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Ruston Car Accident Lawyer

At Rice & Kendig, we see the true impact of car crashes every day — families struggling with burdensome hospital bills, careers put on hold, and futures thrown into question. As Ruston's dedicated car accident attorneys, we bring decades of courtroom wins and settlement victories to your quest for compensation.

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Cases

Proven Results for Ruston Families

See How We’ve Won for Others
$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.

$4,000,000

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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  • Avvo 10 Superb
  • Top 100
  • Top 10 shreveport
  • Advacates Forum
  • Top 100 2020

Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Ruston

Every crash tells a different story, but our years of serving Lincoln Parish have taught us how to handle each scenario with skill and efficiency. Here are the types of collisions our Ruston car accident lawyers help clients with every day:

  • DUI/DWI Crashes

    Anyone who drives while drunk makes a selfish choice that can destroy lives. When impairment leads to an accident, we go after not just the driver but also the establishments that served them. Our investigations go deep to identify every responsible party and build cases that deliver real accountability.

  • Distracted Driving Accidents

    A glance at a phone. A bite of food. A quick adjustment of the radio. These moments of inattention can cause devastating harm with effects that last a lifetime. We’ll pull cell records, interview witnesses, and reconstruct timelines to prove the other driver's negligence and get you paid for every loss.

  • Rear-End Collisions

    Tailgating and distraction can end in painful collisions on Ruston’s roads. While some dismiss these crashes as minor, we understand the reality: Whiplash can keep you from working, back pain can become chronic, and life can get harder all around. We make the insurance companies pay what they owe.

  • T-Bone Collisions

    Intersections become danger zones when drivers blow through red lights or ignore right-of-way rules. Side impacts occur where vehicles offer the least protection, often causing life-altering injuries. We act fast to secure traffic footage and witness accounts before evidence disappears.

  • Head-On Crashes

    Wrong-way drivers and lane-crossers frequently cause the most violent types of crashes. The force of two vehicles meeting head-on can produce traumatic brain injuries, shattered bones, and internal damage that makes survival a question. We bring in reconstruction experts and medical specialists to prove the full scope of our clients’ harm.

  • Rollover Accidents

    Sharp curves taken too fast, top-heavy SUVs, and dangerous roads can combine to cause rollovers that trap and injure vehicle occupants. These cases demand technical analysis of vehicle design, road engineering, and driver behavior. We handle that complexity so you don't have to.

  • Hit-and-Run Accidents

    A cowardly driver who flees the scene of an accident can leave you with severe injuries and no assistance. Our investigators track down fleeing drivers using every tool available. On the off chance that we can’t find them, we’ll tap into your own insurance policies to secure funds for your recovery.

  • Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

    Highway pile-ups on I-20 and U.S. 167 can create confusion and prompt finger-pointing in every direction. We cut through the chaos, identifying each liable party and their insurer, and collecting from all of them.

  • Rideshare Accidents

    Uber and Lyft crashes bring their own unique legal headaches, as driver coverage, company coverage, and personal coverage all overlap in confusing ways. Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, driving another car, or walking nearby, we know which policies pay and how to access them.

Car Accident Injuries We Help Address

Car crashes don't just dent metal and break glass. They can break bodies and damage lives. Our Ruston personal injury attorney team has secured compensation for clients dealing with:

Distracted Driving Accidents

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Broken bones that require surgery
  • Neck trauma and chronic whiplash
  • Damaged joints that limit mobility
  • Internal bleeding and organ injuries
  • Nerve damage that causes permanent pain

Physical wounds often heal slowly, and emotional scars last even longer. We work with doctors who can document every impact you’ve suffered and testify about your long-term needs, ensuring that your settlement covers not just today's medical bills but tomorrow's care, too.

Essential Steps to Take After a Ruston Car Accident

The actions you take after a car crash can have a significant influence on your health and your prospective personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Get checked out even if you feel fine. Hidden injuries like internal trauma can be deceptive. Moreover, prompt medical care creates documentation that will be essential for a legal claim. Make sure to contact emergency services for serious injuries.

Document the Accident Scene

If possible, take photos and videos of the following:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Road conditions
  • Traffic signals
  • Visible injuries
  • License plates

While you’re at it, gather witness information and note the weather and traffic conditions. This kind of evidence can bolster your personal injury case.

Watch What You Say

Never apologize or discuss fault at the scene, as even innocent statements could jeopardize your personal injury claim. The same goes for handling calls with insurance adjusters — remember that they serve their employers’ interests, not yours.

Don't Accept Early Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often present quick, inadequate settlements that don't cover injury victims’ future medical expenses or lost wages. Never accept an offer without a thorough legal review from a personal injury attorney in Ruston who understands your rights.

Limit Your Social Media Activity

Insurers may monitor your accounts for anything they can use against you. As tempting as it may be to post about your accident, it’s best to restrict your social media activity until your injury case has resolved.

Contact a Ruston Car Accident Lawyer

Before signing any documents or giving any statements to insurance company representatives, reach out to Rice & Kendig. We'll handle all necessary communication and safeguard your rights from the start. Trust our dedicated legal professionals to guide you through this challenging time.

Possible Car Accident Compensation in Louisiana

Louisiana law allows injury victims to seek compensation for the costs of someone else's negligence. Our attorneys can help you pursue the following types of damages:

Economic Damages

  • All medical bills from emergency care through final treatment
  • Wages lost while you’re recovering
  • Future earnings if you can't return to your old job
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Medical transportation expenses
  • Home modifications for permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma and anxiety
  • Loss of your ability to enjoy activities you once loved
  • Relationship strain and loss of companionship
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

In extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, courts sometimes award punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar misconduct from occurring.

