Because some symptoms may take time to appear, it is important to have a qualified medical professional to ensure you do not have any hidden injuries.

You should also call the police to report the car accident and exchange information with the other drivers involved, including their names, contact information, insurance information and license plate number.

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including pictures of any skid marks on the road, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect the information of any eyewitnesses to the accident.

FInally, before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to discuss the specifics of your accident and ensure your legal rights are protected.

What to Avoid After a Car Accident

Don’t leave the scene of the accident: This can result in criminal charges.

Don’t say anything to imply that you are at-fault for the accident: Words can be misinterpreted. Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you coming.”

Don’t sign anything: Insurance companies will likely try contacting you soon after the accident to offer a quick settlement. It is best to avoid speaking with them until you have spoken with an experienced car accident lawyer for legal guidance.

When Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is generally best to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options, regardless of whether you think the accident was severe or not. However, you should especially speak with a car accident lawyer in the follow scenarios:

  • You’ve been injured in a car accident
  • Another driver was at-fault for the accident
  • You are unsure about your legal rights after an accident

What Information Should You Provide to Your Accident Lawyer

You should be prepared to provide your car accident attorney with any evidence you were able to collect from the accident scene, including photos of the accident scene, the insurance and contact information of the other driver, the contact information of any eyewitnesses, and any medical bills or records.

Benefits of Working With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

The benefits of working with a car accident lawyer after an accident are numerous. Accident lawyers can provide you with the knowledge, experience, and representation you need to successfully navigate your accident claim and obtain the compensation you need to move forward after an accident. One of the greatest benefits of working with a car accident lawyer is peace of mind. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by paperwork and decisions, you can focus on recovering and moving forward and allow your car accident lawyer to handle your claim.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a St. Louis car accident, The Hoffmann Law Firm is ready to help. We have been protecting the rights of injured car accident victims in and around St. Louis, MO for over 20 years and can put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options after an accident.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do

November 17, 2022 by Christopher

A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your rights are as a victim of an auto collision and help you navigate the legal process.

A car accident lawyer is an attorney who generally specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and other related cases. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your rights are as a victim of an auto collision and help you navigate the legal process.

The first step in hiring a car accident lawyer is to find one that specializes in the type of case you have. For example, if you were injured in a bicycle collision or pedestrian collision, then you generally want to find an attorney who is familiar with these types of cases. You should also consider how much experience the attorney has had with your specific case type.

st. louis car accident lawyer working on a case

What is the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer will help you in settling your claim as well as in the legal proceedings. They are also called personal injury attorneys and are responsible for representing the victims of car accidents.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You Get Maximum Compensation?

With the number of vehicles on the road, it is not surprising that car accidents are a common occurrence these days. These accidents can have a huge impact on your life, both physically and financially. Therefore, you will greatly benefit from the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney who knows how to get you maximum compensation.

What is the Difference Between a Personal Injury Attorney and a Car Accident Attorney?

Personal injury attorneys work to help people who are injured due to the negligence of others. They can be contacted by the victim or their family and friends. They can also be contacted by the insurance company of the person who caused the injury.

A car accident attorney is a lawyer that specializes in automobile accidents. They are usually contacted by an individual or their family after they have been in a car accident.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

The first step in hiring an attorney after a car accident is to request a consultation. This can be done by phone or email. The next step is to provide the attorney with any information that they may need from you. This includes medical records, police reports, and insurance information. You should also provide them with a detailed description of your case and what happened during the accident.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for victims of St. Louis car accidents. Call us 24/7 or fill out our online contact form to request a free case evaluation to ensure your legal rights are protected after a car accident. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we get you compensation!

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

St. Louis Auto Accidents – What Are the Benefits of Working With an Attorney?

February 10, 2021 by Christopher

Here’s why it’s a good idea to, at the very least, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer after a St. Louis auto accident.

