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5 Categories of Questions to Ask Your DUI Lawyer
Robert Stahle • June 11, 2020
If you have been arrested for an OWI or DUI charge, it is important to get legal representation quickly. DUI and OWI charges are taken very seriously, and they can lead to stiff consequences, including possible jail sentences. You do not need to go through this process alone. An experienced DUI attorney will stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and court procedures that go along with DUI charges.
Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Offices , our team of attorneys works with criminal defense cases, including DUI and OWI charges. Here are five categories of questions to ask our lawyers when you first meet with us.
Law Background and Experience
Not all criminal defense attorneys handle DWI and OWI cases. You’ll want to ensure that the lawyer you choose to work with knows how to handle a case with your specific circumstances. Here are experience-related questions to ask your DUI defense attorney.
- How long have you been working on DUI and OWI cases? How many cases do you work on in a year?
- What percentage of your caseload is devoted to DUIs?
- Are you familiar with the prosecutor in my case?
- Are you licensed to practice in both Iowa and Nebraska?
- How successful are you in defending DUI cases? In past DUI cases, how many have you been able to get the charges dropped or reduced to lesser charges?
- How do you think you will help me win my case?
Certification and Special Training
Sometimes an OWI lawyer will have special training to deal with DUI cases.
- Are you certified by DUI defense organizations such as the National College for DUI Defense or similar state bar organization?
- Have you been on a DUI ride-along with a police officer?
- Have you completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Student or Instructor Standardized Field Sobriety courses?
- Do you have a knowledge of Breathalyzer and blood test toxicologists, and an understanding of alcohol toxicology?
Fees and Payment
Most people will want to know how much their OWI attorney will be charging them. Here is how to find out.
- How much will you charge for my case? Is the fee a predictable block fee calculation, or does the lawyer charge per hour?
- In addition to your standard rates, are there any extra fees that I will have to pay, such as witness fees or blood sample testing?
- Do you have a payment plan?
- Will I be billed for travel time or expenses?
- What forms of payment do you accept? Do you accept peer-to-peer payment services such as Venmo or Square Cash?
Siouxland DUI Attorney
If you are in need of a DUI or OWI attorney in Sioux City, NE, or Sioux City, IA, turn to the experienced team at Fitch & Stahle Law Office. When you work with our office, you will receive strong legal assistance from a team that wants to make sure that your drunk driving case is presented properly.
Contact our office at (402) 494-3012 to chat with our attorneys about your case.
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.