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Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyers

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, and when it’s caused by someone else’s negligence, the pain is even greater. At Rice & Kendig, we’ve helped countless Shreveport families seek justice after wrongful deaths, honoring their loved ones’ memories while securing their futures.

Our compassionate attorneys stand by your side every step of the way. While no compensation can replace your loss, we’ll hold those responsible accountable and fight to ensure your family’s financial stability.

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Truck Accident Victories

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  • Accredited Business
  • Preeminent
  • Avvo 10 Superb
  • Top 100
  • Top 10 shreveport
  • Advacates Forum
  • Top 100 2020

Common Causes of Truck Accidents 

No matter what caused the crash, Rice & Kendig has skillful lawyers in Shreveport, LA, who are committed to uncovering the truth and securing justice.

  • In today’s world, distractions like texting, GPS systems, and onboard devices take truckers’ eyes off the road for just a few seconds — but that’s all it takes to cause tragedy. Our attorneys subpoena phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements to reveal distracted driving and prove fault.

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for anyone — but especially for truckers responsible for operating massive vehicles. Whether it’s illegal substances or prescription medication impairing their judgment, we pursue claims against both the driver and the trucking company for failing to enforce safety protocols.

  • Truckers often push themselves to the brink of exhaustion to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, drivers sometimes falsify logs or skip mandatory breaks, creating dangerous conditions. We investigate driver records, GPS data, and electronic logs to determine whether safety violations led to your accident.

  • Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. When companies cut corners or ignore inspections, critical components like brakes, tires, and engines can fail — leading to catastrophic crashes. We hold trucking companies accountable by uncovering neglected maintenance records and identifying failures that caused the accident.

  • Improperly loaded trucks become unstable, causing rollovers, jackknife crashes, or cargo spills that endanger other drivers. We work with industry professionals to analyze weight logs, cargo securement practices, and loading procedures, exposing violations that contributed to the crash.

  • Speeding, tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and other reckless behaviors become exponentially more dangerous when a commercial truck is involved. These actions turn highways like I-20 and I-49 into deadly zones. We use crash data, traffic cameras, and expert analysis to serve as evidence of the driver’s dangerous choices and hold them accountable.

Types of Injuries We Handle

Truck accidents often cause far more severe injuries than typical car crashes due to the sheer size and force of 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles. At Rice & Kendig, we know that these injuries don’t just affect your health — they disrupt your work, family, and entire way of life.

Our experience includes cases involving:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden, violent impact can strain the neck and spine, leading to long-lasting pain and mobility issues.
  • Back and spinal cord injuries: From herniated discs to partial or full paralysis, spinal damage can alter your ability to work and live independently.
  • Head injuries and concussions: Even “mild” head trauma can cause headaches, dizziness, and memory issues that linger for weeks or months.
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Severe brain injuries often result in cognitive impairments, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care.
  • Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening injuries to organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys, requiring immediate surgery.
  • Facial injuries and scarring: Broken bones, lacerations, or burns can leave victims with permanent disfigurement and emotional distress.
  • Joint injuries (knees, shoulders, hips, etc.): Torn ligaments, fractures, or joint dislocations often require surgeries and long rehabilitation periods.
  • Nerve damage: Damage to nerves can cause chronic pain, numbness, or loss of function in parts of the body.
  • Broken bones and fractures: Collisions often result in shattered limbs, ribs, or pelvises that require complex surgeries and recovery time.
  • Psychological trauma and PTSD: The emotional toll of a serious accident can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Our dedicated attorneys take a comprehensive approach to truck accident injuries. Whether it’s covering medical bills, securing long-term care, or addressing the emotional scars that linger after the crash, we fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.

What to Do After a Shreveport Truck Accident

The moments after a motor vehicle accident are overwhelming, but the steps you take can make a significant difference for your health, your financial situation, and your legal case. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:

Seek Medical Help Immediately

Even if you feel fine, don’t assume you’re uninjured. Hidden injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions can worsen without treatment. Seeking medical care not only safeguards your health but also creates vital documentation that connects your injuries to the accident. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and keep all medical records.

Document the Scene

If you’re able, gather evidence while you’re still at the accident site.

  • Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, and the surrounding road conditions.
  • Get contact information for witnesses and anyone else involved in the crash.
  • Note important details like weather conditions, time of day, and any hazards present, such as tire marks or debris.

This evidence can become critical in proving fault and strengthening your claim.

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies — whether it’s the trucking company’s insurer or your own — may contact you quickly. Do not give recorded statements, sign documents, or accept any settlement offers without speaking to an attorney. Adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, so even casual remarks could be used against you.

