On this page
- Car Accidents in Red River Parish
- Highway Accidents Near Coushatta
- What Evidence Can Prove Fault?
- 18-Wheeler Accidents in Red River Parish
- Truck Driver Fatigue
- Distracted Commercial Drivers
- Poor Truck Maintenance
- Multiple Responsible Parties
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Future Damages
- Louisiana's Comparative Fault Rule Changed
- Example
- What If the Other Driver Says You Caused the Wreck?
- Louisiana's Two-Year General Rule
- Why Waiting Can Hurt the Investigation
- Medical Treatment After a Serious Accident
- What Compensation May Be Available?
- Wrongful Death in Red River Parish
- Where Are Red River Parish Personal Injury Cases Filed?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Talk to Jacqueline Scott & Associates
You do not have to base the value of your injuries on the insurer's first assessment.
A serious accident claim should examine what happened, who caused it, what evidence exists, how the injuries have affected you, what future treatment may be necessary, and what Louisiana law allows you to recover.
Jacqueline Scott & Associates represents people injured in Coushatta and throughout Red River Parish and Louisiana.
Our practice includes:
- car accidents;
- 18-wheeler wrecks;
- commercial vehicle accidents;
- motorcycle accidents;
- pedestrian accidents;
- catastrophic injuries;
- premises liability;
- wrongful death; and
- other serious injury cases.
Call (318) 746-5997.
Make ’Em Pay.
Car Accidents in Red River Parish
Serious collisions can occur on highways, local roads, and intersections throughout Red River Parish.
Common causes can include:
- distracted driving;
- speeding;
- following too closely;
- unsafe passing;
- failure to yield;
- crossing the centerline;
- impaired driving;
- driver fatigue; and
- unsafe turns.
The cause should be determined from evidence rather than assumptions.
Highway Accidents Near Coushatta
Red River Parish includes important highway routes, including U.S. Highway 71.
Highway traffic can include passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles traveling between communities and other parts of Louisiana.
Higher speeds increase the potential severity of:
- rear-end collisions;
- head-on crashes;
- intersection wrecks;
- commercial vehicle accidents; and
- multi-vehicle collisions.
What Evidence Can Prove Fault?
Depending on the crash, evidence may include:
- police reports;
- photographs;
- video;
- witnesses;
- vehicle damage;
- roadway evidence;
- dashcams;
- surveillance footage;
- electronic vehicle information; and
- accident reconstruction.
Evidence should be preserved early when possible.
18-Wheeler Accidents in Red River Parish
Commercial-truck cases can involve more than the driver.
The investigation may need to determine:
Who employed the driver?
What motor carrier operated the truck?
Who owned the tractor?
Who owned the trailer?
Who maintained the equipment?
Was cargo involved?
What insurance applies?
Truck Driver Fatigue
Federal hours-of-service rules apply to covered commercial drivers.
If fatigue may have contributed to a collision, investigators can examine available information such as:
- electronic logs;
- dispatch records;
- GPS;
- fuel records;
- delivery records; and
- other time-stamped information.
No single record necessarily answers the entire question.
Distracted Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers can also become distracted.
Potential distractions may include:
- cellphone use;
- messaging;
- dispatch communications;
- navigation systems;
- food or drinks; and
- other activity taking attention from driving.
Legally obtainable electronic records may become important when distraction is disputed.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Mechanical failures can cause or contribute to catastrophic accidents.
Potential issues include:
- brakes;
- tires;
- steering;
- lights;
- suspension; and
- other vehicle components.
Commercial motor carriers subject to federal rules have inspection, repair, and maintenance obligations.
Multiple Responsible Parties
A serious commercial collision may involve potential responsibility by:
- driver;
- motor carrier;
- employer;
- tractor owner;
- trailer owner;
- maintenance contractor;
- cargo company; or
- another negligent party.
Each party's responsibility must be proven from the evidence.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists can suffer devastating injuries when another driver fails to see them or violates their right of way.
Potential injuries include:
- traumatic brain injury;
- spinal injury;
- fractures;
- internal injuries;
- severe road rash;
- nerve damage; and
- amputations.
Catastrophic Injuries
Some accident victims face lifelong consequences.
Catastrophic injuries can affect:
- mobility;
- memory;
- cognition;
- speech;
- ability to work;
- ability to drive;
- independence; and
- ability to perform ordinary daily activities.
