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Shreveport Uninsured Motorist Accident

A car accident can change everything in seconds. But for many Shreveport residents, the real shock comes moments later when they discover the at-fault driver who hit them has no insurance at all. This scenario unfolds all too frequently across Louisiana. Despite strict legal requirements, approximately 13% of Louisiana drivers — about 1 in 8 vehicles on our roads — are uninsured.

At Rice & Kendig, we refuse to let uninsured drivers derail your life and financial security. Our Shreveport uninsured motorist accident lawyers have dedicated over 50 years to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, even when traditional liability claims aren't an option.

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Cases

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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.

$750,000

Civil Rights Violation

A 68-year-old client's 4th amendment rights were violated when police illegally entered his home and wrongfully arrested him.

$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

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

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

Types of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accidents We Handle

Uninsured motorist claims involve complex legal and insurance challenges that require experience and exceptional skills. Our Shreveport attorneys have spent decades developing effective strategies for these difficult scenarios:

  • Complete Lack of Insurance Coverage

    When the driver who hit you has absolutely no insurance, you're left facing a seemingly impossible situation. Our attorneys immediately identify all potential recovery sources, including your own uninsured motorist policy, and build a compelling case that maximizes your financial support during this challenging time.

  • Underinsured Motorist Situations

    Many Louisiana drivers carry only minimum coverage — $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident — which rarely covers serious injuries. When these inadequate policies leave you with significant uncovered expenses, we'll pursue your underinsured motorist benefits to bridge the gap and fully fund your complete recovery.

  • Hit-and-Run Accidents

    Drivers who flee accident scenes leave victims with no information to pursue a traditional claim. Our dedicated team treats these cases as uninsured motorist claims, conducting thorough investigations while simultaneously pursuing all available insurance options to provide the compensation you deserve.

  • Drivers of Borrowed Vehicles

    If you're struck by someone driving a borrowed car without permission, both the vehicle owner's insurance and the driver's coverage may deny responsibility. Our experienced attorneys cut through these complex scenarios, identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable for your injuries.

  • Rideshare Uninsured Accidents

    Accidents involving Uber or Lyft create unique complications, especially when uninsured motorists are involved. We understand the layered insurance structures of rideshare companies and how they interact with your own coverage, ensuring no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

  • Commercial Vehicle Uninsured Incidents

    When commercial vehicles are involved in accidents with uninsured drivers, multiple insurance policies and corporate entities may share responsibility. Our skilled attorneys have extensive experience navigating these multi-layered cases to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

  • Motorcycle Crashes with Uninsured Drivers

    Motorcyclists face heightened risk when hit by uninsured drivers, often suffering catastrophic injuries with minimal protection. Our firm fights aggressively for injured riders, ensuring their unique damages are fully documented and compensated through all available insurance channels.

Common Injuries in Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Being struck by an uninsured driver often results in devastating injuries that impact every aspect of your life. The situation becomes even more challenging when you must fight your insurance company for fair compensation. At Rice & Kendig, we've helped clients recover damages for numerous serious injuries, including:

  • Whiplash and Neck Trauma
    These soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility, often requiring extensive physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment that quickly exhausts standard insurance limits.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
    From concussions to severe TBIs, brain injuries can permanently affect memory, personality, and cognitive function, potentially requiring lifetime care that far exceeds most insurance coverage.
  • Spinal Cord Damage
    Back injuries range from herniated discs to complete paralysis, with treatment costs that can reach millions over a lifetime — precisely why having experienced legal representation is crucial.
  • Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
    Complex fractures may require surgery, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation, creating substantial medical expenses that uninsured drivers simply cannot cover.
  • Internal Organ Damage
    Hidden injuries to vital organs often necessitate emergency surgery and extended hospital stays, generating enormous medical bills that must be addressed through alternative insurance sources.
  • Psychological Trauma
    The emotional impact of being hit by an uninsured driver — including anxiety, depression, and PTSD — deserves recognition and compensation as part of your overall recovery.

Our attorneys collaborate with medical experts to fully document your injuries and their long-term effects, ensuring that every aspect of your suffering is recognized and compensated through your uninsured motorist claim.

Critical Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

Your actions immediately following a collision with an uninsured motorist can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these essential steps to protect both your health and legal rights:

Document Everything at the Scene

Even after discovering the other driver lacks insurance, gather as much information as possible:

  • Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
  • Record the driver's name, contact information, and driver's license number.
  • Note their vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate.
  • Collect contact information from any witnesses.
  • Document road conditions, traffic signals, and weather.

This evidence becomes even more critical in uninsured motorist claims, as your insurance company will scrutinize every detail before approving your benefits.

File a Police Report Immediately

Call law enforcement after any accident, especially when an uninsured driver is involved. The official police report creates an indisputable record of the incident and may document the driver's admission of lacking insurance — evidence that can prove invaluable when filing your uninsured motorist claim.

