Common Causes of Car Accidents in Shreveport
Every car accident has its own unique circumstances, but our decades of experience have shown us patterns in how these crashes occur. Here are some of the most common accident types our car accident lawyers in Shreveport handle:
Types of Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from temporary pain to permanent disability. At Rice & Kendig, we understand how these impacts can affect not just your health but your entire life. We have experience working with clients who have sustained the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries and spinal damage
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Joint injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
Along with physical injuries, car accidents can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. Our team of skilled auto accident attorneys will cooperate with medical professionals to document all aspects of your injuries and ensure that you receive comprehensive compensation.
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Following a car crash in Shreveport, the actions you take — or don't take — can significantly impact your health and ensuing legal case. Here’s what to do:
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Don't wait to get checked out, even if you feel fine. Hidden injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not present symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care will create vital documentation for your case while protecting your health.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos or videos of the following:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Any visible injuries
Additionally, get the contact information of any witnesses present and note the weather conditions. All of these types of evidence can strengthen your case.
Watch What You Say and Do
Never apologize or discuss who's at fault after a collision — even saying "I'm sorry" could hurt your case. Insurance adjusters aren't your friends, no matter how friendly they may seem. They’ll likely do everything they can to deny or minimize your claim.
Don't Rush to Accept a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often toss out lowball settlements before the victim understands the full extent of their injuries. These offers rarely cover necessary expenses like future medical needs or lost wages. Don't accept any offer without first requesting a thorough legal review.
Stay Off Social Media
The insurance companies might monitor your posts for anything they can use against you. Even innocent photos or comments could come back to bite you. As such, it’s best to limit your social media activity until your case is resolved.
Talk to a Lawyer
Avoid signing any documents or giving statements to insurance companies without first speaking with a qualified attorney. Before you do anything else, contact the experienced Shreveport car accident attorneys at Rice & Kendig. We'll handle all communication with insurance providers and assert your rights from the start.
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a crash can impact the outcome of your case, and one wrong move could compromise your right to fair compensation. Let Rice & Kendig guide you through this challenging time and protect your interests at every crucial juncture.
Types of Compensation You Might Receive After a Car Accident
You may be entitled to various types of compensation for your auto accident. Our knowledgeable attorneys will carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue maximum recovery for the following economic losses:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Home modifications (if needed)
Depending on the circumstances, we might also be able to obtain compensation for certain non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Every case is unique. The value of yours will come down to factors like the severity of your injuries, their long-term impact, and the available insurance coverage. We'll help you understand what your case is worth and push for a settlement or jury award that addresses the full scope of your losses.
Important Car Accident Laws in Louisiana
As you begin your car accident case, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with a few key state laws:
Statute of Limitations
As of July 2024, Louisiana law gives car accident victims two years to file a lawsuit. However, some claims may be subject to the previous one-year statute of limitations, depending on when the initial incident took place. Here’s a closer look:
- Injuries sustained before July 1, 2024: One-year deadline
- Injuries sustained after July 1, 2024: Two-year deadline
This change gives you more time to file your claim, but it’s still prudent to act quickly to get your case underway while the available evidence is fresh.
Pure Comparative Fault
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages for an injurious accident even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. For example, if you're found to be 20% at fault for your crash and you qualify for $100,000 in damages, you could recover $80,000.
Direct Action Against Insurance Companies
Louisiana's "direct action" statute allows you to sue the at-fault driver's insurance company directly. This unique law can streamline your case and put additional pressure on insurers to offer fair settlements.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Louisiana has minimum insurance requirements under which drivers must carry:
- $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $30,000 for bodily injury to multiple people
- $25,000 for property damage
However, these minimums often fall short of covering the costs associated with serious injuries. Our legal team can help identify all possible sources of compensation in your case, including:
- The at-fault driver's insurance
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- The at-fault party’s personal assets
- Third-party claims against vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers
Our extensive knowledge of state and local laws will allow us to pinpoint the parties responsible for your accident and take the proper steps to hold them accountable.
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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(318) 222-2772