Many accident victims can achieve far better results if they have an attorney working on their side, advocating for them. Knowing when to find an attorney is very important. It may make all of the difference in whether or not you get full and fair compensation.

st louis car accident lawyer

Accidents are almost always unexpected. Even careful drivers can be involved in auto accidents. Other drivers can be unpredictable. Sometimes, conditions like changing weather, obstructions in the roadways, or malfunctioning vehicles can make the likelihood of an accident occurring much greater. Reckless or negligent drivers may be the biggest cause of vehicle accidents today. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you should consult with an attorney at the very least to discuss your options and to determine how to proceed. You may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Some accident victims contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident because dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and a very complicated process. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and because of this, they generally do not offer adequate compensation or even have the best interests of the victim in mind. They are more likely to offer a settlement amount that is too low and may not even cover all of the costs associated with your accident. Insurance companies also tend to push for a fast settlement so that you are rushed and do not have time to fully comprehend the full extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.

Accidents can be very overwhelming. Working with an auto accident attorney can help your chances of achieving a fair settlement and not getting taken advantage of by an insurance company or other party. Legally protecting your rights by hiring an auto accident attorney can be one of the best things accident victims can do for themselves and their families. The last thing you want is to be mistreated or taken advantage of while dealing with the process of recovery and returning to normal life.

If you decide to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, property repairs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering, you should definitely talk to an attorney about how to proceed. The money you are awarded in a personal injury claim could be subject to state and federal income taxes, so finding an experienced attorney who understands your state’s accident laws is very important.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Again, it is essential to find an attorney experienced in handling cases similar to your circumstances. It is not unusual for attorneys to give free consultations or case assessments, which can make finding a great attorney even easier.

Legal help can be more affordable than people assume. Many attorneys will work for a portion of the settlement amount that you receive rather than hourly fees. This sort of contingency basis can mean that legal help is more accessible to those that need it.

Having an experienced car accident attorney can help to put your mind at ease, knowing that you are in good hands. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm today for a free and private consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

Factors to Consider When Comparing St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

January 6, 2021 by Christopher

Finding the right car accident lawyer doesn’t have to be difficult. You simply need to know what to look for when comparing potential attorneys.

The aftermath of a car accident is often complex. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, you may also have to deal with car damages, insurance companies, other relevant authorities, and so on. The entire legal process on top of the piling medical bills and other expenses can be nightmarish. 

calling lawyer after car accident

Trying to find a good St. Louis car accident lawyer who will work for your benefit and not focus on benefiting themselves can feel like an added stress that you don’t need right now.

Here’s the thing: finding the right lawyer doesn’t have to be that difficult. You just need to know what to look for. 

Experience in Handling Car Accident Cases

It may sound obvious right now, but when you are in pain and dealing with a lot of stress, you may be tempted to call the first lawyer who pops up during your Google search. However, if you want a chance to get fair compensation for your injury, you need a lawyer who understands the complexity of a car accident and can help you file a claim that is all-encompassing and not just a way to get some money fast. 

Look for a Lawyer Who Keeps the Lines of Communication Open

Communication is key to building a winning car accident case, and that goes for both of you. You need to be honest with your lawyer and give all the accident details, including exactly how it happened. Even if you are partially at fault, keep in mind that Missouri is a comparative fault state, meaning that the blame can be shared between drivers. If you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you can still get 80% compensation. 

Your lawyer is responsible for keeping you in the loop about your case and engage in proactive communication. If you have to call them repeatedly to get an update on your case, this may be a bad sign.

Does the Lawyer Have the Resources to Take on My Case?

Car accident cases can get quite expensive, especially if the injuries are complex and involve different medical specialties and expert witnesses. For example, a case against a trucking company may involve accident reconstruction experts, safety experts, and medical professionals. If the lawyer lacks the resources to find and hire the right team of experts or cuts corners to save money, your case might be adversely affected.  

St. Louis Accident Lawyer Helpline

Finding the right St. Louis car accident attorney can be a challenging task. However, if you ask the right questions and look at these factors to decide if a lawyer can truly fight for your right and represent your best interests, it is possible to find the right attorney for your case.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

Is It Ever a Bad Idea to Speak With an Attorney After an Auto Accident?

