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Monroe Car Accident Lawyers

A sudden car crash can upend your life in seconds, leaving you with physical pain and a mountain of debt. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we stand as powerful advocates for the people of Monroe and Northeast Louisiana. Our experienced Monroe auto accident attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use and are dedicated to securing the full financial recovery you need to move forward.

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Cases

Proven Results:
How We've Changed Lives in Monroe

See How We’ve Won for Others
$900,000

Motor Vehicle Accident

A truck towing a large piece of equipment blocked a rural roadway, leading to a collision that left our client with rib and ankle fractures.

$1,000,000

Wrongful Death

A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client.

$900,000

Car Accidents

Clients were rear-ended by an oilfield service truck, resulting in shoulder and wrist injuries and the aggravation of a hernia.

$755,000

Car Accidents

A distracted driver failed to stop for our client’s vehicle, causing injuries, including sacroiliac joint dysfunction and post-concussion syndrome.

$650,000

Trip and Fall

A caterer suffered major shoulder and knee injuries requiring surgery after tripping over a loose board that the facility had failed to repair.

$826,000

Car Accidents

A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis.

$675,000

Car Accidents

Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish.

$850,000

Car Accidents

A driver’s failure to yield on LA 3132 led to a high-impact rear-end collision, causing the client to suffer multi-level disc disease and chronic pain.

$2,000,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler driver suffered severe facial and internal injuries after a defective tire blew out, causing the truck to flip several times.

$2,700,000

Slip and Fall

A client suffered a head injury after slipping on unattended mop water in a facility that failed to post warning signs.

$16,000,000

Wrongful Death

A tragic head-on collision caused by a speeding 18-wheeler resulted in the wrongful death of a mother and great-grandmother and injuries to an infant.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$2,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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  • Advacates Forum
  • Top 100 2020
  • Seal of Shreveport Bar Association featuring a stylized column in navy blue.

Types of Car Accidents We Work with in Monroe

Our extensive history in Northeast Louisiana has prepared us to handle the specific challenges of local traffic collisions. From the busy intersections of West Monroe to the rural stretches of Ouachita Parish, our Monroe auto accident lawyers are ready to investigate:

  • DUI/DWI Accidents

    Drunk driving remains a leading cause of catastrophic harm in our region. We hold intoxicated drivers fully accountable for their reckless choices. Our team digs deep into police reports and toxicology data to build a solid case against those who endanger our community by driving under the influence.

  • Distracted Driving

    In an era of smartphones, a split-second distraction on roads like Highway 165 or Louisville Avenue can change lives forever. We represent victims of drivers who were texting, adjusting GPS, or otherwise failing to focus on the road. We work to secure phone records and witness statements to prove negligence.

  • Rear-End Impact Collisions

    Often occurring at busy traffic lights or during sudden stops, rear-end accidents can cause lasting damage even at lower speeds. We help clients suffering from whiplash, spinal trauma, and other injuries common in these crashes, ensuring that insurance companies don’t minimize your suffering.

  • Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes

    Broadside collisions are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer minimal protection. We act quickly to preserve intersection camera footage and interview witnesses to determine who failed to obey a traffic signal or failed to yield the right-of-way.

  • Head-On Collisions

    The sheer force involved in head-on impacts often leads to permanent, life-altering injuries. Our legal team uses accident reconstruction experts to prove liability in these devastating cases, helping victims of lane-crossing or wrong-way drivers pursue maximum compensation.

  • Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

    Accidents involving three or more cars — common on I-20 — create complex liability disputes. We cut through the confusion and finger-pointing to identify every responsible party and hold their insurance providers responsible for your losses.

  • Hit-and-Run Accidents

    Fleeing drivers leave victims with serious injuries and legal uncertainty. Our team works to identify the at-fault party using witness statements and surveillance footage. If they remain unknown, our Monroe auto accident lawyers help you secure recovery through your own uninsured motorist coverage to protect your financial future.

  • Rideshare Collisions (Uber & Lyft)

    Accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles introduce a complex web of insurance layers. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, determining which policy is active — the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s corporate coverage — requires deep legal knowledge.

