1. Check on Welfare of all Drivers, Passengers & Bicyclists!

2. Call 911 – Wait for Police to Arrive    

3. Never Argue or Negotiate with the Motorist

4. Obtain Driver & Witness Information

5. Document What Happened

6. Make Sure the Police Take Your Report & Insist They Prepare an Official Crash Report

7. Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries

8. Preserve Evidence

9. Never Negotiate with Insurance Companies

10. Seek Advice from a Known Bicycle Rights Advocate

Don’t contact your insurance company before talking to a seasoned and experienced Bicycle Injury Lawyer and preferably one who rides himself as a lifestyle like you and thus fully understands your love of bicycling while understanding bicycle laws inside and out. And not just “any personal injury lawyer” will do. Select one known in the community and state for advocating and in representing the safety and rights of the Indiana Bicyclists. Advertising alone is not enough. Contact your local bicycle club or organization for a referral or suggestion and a direct referral is always the best if possible.

And just because you contact a lawyer does not mean you have to hire that lawyer. Likewise it does not mean the lawyer is obligated to take your case. At the appointment stage, make clear you would like to make sure there is an offering of a “Free No-Obligation Consultation” to weigh your options. You are seeking counsel and suggestions at that stage before contacting or responding to a claims adjuster. A true bicyclist advocate will honestly assess whether you even need to retain him or her in the first place and give you some guidance and education what to do next. Not every bicycle crash necessitates a need for a lawyer but the ones that do, you are wise to allow your advocate to do whatever is necessary to protect your interests by establishing liability first then in maximizing your damages in the form of securing reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering and other numerous damages to be discussed.

Don’t forget, Insurance companies may use anything you say against you later. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, hire a bicycle accident expert to investigate the accident, and represent you in a claim or lawsuit if necessary. At minimum, he or she should put you on the right track before moving forward in your claim – whether the bicyclist is at fault or not.

Remember that as a bicyclist you have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers need to respect the rights of bicyclists and be mindful of sharing the road and avoiding accidents, but it is also in your best interests to take the proper steps after an accident to make sure your rights are protected.

For more information, call or contact Mr. Sevenish privately at rs@sevenishlaw.com, (317) 636-7777, (800) 278-9200, Sevenish Law Firm, 251 E. Ohio Street, Suite 880, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Additional educational information is available at www.SevenishLaw.com and www.YouTube.com/sevenishlaw.

Indianapolis, Indiana (PRWEB) March 01, 2013

Sevenish Law Firm, a personal injury firm headed by Randy Sevenish, received  high honors from the American Association (AAJ) for Justice at their annual  Winter Convention – honors that Sevenish says will further bolster what he’s  able to do for his clients.

The AAJ is a professional organization for lawyers, law professors,  paralegals and law students dedicated to protecting the rights of victims and  promoting a fair justice system. Sevenish has been involved with the AAJ since  1985, but at last week’s convention he accepted an invitation to join the  organization’s Leader’s Forum.

“This was a major milestone for all of us at Sevenish Law,” Sevenish said. “This position puts our firm on the leading edge of developments in legal  technology, thinking and strategy, which directly benefits our clients and  their  families.”

The Leader’s Forum consists of select law firms that are actively involved in  shaping the civil justice system through legislative advocacy, education and  outreach. Member firms are among the first to know of policy developments that  may affect victims’ rights.

In addition, Sevenish accepted the position of Supporting Fellow of the Pound  Civil Justice Institute, a think tank dedicated to making justice accessible to  all people. He is also a longstanding member of the AAJ’s Motor Vehicle  Collision, Highway and Premises Liability section.

“Increasingly, our firm is playing a role as a leader in making sure that  everyone has equal access to the justice system – especially when up against  wealthy corporations,” Sevenish said. “We stand for defending the people who  need help the most.”