The claim should account for the documented long-term consequences.
Future Damages
Future damages can become a major part of a catastrophic injury claim.
Potential future losses include:
- medical care;
- surgery;
- rehabilitation;
- medication;
- medical equipment;
- attendant care;
- home modifications; and
- reduced earning capacity.
Appropriate medical, vocational, life-care, or economic evidence may be useful depending on the case.
Louisiana's Comparative Fault Rule Changed
For claims governed by the version of Civil Code Article 2323 effective January 1, 2026, a claimant found 51% or more negligent cannot recover damages.
If claimant negligence is below 51%, damages are reduced according to the percentage of negligence.
This makes liability disputes particularly important.
Example
Suppose recoverable damages are determined to total $300,000.
If a claimant is 20% negligent, the damages would generally be reduced based on that percentage under the current rule.
At 51% claimant negligence, recovery is barred.
What If the Other Driver Says You Caused the Wreck?
Statements should be compared with objective evidence.
That can include:
- photographs;
- witnesses;
- vehicle damage;
- video;
- electronic information;
- roadway evidence; and
- expert analysis where necessary.
An insurance adjuster's assignment of fault is not automatically the final legal answer.
Louisiana's Two-Year General Rule
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1 generally establishes a two-year prescriptive period for delictual actions beginning on the date injury or damage is sustained.
The legislation establishing the new period became effective July 1, 2024.
Older accidents and certain specialized claims require separate analysis.
Why Waiting Can Hurt the Investigation
Even when a lawsuit deadline is months or years away, evidence can disappear.
Examples include:
- surveillance footage;
- dashcam recordings;
- trucking data;
- damaged vehicles; and
- witnesses' memories.
Early investigation can preserve options that may disappear later.
Medical Treatment After a Serious Accident
Seek appropriate medical attention after a serious crash.
Medical records may establish:
- complaints;
- symptoms;
- diagnoses;
- objective findings;
- imaging;
- restrictions;
- treatment; and
- future recommendations.
Do not exaggerate symptoms, but do not minimize them either.
Accurate medical documentation matters.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the facts and applicable Louisiana law, potential damages may include:
- past medical expenses;
- future medical expenses;
- lost wages;
- loss of earning capacity;
- property damage;
- physical pain;
- mental anguish;
- disability;
- loss of enjoyment of life; and
- other legally compensable losses.
Wrongful Death in Red River Parish
A fatal accident can potentially give rise to both survival and wrongful-death actions under Louisiana law.
The claims address different losses.
The investigation may involve:
- accident reconstruction;
- medical evidence;
- employment and financial records;
- insurance;
- commercial records; and
- beneficiary information.
Fatal accident cases should be evaluated promptly.
Where Are Red River Parish Personal Injury Cases Filed?
Red River Parish is served by Louisiana's 39th Judicial District Court.
The Red River Parish Courthouse is located in Coushatta.
Whether a particular personal injury lawsuit belongs in the 39th Judicial District Court depends on Louisiana's jurisdiction and venue rules and the facts of the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a Red River Parish personal injury claim?
Louisiana's current general rule provides two years for delictual actions, although accident dates and specialized claims can affect the deadline.
What if I was partially responsible?
For claims governed by the current Article 2323, claimant negligence below 51% can reduce damages without necessarily barring the claim. At 51% or more, recovery is barred.
What if an 18-wheeler caused my injuries?
The investigation may need to include the driver, motor carrier, equipment, electronic records, maintenance, commercial insurance, and potentially additional companies.
Can I recover future medical expenses?
Potentially, when future treatment is legally recoverable and supported by appropriate evidence.
What if I cannot return to my old job?
A serious injury claim may involve diminished earning capacity in addition to past lost wages.
Will my case have to go to trial?
Not necessarily. Some cases settle through negotiations or mediation. Others require litigation and potentially trial.
Talk to Jacqueline Scott & Associates
If you were injured in Coushatta or elsewhere in Red River Parish, a serious claim deserves more than a quick insurance estimate.
The investigation should determine:
Who caused the accident?
What evidence proves it?
Are multiple defendants responsible?
What insurance applies?
What medical treatment will be necessary?
How will the injury affect your future?
Call Jacqueline Scott & Associates at (318) 746-5997.
Make ’Em Pay.
Every case is different. Results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice.
This article is general information about Louisiana law and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines can change, and every case depends on its own facts. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.
