Many auto accidents seem minor at first. Perhaps there is little visible damage to your car and you are able to get up and walk away from the scene. But later, after you have seen a doctor, you realize you sustained serious injuries that will require extended medical care and force you to miss time from work.
Sometimes an accident is nobody’s fault. But if your accident was the result of another driver’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek compensation–either by negotiating a settlement with the driver’s insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Your chances of receiving compensation are significantly greater if you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Rice & Kendig, LLC, our Bossier City auto accident lawyers represent victims like you every day. We understand how to negotiate with insurance companies, and when necessary how to pursue litigation to protect our clients’ best interests.
How Louisiana Law Deals with Auto Accidents
Louisiana requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage: $15,000 per bodily injury or death to one person, $30,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. Effective August 1, 2025, an update to the state's "No Pay, No Play" law prevents an uninsured driver from recovering the first $100,000 of their personal injury and property damage claims.
More importantly, Louisiana follows a fault-based rule for accident liability. This means the victim must prove in court that the other driver caused the accident through negligent acts, such as failing to obey traffic signs (e.g., running a red light) or drunk driving. Any action that deviates from the accepted duty of care in operating a motor vehicle can form the basis for a personal injury claim.
But what if the other driver tries to blame you for the accident? In that case, Louisiana follows a 51% comparative fault rule. This means a judge or jury will assess the relative liability of all parties involved. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court determines you were 10% responsible for the accident, your damages award will be reduced by 10%. If you're found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Rice & Kendig Is Here for You
In a successful auto accident claim, the negligent driver or their insurance company will have to pay for your medical bills–including the costs of any expected future care–as well as any loss of income and your intangible pain and suffering. However, you need to act quickly to preserve your right to seek compensation. Louisiana requires victims to file a personal injury lawsuit within 1 year of the date of their accident. This deadline comes up quicker than you might realize, especially if you need time to investigate the circumstances of the accident and negotiate a potential settlement with an insurance company.
The auto accident lawyers at Rice & Kendig are here to help. Contact us today if you have been injured in an accident anywhere in the Bossier City area and would like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.
At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!
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