Insurance companies often require a police report before processing uninsured motorist claims, making this step absolutely essential for your financial recovery.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Get examined by a healthcare provider immediately, even if you initially feel fine. Many serious injuries don't show immediate symptoms, and delays in treatment can give insurance companies reason to deny your claim. Thorough medical documentation connects your injuries directly to the accident and helps establish their severity.

Without proper medical documentation, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren't caused by the accident or aren't as serious as you claim, significantly reducing your potential compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, but stick to the basic facts. Even your insurance company isn't necessarily on your side when paying uninsured motorist benefits. Avoid:

  • Speculating about fault
  • Minimizing your injuries
  • Giving recorded statements without legal counsel
  • Accepting initial settlement offers

Remember that insurance adjusters are trained to find ways to reduce or deny claims, even when dealing with their own policyholders. Their primary obligation is to their shareholders, not to you.

Consult with Rice & Kendig

Insurance companies often present quick, lowball settlements for uninsured motorist claims, hoping you'll accept them before understanding the full extent of your damages. Our experienced Shreveport uninsured motorist accident attorneys will evaluate all settlement offers, negotiate from a position of strength, and ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Once you accept an insurance settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money — even if your injuries worsen or require additional treatment. Our legal team will make sure any settlement accounts for all current and future damages before you sign anything.

Compensation Available Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage

When an uninsured driver hits you, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes your financial lifeline. Many people don't realize the full extent of benefits available through these policies. At Rice & Kendig, we'll help you recover every dollar you're entitled to, including:

Medical Expenses

Your UM coverage can help pay for:

  • Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
  • Surgeries and specialist care
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Medications and medical equipment
  • Future medical needs related to your injuries

We work with medical experts to project your long-term healthcare costs, ensuring your settlement accounts for both current and future medical expenses. This comprehensive approach prevents you from being left with uncovered medical bills years after your settlement.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Injuries often mean missing work or being unable to return to your previous position. Your UM benefits should cover the following:

  • Wages lost during recovery
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Lost job opportunities
  • Career retraining, if necessary
  • Benefits and retirement contributions

Our team will meticulously document all income-related losses to make sure you're fully compensated for the accident's impact on your financial future. We often work with vocational experts and economists to calculate the actual lifetime value of your diminished earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional trauma following an accident deserve recognition. Louisiana law allows recovery for non-economic damages through your UM coverage, including:

  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Psychological impacts like anxiety or PTSD
  • Loss of consortium and relationship with your spouse

While these damages are harder to quantify, our experienced attorneys know how to present compelling evidence that ensures they're fairly valued in your settlement. We help insurance companies and juries understand the real human impact of your injuries beyond just the medical bills.

Property Damage

Comprehensive UM coverage also addresses vehicle damage and other property losses:

  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Rental car expenses during repairs
  • Personal property damaged in the crash
  • Diminished value of your repaired vehicle
  • Modified vehicle accommodations for permanent disabilities

We'll document and include every tangible loss in your compensation package, leaving no damage unaddressed in your final settlement.

Understanding Louisiana's Uninsured Motorist Laws

Navigating Louisiana's complex insurance laws requires master-level legal knowledge. Here's what you need to know about the regulations affecting your uninsured motorist claim:

Mandatory Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:

  • $15,000 for injury to one person
  • $30,000 for injuries per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

When drivers fail to meet these requirements, they face fines, license suspension, and potential lawsuits — but these penalties do nothing to help you recover financially after they've injured you. This reality creates the need for robust uninsured motorist protection.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Louisiana

Unlike many states, Louisiana doesn't mandate uninsured motorist coverage. However, insurance companies must offer it, and policyholders must explicitly reject it in writing. This "opt-out" system means many Louisiana drivers have UM coverage without realizing it.

Your uninsured motorist coverage typically matches your liability limits, providing essential protection against:

  • Drivers with no insurance
  • Hit-and-run drivers
  • Underinsured drivers whose coverage can't fully compensate you

Our attorneys will review your policy to identify all available coverage that might apply to your situation, often finding protection that clients didn't know they had.

Pure Comparative Fault Rule

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, but you remain eligible for recovery regardless of your contribution to the accident.

This principle also applies to uninsured motorist claims, though insurance companies often try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to minimize their payout. Our experienced attorneys will fight to ensure you're not unfairly blamed for an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

New Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Louisiana recently extended its statute of limitations for personal injury claims:

  • Accidents before July 1, 2024: One-year deadline
  • Accidents after July 1, 2024: Two-year deadline

While this gives victims more time to file, we recommend acting quickly after an uninsured motorist accident. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies become more resistant the longer you wait to pursue your claim.