Car Accident Injuries We Help Address in Monroe, LA

A collision does more than just crumple metal; it can inflict severe physical damage that isn't always obvious in the moments after the crash. At Rice & Kendig, we have decades of experience advocating for clients who have sustained life-altering trauma, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): From concussions to permanent cognitive damage.
  • Spinal cord trauma: Injuries that can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
  • Orthopedic fractures: Broken bones that often require surgery and extensive hardware.
  • Whiplash and cervical injuries: Soft-tissue damage that limits mobility and affects daily life.
  • Joint and ligament damage: Trauma to knees, shoulders, and wrists.
  • Internal organ damage: Life-threatening internal bleeding and vital organ trauma.
  • Chronic nerve damage: Permanent pain or loss of sensation following an impact.

Beyond the visible physical wounds, we recognize the deep psychological toll a crash takes on victims. Our legal team collaborates with medical specialists to document the full scope of your trauma — both physical and emotional — to build a case for the comprehensive compensation you need to heal.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Monroe, LA

The moments following a crash are critical. The decisions you make can determine both your physical recovery and the success of your legal case. Here are the first steps you should take after an auto accident to protect yourself and your future:

Prioritize Professional Medical Care

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, internal trauma or soft-tissue damage may not surface immediately. A prompt evaluation by a doctor in Monroe not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a medical link between the accident and your injuries, which is a vital piece of evidence for your claim.

Move to Safety

If your vehicle is operable, pull off the road to avoid secondary accidents. Activate your hazards and check the condition of all passengers and other drivers involved. If anyone is injured, contact emergency services immediately.

Gather Detailed Evidence

If you are physically able, use your phone to record the scene thoroughly. Focus on:

  • Impact points on all involved vehicles
  • Debris, skid marks, and road signage or signals
  • License plates and insurance documentation
  • Environmental factors like weather or obstructed views

Additionally, obtain contact details from any witnesses, as their statements can be invaluable if the other driver's insurer disputes fault.

Be Mindful of Your Statements

Avoid discussing fault or saying "I'm sorry" at the scene. While it may seem like a common courtesy, insurance companies often use these words to shift liability onto you. Remember, you are not required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault party's insurance adjuster without your attorney present.

Resist Early Settlement Pressure

Insurance carriers frequently offer "quick cash" settlements to close a case before the victim understands the full cost of their long-term treatment. These lowball offers rarely account for future surgeries or lost earning capacity. Never sign a release until a legal professional has reviewed it.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney in Monroe

Before engaging with insurance companies or signing any paperwork, reach out to the team at Rice & Kendig. We will shield you from high-pressure tactics and ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.

Available Compensation You May Receive After a Car Accident

In the aftermath of a crash, the financial burden shouldn't rest on your shoulders. Our Monroe auto accident attorneys conduct a comprehensive valuation of your claim to ensure we pursue every available cent for your recovery.

Economic Damages

We fight to secure reimbursement for the direct financial costs associated with your accident, including:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic imaging, and all anticipated future surgeries or treatments.
  • Income restitution: Recovery for the wages you’ve already lost and compensation for your diminished earning capacity if you can no longer perform the same job.
  • Property restoration: Funds to repair your vehicle or secure its fair market value if it is declared a total loss.
  • Rehabilitative care: The costs of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized long-term nursing care.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: Reimbursement for medical transportation, prescriptions, and necessary home modifications to accommodate a disability.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss comes with a receipt. Our experienced car accident attorney team also pursues compensation for intangible harm, such as:

  • Physical pain and suffering: Restitution for the physical agony endured during and after the collision.
  • Emotional anguish: Compensation for the anxiety, depression, or PTSD that often follows a traumatic crash.
  • Loss of quality of life: Addressing your inability to participate in the hobbies, sports, and daily activities you once enjoyed.
  • Loss of consortium: Recognition of the strain the accident places on your relationships with your spouse and family.
  • Permanent impairment: Damages for lasting disfigurement, scarring, or the loss of a bodily function.

Every case in Northeast Louisiana is unique. The ultimate value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and the available insurance limits. Our firm is dedicated to building a case that reflects the true, long-term impact of the accident on your future.

Essential Louisiana Car Accident Laws: What Every Monroe Victim Needs to Know

Navigating the legal aftermath of a crash in Ouachita Parish requires an understanding of Louisiana’s rapidly changing statutes. These five key laws directly impact your ability to recover compensation:

The New Filing Deadlines (Prescription)

For decades, Louisiana had a strict one-year limit to file a lawsuit. As of July 2024, the law has changed:

  • Accidents before July 1, 2024: You likely have only one year to file.
  • Accidents on or after July 1, 2024: You now have two years to file.