There is no way for someone to know if the other drivers on the roadway are experiencing driver fatigue and by the time they do, it may be too late. Many signs that point to a driver being fatigued are:

• Excessive yawning
• Feeling very tired
• Having trouble keeping your eyes open
• Your vehicle is swaying from side to side
• You seem to be in “wonderland”
• And many others

The best thing to do when you experience any of these symptoms (or your passenger notices them) is to pull over and get some rest.  The US Department of Transportation NHTSA estimate that “drowsy driving” was a factor in 2.2 to 2.6 percent of all fatal accidents annually from 2005-2009.  Even though that is considered a lower percentage, it still goes to show taking care of yourself will have a better impact on yourself and those around you.

Passengers of the ship claimed they were left with cabins in total darkness, non-functional toilets, sweltering temperatures, raw sewage and long waits for food, CNN said.

“Those conditions sound horrific and worthy of significant compensation.  But it’s tough to sue a cruise line for a number of reasons.  One of the cruise line ticket conditions is that class action lawsuits are not allowed.  A number of allegations are also excluded by the terms and conditions of the ticket,” said Sevenish.

“However, passengers can sue if they suffered real physical injuries,” he added. “For example, if a person broke a leg in a slip-and-fall accident in the darkness.”

The possibility also exists for passengers to sue over physical illnesses, like the ones caused by Noroviruses.

Emotional distress claims are barred by the ticket.

The Triumph was left adrift off Mexico’s Pacific coast after a fire in an engine room.  The ship was in its third day of a scheduled four-day cruise from Galveston, Texas to Mexico when the accident occurred, according to CNN.

The investigation into what went wrong started on Sunday, as soon as the fire was reported, Patrick Cuty, a senior marine investigator for the U.S. Coast Guard, said in CNN.   Allegedly, the Triumph had similar mechanical troubles that delayed a cruise in January. The complete probe will take approximately eight to 12 months to complete.

Carnival offered to give each passenger a full refund for the trip, credit for another cruise, $500, and a free flight home, said CNN.

“They deserve more,” Sevenish said. “This doesn’t even take into account the possibility of lost wages.”

If an individual or a loved one has been injured in a cruise ship accident, contact Sevenish Law Firm at (800) 278-9200.

About Sevenish Law Firm:

Sevenish Law is a law firm that serves clients throughout the Indianapolis, Indiana area, and state-wide for that matter, by providing quality, aggressive and compassionate legal representation for serious injuries caused by a motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle crash, wrongful death and other negligence claims including law enforcement and public safety officers injured in an on-duty or off-duty crash.

Randall Sevenish has represented injury victims since 1985. Before practicing law, Sevenish was a captain in the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. He founded the county’s SWAT team, attended the FBI Academy, and was honored as “Police Officer of the Year” by the City of Indianapolis for his efforts as a police instructor. Law enforcement, as well as his martial arts training and his deep religious faith, shaped his character, and gave Sevenish valuable life and practical skills, well beyond law school, that he employs in seeking aggressive and spirited compensation for his clients.

It isn’t only texting and driving, smart phones allow drivers to perform multiple tasks while driving whether that is reading or sending emails, texting, reading websites, or even making a simple call. All of those activities take your eyes away from the road and put you at a higher risk of missing a red light, stop sign or even someone breaking in front of you. All of these situations pose a potential threat to others on the roadway, including you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2010 over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents.

In order to avoid an accident, just let that text wait until you make it to your destination. You might be surprised at the number of deaths that arise every year from auto accidents and the use of a handheld device. We have all seen our friends, parents and even our children paying more attention to their phone while driving rather than the road. It is very dangerous and the outcome of an accident can be catastrophic. However, whether or not you want to avoid getting a ticket, you should be aware of the risks of texting and driving . It isn’t worth risking your life to send that message!

Distracted Driving-Video

Whiteouts can be a commuter’s nightmare, and I-70 was a crowded place Thursday afternoon as workers left early and tried to beat the weather home or headed to the airport. Traffic stalled and, as visibility worsened, drivers ran into the cars ahead of them – leading to a chain reaction pileup involving nearly 30 vehicles.