Your potential compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the duration of your treatment, any permanent impairments you suffer, and the available insurance coverage. We’ll calculate the true value of your case based on actual medical evidence and life impact, not whatever the insurance company decides to offer.

Louisiana Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Several state statutes directly impact how your claim will proceed and how much you can recover. Here are a few worth knowing:

Statute of Limitations

Louisiana recently changed its statute of limitations for personal injury cases. You now have two years to file a legal claim if your crash occurred on or after July 1, 2024. If the accident happened prior to that date, the old one-year deadline will apply.

Modified Comparative Fault

Louisiana just made a major change to how fault affects compensation. Beginning January 1, 2026, the state will switch from a pure comparative fault to a modified comparative fault system.

Here's what that means:

For Accidents Occurring Before January 1, 2026 (Pure Comparative Fault)

You can recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault. For instance, if you were 70% responsible, you could still collect 30% of your eligible damages.

For Accidents Occurring After January 1, 2026 (Modified Comparative Fault)

If you’re 50% or less at fault for your accident, you recover damages reduced by your assigned percentage of liability. However, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you’ll recover nothing.

For example, here’s how your degree of fault would affect an award of $100,000 in damages:

  • 30% liability: You’d receive $70,000.
  • 50% liability: You’d receive $50,000.
  • 51% liability: You’d receive $0.

This momentous change makes fault determination the critical battleground in every case. Hiring an injury lawyer who investigates thoroughly, gathers strong evidence, and presents compelling arguments about the other driver's responsibility is now more important than ever.

Direct Action Statute

Louisiana's unique direct action statute once allowed injury victims to sue the at-fault party’s insurance company directly. However, this rule was amended in 2024, narrowing the situations in which direction action is permissible. Our lawyers can explain this important change in greater detail.

Required Insurance Minimums

Louisiana drivers are required to have the following coverage:

  • $15,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $30,000 per accident for bodily injury (multiple people)
  • $25,000 for property damage

These bare minimums rarely cover the costs of serious injury — a single ambulance ride and emergency room visit can exceed $15,000 before any actual treatment begins. That's why we always search for additional coverage sources, which may include:

  • Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Umbrella policies held by the at-fault driver
  • Commercial policies if the crash involved a business vehicle
  • Product liability claims against auto manufacturers for defective parts
  • Premises liability claims if poor road maintenance was a factor

Our extensive knowledge of Louisiana personal injury law means we know where to look for compensation when the obvious sources are dead ends.

Don't Let the Insurance Companies Minimize Your Claim

Our Ruston car accident attorneys know how to counter lowball settlement offers and demand the financial resources you rightfully deserve. Get your free case review now!

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Client Stories: Justice for Injury Victims in Ruston

  • 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 to Handle Your Ruston Car Accident Case?

Working with our Lincoln Parish injury attorneys offers many significant advantages. Here’s why our clients choose us:

  • Proven Trial Experience
    Insurance companies know that we mean business. We don't hesitate to take personal injury cases to court, and our willingness to pursue litigation often leads to substantially better settlements because we're fully prepared to fight tirelessly for what our clients deserve.
  • Comprehensive Support
    You'll have a full legal team on your side, including skilled investigators and accident reconstruction specialists. We’ll build the strongest possible claim to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
  • Direct Access to Experienced Attorneys
    Your case won't disappear into a stack of files. Our attorneys personally handle key procedural steps, ensuring that you benefit from our combined experience and dedicated attention throughout the legal process.
  • Local Connections That Matter
    With deep roots in Ruston throughout Lincoln Parish, we understand local courts, judges, and insurance tactics. Our firm has proudly served this community for years, and in that time, we’ve put together a proven track record of success.
  • Bilingual Legal Support
    Our bilingual team ensures that Spanish-speaking clients receive clear and effective representation. No language barriers — just results.
  • No Win, No Fee Guarantee
    You’ll pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our commitment is completely risk-free, allowing you to focus on what matters while we fight for justice on your behalf.
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Serving Lincoln Parish with Pride

Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers champions the rights of injured people throughout Lincoln Parish and beyond. We're proud to serve accident victims in the following areas:

  • Ruston
  • Grambling
  • Simsboro
  • Choudrant
  • Dubach
  • Vienna
  • Downsville
  • Quitman

From right here in Ruston to surrounding communities, we deliver dependable legal representation to every client. Our mission to provide top-tier legal assistance to injury victims extends across Northern Louisiana.

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

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Get the Legal Help You Need Today

Rice & Kendig has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims to help them rebuild their lives. Our Ruston personal injury attorneys are ready to stand with you as you seek meaningful compensation. Contact our law office today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.

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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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(318) 222-2772
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FAQ

Your Questions Answered: Car Accident FAQs

  • Absolutely. We'll help ensure that your vehicle gets repaired at a reputable shop or secure compensation for its full market value if it’s totaled.

  • Seek medical attention, call for emergency services, document the scene, and contact Rice & Kendig before talking to insurance adjusters to protect your rights.

  • Always seek medical attention immediately after any accident, and never agree to a settlement until you understand the full extent of your injuries, as delayed symptoms are common.

  • Under Louisiana's new modified comparative fault law (effective January 1, 2026), you can recover damages only if you were 50% or less responsible for your accident. If your percentage of fault exceeds 51%, you’ll receive nothing.

  • We'll explore all options, including your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and potential third-party liability, to see that you receive the multispectrum compensation you need.