Missing these deadlines permanently bars you from seeking recovery. Our Monroe auto accident lawyers recommend acting early to ensure evidence remains fresh.

The "51% Rule" (Modified Comparative Fault)

Effective January 1, 2026, Louisiana moved to a Modified Comparative Fault system. Your level of responsibility for the crash is now more critical than ever:

  • The threshold: If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover zero damages.
  • The reduction: If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of liability. (For example, if you are 20% at fault, you receive 80% of your award).

The $100,000 "No Pay, No Play" Penalty

Since August 1, 2025, the penalty for driving uninsured has increased drastically. If you did not have the state-required auto insurance at the time of the crash, you cannot recover the first $100,000 of your bodily injury or property damage claims. There are exceptions for accidents involving intoxicated drivers or hit-and-run accidents, which our Monroe car accident attorney team will investigate.

Medical Bill Recovery (Paid vs. Billed)

Starting January 1, 2026, Louisiana follows a "paid and incurred" rule for medical damages. You can no longer recover the full "sticker price" originally billed by a hospital. Instead, your recovery is generally limited to what was actually paid by you or your insurance provider, plus any remaining balances you still owe. This change can significantly alter the total value of your settlement.

Hand-Held Device Ban & Evidence of Negligence

As of 2026, the use of hand-held wireless devices while driving is strictly prohibited in Louisiana. If the other driver was using a phone during your collision, it is not just a traffic violation — it is powerful evidence of their negligence. This can help our Monroe auto accident lawyers prove fault and maximize your recovery.

Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.

At Rice & Kendig, our 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!

No Fee Unless We Win for You

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories of Justice:
‍Testimonials from Our Clients

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers for Your Car Accident Case?

Working with our experienced legal team provides the powerful representation and local insight your case deserves. Here is why families in Ouachita Parish choose us:

  • Courtroom-Tested Representation
    We are always prepared to present your case to a jury to secure its maximum value. Insurance companies often offer higher settlements because they know we won’t back down from a trial.
  • Invaluable Local Knowledge
    With deep roots in Northeast Louisiana, we understand the specific Monroe roads, courts, and insurance tactics. This "home-field advantage" allows us to navigate your claim with unmatched precision.
  • Senior Attorney Involvement
    Our partners personally manage every critical stage of your case, providing the high-level attention you deserve. You benefit directly from our combined 60 years of experience, rather than being handed off to an assistant.
  • Bilingual Legal Support
    We provide dedicated representation in both English and Spanish to ensure you clearly understand every step of your case. Our bilingual team ensures that language barriers never stand between you and the justice you deserve.
  • No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee
    We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover money for you. This allows you to focus on your health without worrying about upfront legal expenses.
Your Local Advocates

Serving Monroe and
Northeast Louisiana with Dedication

Rice & Kendig is deeply committed to the people of North Louisiana. We're proud to serve car accident victims in Monroe and surrounding communities:

  • West Monroe
  • Sterlington
  • Swartz
  • Richwood
  • Calhoun
  • ‍

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Contact Us

Get the Advocacy You Deserve. Start Your Recovery Today.

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. Our Monroe car accident lawyers have recovered millions for Northeast Louisiana families by standing up to insurance companies, drawing on decades of trial experience. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

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Thank you for your interest. Please note that Rice & Kendig is a personal injury law firm. If your claim is not injury related, we recommend you contact a legal professional in the correct practice area or your local legal aid for general assistance.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The value depends on your medical expenses, lost income, and the severity of your pain and suffering. We calculate the full long-term impact of your injuries to ensure the insurance company's offer covers your future needs, not just today’s bills.

  • Yes, but under Louisiana law, your compensation may be reduced if your injuries could have been prevented by a seatbelt. Our Monroe auto accident lawyers will fight to ensure the insurer doesn't use this to unfairly slash your recovery.

  • Delayed symptoms like whiplash or internal trauma are very common. It is vital to see a doctor immediately after any crash and avoid signing any settlement until a medical professional has cleared you.

  • Louisiana strictly prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving. If the other driver was on their phone, it serves as powerful evidence of negligence, helping us prove liability and maximize your recovery.

  • Yes. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we believe in personal involvement, so you will meet with a senior partner to discuss your case. We provide the high-level legal guidance that large "settlement mill" firms often lack.