State troopers say that 20 semi-trucks and 15 smaller vehicles were involved in the crash, which happened at low speeds and led to no deaths luckily. Several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, with one in critical condition. Other injuries reported were minor according to Fox News 59.

But Randy Sevenish, an Indianapolis injury lawyer who limits his case to auto, truck and motorcycle crashes, says there are still grounds for victims to file an insurance claim seeking compensation making the filing of a lawsuit not necessary in most cases.

“The most common injuries in a car crash are not always obvious at first are known as ‘soft-tissue’ injuries as opposed to obvious fractures or injuries causing bleeding,” Sevenish said. “Whiplash and other serious neck and back injuries can take days to weeks to really set in. A lot of people who walked away from this will be in the doctor’s office by Valentine’s Day.”

Sevenish says victims in this kind of accident often don’t know what to do when involved in a crash and make the huge mistake of trying to handle the claim on their own thinking they are saving money – when in reality are damaging their own claim causing them to be victimized twice.

“The cost of medical bills, and the days you have to take off from work, can be disastrous,” he said. “It can be frustrating because you don’t feel like it was anyone’s fault. But if you were injured it’s important talk to an experienced injury lawyer. You are not alone.”

About Randall Sevenish:

Randy Sevenish is the founder of Sevenish Law and a tireless advocate for victims’ rights. A former law enforcement Captain and SWAT team commander, Sevenish entered law practice in 1985. Since then he has helped clients receive compensation for injuries and losses against tough odds, and never bills a client unless successful on their behalf.

“Everyday should be bicycle to work day. Bicycle riding benefits the health of riders and the environment,” said Sevenish.  “Bicycling also helps individuals and families save money.” He also confirms, “Indiana is blessed with a strong presence of bicycle safety and educational advocates of cyclist’s rights not only of his firm but by www.TheIndyCog.com and www.BicycleIndiana.org.” And he strongly recommends Indiana bicyclists to visit and learn from the respective sites.

According to Kiplinger, the number of Americans who bike as their primary means of transportation to work has gone up almost 40% in the past 10 years.

Lawyer Sevenish, an avid cyclist, stressed that bicycle riders should take safety precautions before going out on the road.  This includes having bicycle safety knowledge and the right equipment.  Equipment safety means, among other things, wearing a helmet that fits and making sure a bicycle is equipped with reflectors.  Bicycle safety knowledge includes using hand signals and knowing the proper direction to ride on the street.

However, as Sevenish understands, even when a rider takes all the proper precautions, bicycle accidents can still happen.  Among other things, a bicyclist can be struck by a car or truck.

According to 2009 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, the most recent numbers available, 630 cyclists were killed in 2009, a 12% drop in cyclist fatalities from the year before. The number of cyclists injured was close to 51,000.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) reported that the number of bicyclists killed or injured in the state dropped between 2008 and 2009.  In 70 crashes during 2009, 7 cyclists died, while 63 suffered injury.

Besides pedestrians, cyclists are one of the most vulnerable types of road user. A bicycle offers very little protection to cyclists in the event of a crash.  Injuries can be especially catastrophic because bike riders are often unseen by motorists until it is too late.  Consequently, cyclists get hit by large vehicles travelling at higher speeds.

“It’s a David versus Goliath situation.  The nature of auto-bicycle collisions typically leads to greater consequences for cyclists,” said Sevenish.

If you were involved in a car-bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. Bicycle accident claims are like any other type of vehicle accident in Indiana.  People who have sustained an injury and feel it was caused by the fault of another may have a claim for personal injury compensation.

If you are looking for lawyers with a strong record of successful settlements and verdicts to help with your legal matter, contact the Sevenish Law Firm at (800) 278-9200.

About Sevenish Law Firm:

Sevenish Law is a law firm that serves clients throughout the Indianapolis, Indiana area, and state-wide for that matter, by providing quality, aggressive and compassionate legal representation for serious injuries caused by a motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle crash, wrongful death and other negligence claims including law enforcement and public safety officers injured in an on-duty or off-duty crash.

