South Sioux City Legal Blog

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.

After an accident, your focus is naturally on healing. But while you're dealing with doctor visits, missed work, and emotional stress, time is ticking—and your legal rights may already be at risk. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve seen firsthand how delays in hiring a personal injury attorney can result in lost evidence, missed deadlines, and reduced compensation. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, workplace incident, or any other accident in Nebraska or Iowa , the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Here’s why reaching out early can make all the difference in your case—and how our team at Fitch & Stahle will protect your rights from day one. 1. Evidence Disappears Quickly Accidents leave behind a trail of evidence—but that trail fades fast. Skid marks get washed away. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget details. Vehicles are repaired or totaled. When you hire a personal injury lawyer early, we can immediately: Secure accident scene evidence Obtain video footage Interview eyewitnesses Preserve medical records and accident reports Coordinate with investigators and experts Waiting too long may mean critical proof disappears before your case even begins. 2. Insurance Companies Start Building a Case Against You Right Away Insurance companies don’t wait. Within hours of an accident, they launch their own investigation— not to help you , but to limit their financial liability. They may: Contact you for a recorded statement Ask you to sign a medical release Offer a quick, lowball settlement Delay your claim to pressure you financially Without a lawyer on your side, these tactics can seriously hurt your ability to recover full compensation. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm handles all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring you don’t say or sign anything that could be used against you later. 3. Deadlines (Statutes of Limitations) Vary and Can Be Short Each state has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. These are known as statutes of limitations : Nebraska : Generally 4 years from the date of the accident Iowa : Generally 2 years from the date of the accident But these timelines can vary depending on the type of case (e.g., wrongful death, government liability, medical malpractice), and exceptions are rare. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit entirely . An early consultation with our team ensures we file your claim well within the legal window—and begin preparing your case before it’s too late. 4. Your Medical Care Becomes Part of the Case One of the biggest factors in any personal injury case is your medical treatment . From emergency care to long-term rehab, it’s critical that your injuries are well documented by licensed professionals. When you hire a lawyer early, we can: Help you find appropriate local care providers Make sure your treatment is properly documented Track your medical records, diagnoses, and progress Prevent gaps in care that could hurt your claim We work closely with trusted providers in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and throughout Siouxland to ensure your health and case are both supported from the start. 5. You May Be Entitled to More Compensation Than You Realize When injury victims delay hiring a lawyer, they often settle for far less than they deserve. Why? Because they don’t know what they’re truly entitled to. Our experienced personal injury attorneys evaluate all types of damages , including: Medical bills (past and future) Lost wages and loss of earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Property damage Permanent disability or disfigurement Loss of enjoyment of life We make sure nothing is left on the table—and that your claim reflects the full impact of your injury , not just the initial costs. 6. You Have Nothing to Lose One of the most common reasons people delay hiring an attorney is cost. But at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we work on a contingency fee basis . That means: You pay nothing upfront We only get paid if we win your case Consultations are always free There’s absolutely no risk in calling us—and the benefits of having a skilled legal advocate on your side from day one are huge. Why Trust Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? ✅ Local & Experienced : We’ve helped injury victims throughout South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa get the justice they deserve. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident occurred on I-29, Highway 20, or a local road, we’ve got you covered across both states. ✅ Focused on You : We treat every client with care, attention, and transparency. You’re not just a case number—you’re a neighbor. ✅ Trial-Ready Advocacy : While many claims settle out of court, we’re fully prepared to litigate aggressively if needed. Take the First Step Toward Justice Today If you’ve been injured, don’t wait for things to “get worse” before getting legal help. The earlier you hire a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm protect your health, your rights, and your financial future—starting today. 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office 📞 Call now for a free consultation: 402-494-3012 🌐 Learn more at fitch-stahlelaw.com