Call Rice & Kendig

Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car crashes, as they may involve multiple parties, federal trucking regulations, and powerful insurance companies. Let our Shreveport truck accident attorneys take the burden off your shoulders. Our team will:

  • Collect critical evidence, including black box data and driver logs
  • Negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation
  • Represent you in court if they refuse to settle

You can focus on healing, and we’ll handle everything else. Your road to recovery starts here.

Truck Accident Compensation We Fight For

Accidents with large trucks often leave victims with significant losses. We pursue every avenue to recover:

  • Medical expenses: From emergency care and surgeries to long-term rehabilitation and therapy.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your career.
  • Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional trauma that impacts your quality of life.
  • Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings
  • Wrongful death: Funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering after the loss of a loved one.

At Rice & Kendig, we don’t just look at what you’ve lost today — we consider the full impact on your future and fight for every dollar you need.

Understanding Louisiana's Truck Laws

Here’s what you need to know about regulations and laws that may apply to your case:

Federal Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucks are governed by strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including:

  • Hours of service (HOS) limits: Drivers are limited to specific driving hours to prevent fatigue. 
  • Weight limits: Trucks must adhere to weight restrictions to prevent instability, tire blowouts, and rollovers.
  • Maintenance and inspection standards: Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe to operate.
  • Driver qualifications: Truck drivers must carry a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet medical and training standards.

We investigate driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to expose violations of these federal rules that may have caused your accident.

Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Rule

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system under Civil Code Article 2323, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share part of the blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.

Our team works to minimize your liability and present strong evidence showing the trucking company or driver’s fault.

Statute of Limitations

In Louisiana, you have a limited time to file a truck accident claim:

  • For accidents before July 1, 2024: You have one year to file.
  • For accidents after July 1, 2024: The deadline increases to two years.

It’s critical to act quickly to preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and file your case before the deadline.

Truck Insurance Requirements

Truck drivers and trucking companies must carry far higher insurance limits than standard vehicles due to the catastrophic damage large trucks can cause. These minimum coverage amounts often include $750,000 for general freight trucks and $1,000,000+ for trucks transporting hazardous materials.

Liability for Multiple Parties

In truck accident cases, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include:

  • Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
  • Maintenance providers: For failing to keep the truck in safe operating condition.
  • Cargo loaders: For improper loading practices leading to instability or cargo spills.
  • Manufacturers: For defective truck parts, such as brakes or tires.

At Rice & Kendig, we leave no stone unturned to identify every party that may be liable for your accident and hold them accountable under Louisiana law.

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!

No Fee Unless We Win For You

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from Truck Accident

Victims We’ve Helped

  • 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 for Your Accident Case?

Louisiana clients appreciate our no-nonsense approach and commitment to the community. When you’re looking for a law firm to represent your best interests, contact Rice & Kendig.

  • 40+ Years of Winning Tough Battles
    For over four decades, we’ve fought — and won — against trucking giants and their insurers. Our reputation in the courtroom forces them to take your case seriously and treat you fairly.
  • Direct Access to Trusted Attorneys
    At Rice & Kendig, you’re more than just a case file. You’ll work directly with senior attorneys, not junior associates or paralegals.
  • Relentless Investigations That Uncover the Truth
    We dig deeper than the surface. From driver logs to black box data, maintenance records, and company violations, we uncover the evidence needed to prove fault and maximize your claim.
  • Shreveport’s Local Advantage
    We know Louisiana trucking laws, local courts, and roads like the backs of our hands. Our deep roots in the community give us the edge that out-of-town firms simply can’t match.
  • Clear, Confident Communication for Every
    Client
    Language shouldn’t stand in the way of justice. Our bilingual team proudly serves Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring you’re heard, understood, and fully represented.
  • No Win, No Fee Commitment
    You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees while recovering from an accident. With our contingency fee structure, you pay nothing up front and owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Your Local Advocates:

Supporting Truck Accident Victims Across Northern Louisiana

Wherever you are in Northern Louisiana, Rice & Kendig is ready to stand by your side. We understand the challenges of taking on trucking companies and their insurers, and we have the skills, resources, and local knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Call Rice & Kendig Today:

Your Recovery Starts Now!

When a truck accident leaves you hurt and overwhelmed, you need a team that’s ready to fight back. At Rice & Kendig, our 18-wheeler accident attorneys have spent over 50 years helping Shreveport families take on big trucking companies and win. Don’t wait — call now for your free consultation. 

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