Randall Sevenish has represented injury victims since 1985.  Before practicing law, Sevenish was a captain in the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.  He founded the county’s SWAT team, attended the FBI Academy, and was honored as “Police Officer of the Year” by the City of Indianapolis for his efforts as a police instructor. Law enforcement, as well as his martial arts training and his deep religious faith, shaped his character, and gave Sevenish valuable life and practical skills, well beyond law school, that he employs in seeking aggressive and spirited compensation for his clients.

Sevenish Law Firm takes cases throughout Central Indiana which includes Indianapolis and statewide, from South Bend and Fort Wayne to Terre Haute, Columbus and beyond.

It took place at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre. After the full-day event, Randy & Regina met with Dave Ramsey and his staff in private for some additional insight. Sevenish Law is the sponsor of the Dave Ramsey radio program on Freedom 95.

The EntreLeadership Seminar was geared towards changing the way individuals and companies approach business.   Topics covered by Freedom 95 talk host and New York Times Best Selling author Ramsey included leadership, goal setting, decision making, following through and integrity with all business relationships – from clients to staff to vendors without limitation.

“Modern legal practices share issues and challenges faced by the almost all businesses.  To be effective and respected, managers of any company need to work on their skills in leadership, relationship building, financial planning, communication, decision-making and more,” said Randall Sevenish, Christian lawyer and Indiana personal injury attorney.

Randy Sevenish is an Indiana personal injury attorney who has assisted those injured in a wide range of accidents caused by another’s negligence since 1985.  He has extensive and particular experience in Indiana motorcycle accident litigation as well as other areas of law, such as personal injury.

He is also an active member of his community and church, committed to bettering the lives of others by giving people the help that they need.

“Lawyers need to be leaders in their practices and in their communities. Lawyers have the ability not just to advocate, but to create opportunities and provide positive change,” said Sevenish, “Taking care of people and the treating of everyone with honor, respect and integrity, whether they are our clients, our associates or our neighbors, is a top priority.”

If you are looking for Christian lawyers with a strong record of successful settlements and verdicts to help with your injury claim, contact a skilled Christian lawyer at Sevenish Law at (800) 278-9200 for a confidential consultation and review of your case.

About Sevenish Law Firm:

Sevenish Law is a law firm that serves clients throughout the Indianapolis, Indiana area, and state-wide for that matter, by providing quality, aggressive and compassionate legal representation for serious injuries caused by a motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle crash, wrongful death and other negligence claims including law enforcement and public safety officers injured in an on-duty or off-duty crash.

Randall Sevenish has represented injury victims since 1985.  Before practicing law, Sevenish was a captain in the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.  He founded the county’s SWAT team, attended the FBI Academy, and was honored as “Police Officer of the Year” by the City of Indianapolis for his efforts as a police instructor. Law enforcement, as well as his martial arts training and his deep religious faith, shaped his character, and gave Sevenish valuable life and practical skills, well beyond law school, that he employs in seeking aggressive and spirited compensation for his clients.

Sevenish Law Firm takes cases throughout Central Indiana which includes Indianapolis and statewide, from South Bend and Fort Wayne to Terre Haute, Columbus and beyond.

Young drivers, according to the Indiana traffic safety report, are defined as drivers between ages 15 and 19. These drivers are just learning to drive or have only had a license for a short period of time, which means they are low on experience. In recent years, using cell phones and other electronic devices has become second nature to teens, many of whom must be reminded that Indiana and other states have made certain types of cell phone use while driving illegal, and that using cell phones while driving is always a risk.

The number of crashes involving young drivers in Indiana decreased about 5.7 percent between 2005 and 2009. The percentage of crashes that claimed a life decreased even more, from 75 percent in 2005 to 48 percent in 2009, a much larger decrease than the other Great Lakes states in the same time period. Today, about 1 in every 1,000 young drivers involved in an Indiana crash suffers a fatal injury – a lower number than in the past, but still too high for any family who loses a loved one.

Indiana motorcyclists must pass both a written test and a skills test to receive a motorcycle endorsement, so most motorcyclists are up to speed on Indiana