Common Motorcycle Accidents We Handle in Monroe
While every wreck is different, Louisiana’s busy corridors, from Louisville Avenue to the suburban reaches of West Monroe, see recurring patterns of negligence. We provide experienced representation for:
Common Types of Catastrophic Motorcycle Injuries
Because motorcyclists are exposed without the protective frame of a standard vehicle, collisions in Ouachita Parish often lead to life-altering trauma. Our skillful motorcycle accident attorneys fight for compensation that accounts for your long-term needs:
- Severe road rash and skin loss: High-speed contact with the pavement can cause deep abrasions that require skin grafts and leave permanent, painful scarring.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a DOT-approved helmet, a sudden impact can cause brain trauma, resulting in long-term cognitive difficulties and lifelong care requirements.
- Spinal cord and back injuries: Damage to the vertebrae can lead to partial or total paralysis, necessitating significant changes to your home and daily lifestyle.
- Complex bone fractures: Impact with the road or another vehicle frequently results in shattered limbs, ribs, or pelvic bones that require multiple surgeries and extensive hardware to repair.
- Emotional and psychological distress: The mental aftermath of a wreck, including PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression, can be just as damaging to a rider as their physical wounds.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, Rice & Kendig is dedicated to securing the resources you need for a full recovery.
Critical Steps After a Motorcycle Accident

The actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a Monroe motorcycle crash are vital for your future claim. To protect your rights, follow these steps:
Obtain Immediate Medical Evaluation
Prioritize your health by seeing a doctor immediately, even if you feel uninjured. Adrenaline often hides the pain of internal bleeding or concussions. Establishing a medical record right away creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for your case.
Preserve the Scene and Evidence
If you are able, use your phone to photograph the vehicle positions, skid marks, and any debris on the road. Collect names and contact info from any witnesses. Be sure to keep your damaged helmet and protective clothing in their post-accident state, as they are critical pieces of physical evidence.
Secure Your Legal Position
Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene, as these statements can be used to reduce your compensation. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or providing recorded statements until you have consulted with an attorney. Our team will manage all insurance communications to ensure your words aren't used against you.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
A motorcycle wreck often brings sudden financial hardship. Rice & Kendig pursues a comprehensive compensation package that addresses the total impact the accident has had on your life.
Medical and Rehabilitation Costs
We seek recovery of all medical expenses, from the initial emergency room visit through hospital stays and prescription costs. We also project the expense of future treatments, such as physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation, so you aren't left paying for your recovery out of pocket.
Income Loss and Career Impact
If your injuries keep you from your job in Monroe, we fight to recover your lost wages. If you suffer a permanent disability that limits your ability to work in your chosen field, we calculate the total loss of your future earning capacity to protect your family’s financial security.
Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Quality of Life
We pursue "general damages" for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the crash. This includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, such as being unable to participate in hobbies or ride your motorcycle again.
Property and Equipment Damage
We ensure your claim covers the full cost of repairing or replacing your bike at its fair market value. Our team also factors in the cost of safety equipment, custom modifications, and specialized riding gear that was destroyed during the collision.
Additional Economic Damages
Our attorneys account for all out-of-pocket costs related to the accident. This can include transportation to medical appointments, professional home care, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a permanent injury.
Understanding Louisiana’s Motorcycle Laws

Navigating a personal injury claim in Monroe requires an attorney who stays up to date with the rapid changes in state law. The recent 2025-2026 legislative sessions have overhauled how motorcycle accident cases are handled in Louisiana.
Important Changes to Filing Deadlines (Prescription)
Louisiana has modified the timeframe for filing a lawsuit under Civil Code Articles 2315.1 and 2315.2:
- For accidents before July 1, 2024, you generally have 1 year to file.
- For accidents on or after July 1, 2024, the deadline has been extended to 2 years.
- Wrongful Death: Effective August 1, 2025, the prescriptive period (statute of limitations) is now one year from the date of death or two years from the date of the initial injury, whichever is longer.
The Shift to Modified Comparative Fault (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
Louisiana is moving away from "pure" comparative fault. Under the new amendment to Civil Code Article 2323:
- If a rider is found 51% or more at fault, their recovery is reduced to zero.
- In a jury trial, the jury will be specifically instructed on the effect of this 51% rule.
Aggressive legal representation is now more vital than ever to ensure the defense doesn't unfairly shift the majority of the blame onto you.
"No Pay, No Play" Penalty Increase (Effective Aug 1, 2025)
Under the amended La. R.S. 32:866, the penalty for operating a vehicle without the required minimum insurance has skyrocketed. If an injured rider is uninsured, their proven damages will be reduced by $100,000 (previously $15,000).
The New "Paid and Incurred" Rule (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
The Collateral Source Rule (La. R.S. 9:2800.27) has been revised to a "paid and incurred" framework. This limits medical expense recovery to what was actually paid by insurance or the patient, plus any remaining owed balances. The 40% "write-off" bonus previously allowed is no longer available.
Elimination of the "Housley Presumption" (Effective May 28, 2025)

The new Code of Evidence Article 306.1 eliminates the automatic legal presumption that an accident caused your injuries simply because you were healthy before the crash. You now bear the full burden of proof to demonstrate medical causation through expert testimony and detailed records.
Restrictions for Undocumented Persons (Effective Aug 1, 2025)
Under the new Civil Code Article 2315.12, undocumented persons injured in an "automobile accident" (which applies to motorcycle crashes) can no longer be awarded general damages or lost wages. However, they may still pursue claims against their own UM/UIM insurance policies.
New "Put the Phone Down" Law (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
Louisiana now prohibits the use of hand-held wireless devices while driving. If a driver hits you while using a phone, the fines are doubled. This is a critical factor in proving negligence in Monroe distracted driving cases.
Standard Louisiana Riding Statutes
In addition to the new reforms, we ensure that your case complies with all existing safety laws under La. R.S. § 32:190:
- Helmets: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection are mandatory for all riders.
- Lane Usage: Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, but lane splitting is strictly prohibited in Louisiana.
- Equipment: Your bike must have functioning turn signals, headlights, and at least one rearview mirror.
Failure to follow these statutes doesn't necessarily stop you from recovering compensation, but it may affect your fault percentage under the new 51% rule.
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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