April 30, 2020 by Christopher

Hiring a lawyer seems like an expensive and complicated business. A lot of people are worried that they can’t afford a lawyer’s fee while others are simply wondering if they actually need a lawyer. 

When it comes to car accident victims, in most cases the injured person has to deal with their own insurance company, with the other driver’s insurance company or with a different plan, like health insurance or workers’ compensation. Some individuals trust that insurance companies are well-intentioned enough to cover all the needed expenses of a car crash victim.

calling an attorney after car accident

Well, it’s good to know what real-life cases teach us when it comes to car accident claims. 

Insurance Companies Use Tactics to Reduce a Settlement

It might sound cynical to some, but insurance companies are for-profit companies and their interest is to spend as little as possible on insurance claims. They hire insurance adjusters and teams of lawyers who aim for the same goal: minimizing the company’s costs. They are directly motivated to do so through incentives and commissions.

On the other hand, some car accident victims look for quick money and they try to exaggerate their injuries. You might have even heard of people who have succeeded in such a scheme. Remember, insurance fraud is a crime in all states. Do not exaggerate your injuries.

You Might Not Be Aware of the Extent of Your Damage

Experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers have seen enough cases to know that one should be aware of possible future expenses. This is why you should only sign a release paper if your doctor doesn’t foresee any future complications or further treatment. 

Your attorney is aware of legal limitations, possible medical expenses, and other factors that can influence your settlement. Relying on their expertise instead of trying to navigate through a complicated legal system while you are still recovering from car accident injuries is not very effective. 

Why It’s Usually Best to Work with a Lawyer 

In conclusion, speaking a car accident attorney is never a bad idea. Most experienced car accident attorneys offer a free consultation and can help you understand what you may be entitled to. That way, you can focus on your recovery while they negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

Why Choosing an Inexperienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Do More Harm Than Good

April 1, 2020 by Christopher

Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you get a better settlement, most of the time.

There are many ways in which a St. Louis auto accident lawyer will help during negotiations with insurance companies or during the trial. However, hiring the wrong car accident lawyer can actually harm your case.

st louis car accident lawyer

A lot of people deal with an insurance claim or hire a lawyer for the first time in their life when they are involved in a car accident. It’s very likely that they don’t personally know a lawyer, and may not be sure where to look for them. Searching online for a car accident lawyer is one of the easiest ways to find someone, but you don’t always have the guarantee that the lawyer you find has the necessary experience to handle your case.

Here is why you need to check and double-check that the lawyer you hire is, indeed, reputable. Inexperienced or inefficient lawyers can harm your case in many ways.

Poor Communication Can Increase Stress

It’s normal to have “silent” periods in a car accident case, especially in the discovery period, when evidence is gathered and organized. But normal pauses in the communication with your lawyer are different from poor communication. If you don’t know what your lawyer is up to, if they don’t respond to your messages or haven’t provided a date for the next meeting, it can add a lot of stress on you and harm your case.

Lack of Engagement Will Likely Get You a Lower Settlement

For a lawyer to win you a high settlement, they really have to make an effort of gathering evidence, hiring expert witnesses, being in touch with your doctors, etc. If they are disengaged, you’ll likely get a smaller amount.

You May End Up Having to Pay Their Fee Even If You Don’t Win Anything

Most car accident lawyers work with a contingency fee, which means you will pay only if they get you a settlement. Inexperienced lawyers sometimes charge a fixed fee, which can leave you with no settlement and a bill for lawyer’s fee to pay out of your own pocket.

They Are Overwhelmed by the Amount of Work on Your Case

Sometimes, young lawyers or those who don’t get many clients try to reduce expenses by not hiring enough people and handling the extra work themselves. Unfortunately, this “solution” is not good, since it often makes them under-equipped for the cases they take.

As you can see, a case depends a lot on your lawyer’s experience, skills, and engagement. If you hire someone who does not provide a quality service, you might not get the settlement you deserve or even a settlement at all.

When hiring a St. Louis car accident lawyer, check their referrals and feel free to ask questions during the first consultation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

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    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.