ST. LOUIS — A motorist is suing an insurance company, citing alleged breach of contract.
William R. Bernhardt filed a complaint July 10 in the St. Louis Circuit Court against Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange alleging the defendant failed to compensate the policyowner with the agreed amount under the insurance contract.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 10, 2015, he was driving northbound on Salt Lick Road and was hit at an intersection at Four Winds Drive, causing him permanent injuries for which he incurred medical expenses amounting to $12,500. He claims he was compensated under underinsured driver's liability of $25,000, but his injuries exceed the value of the settlement made by the defendant because his policy with the defendant covers two vehicles for a total of $200,000 coverage.
The plaintiff holds Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange responsible because the defendant allegedly failed and refused to make payment of the amount of $100,000 under the insurance coverage contract.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for all damages for vexatious refusal, including reasonable attorney's fees, costs incurred, and for such additional relief as the Court deems appropriate. He is represented by Andrew B. Klein of Kullmann, Klein & Dioneda, PC in St. Louis.
St. Louis Circuit Court Case number 1722-CC10753