"Stacking" Multiple Insurance Policies

Louisiana law allows for the "stacking" of uninsured motorist coverage in certain situations, particularly when multiple vehicles are insured under the same policy. This can significantly increase the total coverage available for your injuries.

Our Shreveport uninsured motorist accident lawyers will explore every possibility for maximizing your coverage, including potential stacking opportunities that could double or even triple your available benefits.

Hit by an Uninsured Driver? You CAN Still Get Compensation!

Despite what the insurance company tells you, you have options. Our attorneys have recovered millions for victims just like you.

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Success Stories:
How We've Helped Uninsured Motorist Accident Victims

  • 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
Uninsured Motorist Accident Case?

When facing the uncertainty of an uninsured motorist claim, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. Here's why Rice & Kendig stands apart in Shreveport:

  • Five Decades of Success Fighting for Accident Victims
    Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience to every uninsured motorist case. This battle-tested experience has secured millions for Louisiana victims when insurance companies claimed there was no path to recovery.
  • Detective-Level Investigation When Others Give Up
    The difference between denial and a six-figure settlement often lies in evidence others never find. Our team deploys specialists, tracks down witnesses, and analyzes crash dynamics to build ironclad cases insurance companies cannot dismiss.
  • We Get Results by Battling the Insurance Company
    When you file an uninsured motorist claim, your own insurance provider becomes your opponent. Our attorneys' reputation makes adjusters nervous, backed by our willingness to take cases to trial when needed.
  • Total Case Management That Lets You Heal
    You shouldn't have to deal with paperwork and hostile insurance representatives while recovering. We handle every call, document, and negotiation from start to finish so you can focus entirely on healing.
  • Spanish-Speaking Services That Bridge Communication Gaps
    Justice should never be limited by language barriers. Our bilingual team ensures Spanish-speaking clients receive the same exceptional representation, with every detail clearly explained in your preferred language.
  • Zero Financial Risk with Our Contingency Guarantee
    Mounting bills after an uninsured motorist accident creates enough financial pressure without adding legal fees. Our promise is simple: if we don't win your case, you don't pay a penny — period.
Your Local Advocates

Serving Uninsured Motorist
Accident Victims
Across Northwest Louisiana

At Rice & Kendig, we proudly represent uninsured motorist accident victims throughout Northern Louisiana. Our extensive experience in local courts gives us a significant advantage when fighting for clients in:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Don't Let an Uninsured Driver Determine

Your Financial Future!

Being hit by an uninsured driver can feel like a double victimization — first from the accident itself, then from the realization that there's no insurance to cover your losses and damages. But you are not alone. That’s where we come in.

At Rice & Kendig, our experienced legal team will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your accident. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build winning strategies that get results.

We take our responsibility very seriously. When you entrust us with your case, we will not stop until we secure the most money possible for your injuries. As one of our clients has said, “Outstanding service and extremely good at what they do. Everyone on their staff was extremely helpful and helped with whatever I needed. I would encourage anyone in need of personal injury representation to contact them”. This is our promise to you.

Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

Uninsured Motorist Accident FAQs

  • This is precisely why uninsured motorist coverage exists. Even if the at-fault driver has no assets worth pursuing through a lawsuit, your UM coverage steps in to provide compensation for your injuries and losses. Our attorneys will help you navigate your insurance claim to maximize recovery without the uncertainty of chasing after an uninsured individual's limited resources.

  • In most cases, your insurance rates should not increase when making an uninsured motorist claim when you weren't at fault for the accident. Louisiana law RS 22:1284 prohibits insurers from raising rates solely because a policyholder makes a claim where they were not predominantly at fault. However, insurance companies sometimes find ways around these restrictions. Our attorneys can advise you on your specific situation and help protect your long-term insurance interests.

  • If your UM coverage limits are insufficient, we'll explore every possible alternative source of compensation, including:

    • Stacking multiple policies if applicable
    • Medical payments coverage on your auto policy
    • Health insurance coverage for medical expenses
    • Homeowner's insurance in certain circumstances
    • Third-party claims against other potentially liable parties

    We leave no stone unturned when seeking the full compensation our clients deserve.

  • While every case is unique, uninsured motorist claims typically resolve within 6-18 months, depending on factors such as injury severity, insurance company cooperation, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Our attorneys work efficiently to expedite your claim without sacrificing the quality of representation or the value of your settlement.

  • Louisiana's pure comparative fault system allows you to recover damages even if you contributed to the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, but you remain eligible for recovery regardless. Our attorneys will work to minimize your assigned percentage of fault while maximizing your overall recovery.

  • Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those who handle claims on their own — often 3-4 times more, even after legal fees. An adjuster’s main job is to pay you as little money as possible. And without exceptional legal help, they will be successful. This difference is even more pronounced in complex uninsured motorist claims, where insurance companies frequently undervalue or deny valid claims. Our attorneys level the playing field, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.