# Monroe *Motorcycle Accident Lawyers*

For riders in Ouachita Parish, a split-second driver error on I-20 or Highway 165 can change everything in an instant. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, our Monroe motorcycle accident attorneys have defended the North Louisiana riding community since 1970, fighting back against unfair "reckless biker" stereotypes and insurance company bias.

[Your Free Consultation](https://ricekendig.com/contact-us)

[Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers](https://ricekendig.com/) > [Areas We Serve](https://ricekendig.com/areas-we-serve) > [Monroe Personal Injury Lawyer](https://ricekendig.com/monroe-personal-injury-lawyer) > Monroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

## Cases

## Turning Monroe Motorcycle *Crashes into Success Stories*

- **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/mansfield-roadway-obstruction-900k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/18-wheeler-wrongful-death-1m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client.
- **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/oilfield-truck-accident-900k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/rear-end-collision-755k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-trip-and-fall-650k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/haughton-rear-end-accident-826k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis.
- **[$675,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/desoto-parish-distracted-driver-675k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish.
- **[$850,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-rear-end-accident-850k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-tire-defect-2m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/slip-and-fall-head-injury-2-7m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-18-wheeler-16m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/premises-liability-roadway-collapse-1m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-2-15m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-collision-1-275m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-750k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-2m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.
- **[$650,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-distracted-driver-collision-650k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-leads-to-neck-surgery-465k-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-collision-1m-settlement)** — 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](https://ricekendig.com/results/pedestrian-hit-by-sleeping-driver-2-5m-settlement)** — 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.

[See How We’ve Won for Others](https://ricekendig.com/results)

## Awards & Recognition
- Super Lawyers
- Accredited Business
- Preeminent
- Avvo 10 Superb
- Top 100
- Top 10 shreveport
- Advacates Forum
- Top 100 2020
- Seal of Shreveport Bar Association featuring a stylized column in navy blue.

## 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:

- ### Intersection & Left-Turn Collisions
  Intersections like those on DeSiard Street or 18th Street are high-risk zones. Drivers often turn left directly into the path of an oncoming rider, claiming they "never saw them." We use accident reconstruction to prove the driver’s failure to yield.
- ### Distracted Driving & The New Cell Phone Ban
  With the new prohibition against hand-held devices (effective Jan 1, 2026), using a phone while driving is a major legal liability. If a driver on Highway 165 was texting or scrolling when they hit you, we subpoena phone records to prove their negligence.
- ### Commercial Truck & I-20 Crashes
  High-speed lane changes by 18-wheelers on I-20 can be fatal for motorcyclists. We leverage new 2026 laws regarding commercial vehicle dashcams and telematics to secure digital proof of how the accident happened.
- ### Tailgating and Rear-Impacts
  A "fender bender" for a car is a catastrophe for a rider. Whether you were stopped at a light on Forsythe Ave or stuck in traffic near the Lea Joyner Bridge, we prove that the following driver’s failure to maintain distance caused your ejection.
- ### Road Maintenance & Hazard Negligence
  Uneven pavement, deep potholes, or gravel left in construction zones can be lethal. We identify if a government entity or private contractor failed their duty under [Louisiana R.S. § 48:35](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=103172) to keep Monroe’s roadways safe for two-wheeled travel.
- ### Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Drivers
  If a driver flees the scene or lacks coverage, we don't stop. We help you navigate your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy. Note: Starting Aug 1, 2025, the penalty for being uninsured increases, making UM coverage more critical than ever.

## 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](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370) and [2315.2](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371):

- 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](https://legis.la.gov/Legis/law.aspx?d=109387):

- 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](https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88604), 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](https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1188021)) 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](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/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](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/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](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-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 Monroe motorcycle 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

## Hear from Riders *We’ve Fought For*

- They were there to support me all the way. Even when I wanted to give up, honestly.
- I genuinely feel like Rice & Kendig had my best interest at heart and they made sure that nothing was left out.
- 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.

## Why Choose Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers ‍*for Your Monroe Case?*

- **Decades of Proven Experience**: Since 1970, we have stood up to the nation’s largest insurance companies to protect Monroe riders. Our legacy is built on five decades of securing justice and maximum recovery for the North Louisiana community.
- **Trial-Ready Advocacy**: We prepare every case for trial to ensure the highest possible settlement. In an era of shifting fault rules and stricter evidence standards, having a battle-tested litigator in your corner is your greatest advantage.
- **Direct Access to Partners**: You aren't just a case number. You will work directly with our senior attorneys who stay at the forefront of legislative changes, ensuring your case benefits from over half a century of advanced legal knowledge and skill.
- **Bilingual Legal Support**: We offer comprehensive legal services in both English and Spanish to serve our diverse community. No language barriers will stand in the way of your right to receive fair, transparent, and aggressive representation.
- **No Fee Unless ‍ We Win**: Our contingency fee structure allows you to secure top-tier legal representation with zero upfront costs. We focus on results, which means we only get paid when we successfully recover the compensation you deserve.

## ‍

## Serving Monroe and *the Surrounding Communities*

We are proud to represent riders throughout:

- West Monroe
- Sterlington
- Swartz
- Richwood
- Calhoun
- ‍

## Your Recovery Starts Here: Contact Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers Today!

The road to justice after a motorcycle accident is complex, especially with Louisiana's new legal hurdles. Since 1970, we have been the shield for injured riders. Let us handle the insurance companies and the courtrooms while you focus on getting back on your feet.

Contact us for a FREE consultation. No costs, no pressure, just results.

## FAQ

## Your Questions Answered: Monroe Motorcycle Accident FAQ

### What if the accident was caused by a pothole or gravel in Monroe?

Under Louisiana R.S. § 48:35, government entities must maintain safe roads. If we can prove the city or parish had notice of the hazard and failed to fix it, you may have a claim against the municipality.

### Can I still recover money if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

**Yes.** While Louisiana law mandates helmets, a lack of one does not bar you from seeking compensation for the other driver's negligence. It may, however, affect the percentage of fault assigned to you regarding head injuries.

### How will the 2026 fault changes affect my case?

If your case goes to trial after Jan 1, 2026, and you are found more than 50% responsible, you could lose all rights to compensation. This makes it vital to hire a lawyer who can prove the other driver was the primary cause of the wreck.

### What is the "Paid and Incurred" rule?

This is a new limit on medical damages awards, effective in 2026. It means the court will look at what your insurance actually paid the doctor, not just the initial bill. We work to ensure you still receive the maximum "extra" recovery allowed under the law.

### How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Monroe?

For the most recent accidents, you now have two years from the date of the crash. However, evidence disappears quickly. Contacting us immediately ensures we can secure dashcam footage and witness statements before they are lost.

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