Even If You Feel Fine

What Nebraska and Iowa Injury Victims Need to Know 

If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, the idea of filing a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming. Between insurance companies, legal documents, medical bills, and emotional stress, you may not know where to begin—or what your rights are. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless injury victims across Nebraska and Iowa navigate the personal injury claims process with confidence. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace accident, our job is to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each step of a typical personal injury claim, explain the timeline, and show you how working with a local law firm can make all the difference. Step 1: Medical Treatment and Documentation The first and most important step is always your health. After any accident, seek medical attention immediately , even if your injuries seem minor. Not only is this essential for your well-being, but it also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident—something insurance companies will look for later. Your medical documents will form the foundation of your case, including: Emergency room records Imaging (X-rays, MRIs) Doctor’s notes and treatment plans Prescription medications Physical therapy reports At Fitch & Stahle , we work closely with your medical providers to make sure your injuries are thoroughly documented and that future medical needs are included in your claim. Step 2: Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, your next step should be to consult a personal injury lawyer —especially before speaking with insurance adjusters. When you contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ll offer a free consultation where we: Review the details of your accident Evaluate the strength of your claim Estimate your potential compensation Explain the legal process in plain language There’s no pressure, and no fee unless we win your case. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your next steps. Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Gathering If you decide to move forward, we’ll begin building your case immediately. This involves a thorough investigation to gather all the facts, such as: Police or incident reports Witness statements Photos or video footage Expert opinions (accident reconstruction, medical, etc.) Vehicle or property damage estimates In Nebraska and Iowa, comparative negligence laws mean that your share of fault can affect how much you recover. That’s why it’s critical to build strong, clear evidence that supports your claim and minimizes any allegations of shared blame. Step 4: Demand Letter and Settlement Negotiations Once we’ve compiled all the necessary documentation and calculated your total damages (including future expenses), we’ll send a formal demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines: What happened Why their client is at fault A full accounting of your damages A proposed settlement amount In many cases, this starts a negotiation process. Insurance companies often counter with a lower offer, but we are aggressive negotiators who know the true value of your case. We’ll fight to get you the best possible settlement—and advise you on whether it’s in your best interest to accept or proceed to trial. Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary) If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to file a personal injury lawsuit in the appropriate court—whether in Dakota County, Nebraska , Woodbury County, Iowa , or elsewhere in the Siouxland area. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go to trial. Many cases settle during pre-trial stages such as: Discovery – Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions Motions – Legal arguments to resolve or limit aspects of the case Mediation – A neutral third party helps negotiate a settlement Still, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. That level of preparation often results in better settlements and ensures we’re ready to present a compelling case to a judge or jury if needed. Step 6: Trial (When Required) If a trial becomes necessary, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm will be by your side every step of the way. We have extensive courtroom experience and are well-known in local courts across Nebraska and Iowa . At trial, we’ll present your case using: Eyewitness and expert testimony Medical and financial records Visual evidence like diagrams, photos, or video Opening and closing arguments that clearly outline your suffering and loss While most personal injury cases settle out of court, we’re always prepared to litigate aggressively when justice requires it. How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take? Every case is different, but here’s a general timeline: Medical treatment and recovery : 2 weeks to 6 months Investigation and preparation : 1 to 2 months Demand and negotiations : 1 to 3 months Filing a lawsuit (if needed): Adds 6–12 months or more The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, acting early improves your chances of a successful outcome. Why Work With Fitch & Stahle? ✅ Local Representation – Based in South Sioux City, we know the courts, insurers, and judges in your area. ✅ Licensed in Nebraska & Iowa – We’re ready to represent you on both sides of the river. ✅ No Fee Unless You Win – You have nothing to lose by reaching out. ✅ Personalized Legal Care – We listen, we explain, and we put your needs first. When you work with Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , you’re more than just a case—you’re a neighbor, a community member, and a person we’re proud to fight for. Start Your Claim Today If you’ve been injured in an accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence. 📞 Call now for a free consultation: (402) 494-3012 🌐 Visit us online at fitch-stahlelaw.com

What You Need to Know

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Nebraska or Iowa , you may be overwhelmed with questions: Who pays for your medical bills? What if you can't work? Should you talk to the insurance company? Most importantly— do you need a personal injury attorney? The short answer: Absolutely. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help victims of drunk driving accidents recover the full compensation they deserve. Our firm, based in South Sioux City, Nebraska , is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa. We understand the specific laws in each state that can make or break your case. In this blog post, we explain why hiring an experienced DUI accident lawyer is crucial after a drunk driving crash—and how we help protect your rights. Understanding Drunk Driving Accident Claims Drunk driving crashes differ from typical car accidents. That’s because they involve criminal conduct , not just negligence. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they’re endangering lives, breaking the law, and exposing themselves to serious civil liability. While criminal DUI charges may result in jail time, fines, or license suspension, a criminal case does not pay your medical bills or compensate you for your suffering . To recover damages, you must file a civil personal injury claim , and that’s where an experienced attorney makes all the difference. What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does After a Drunk Driving Crash A skilled personal injury attorney will do far more than just file paperwork. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we build strong, evidence-backed cases to maximize your compensation. Here's how we help: 1. Investigate the Accident Thoroughly We gather police reports, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and examine the crash scene to build a clear picture of what happened—and who is at fault. 2. Prove Liability and Damages To win your case, we must prove that the drunk driver was both negligent and the direct cause of your injuries. We use expert testimony, medical records, and accident reconstruction to build a compelling argument. 3. Handle Insurance Companies Insurance companies may pretend to care—but their goal is to protect their profits. We handle all communication with the insurer so you don’t say anything that could harm your case or reduce your payout. 4. Pursue All Avenues for Compensation In some cases, Nebraska’s DRAM Shop Law may allow us to hold a bar, restaurant, or social host responsible for over-serving the driver. These third-party claims require skilled legal navigation—and our attorneys are prepared to pursue them when applicable. 5. Calculate Your True Damages Your injury isn’t just a few medical bills. We factor in future treatment, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, lost earning capacity, and other long-term effects to ensure you get full and fair compensation. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer One of the biggest mistakes drunk driving victims make is waiting too long to seek legal help. Here's why acting quickly matters: Evidence fades —witness memories fade, videos get erased, and vehicles are repaired. Medical records and diagnostics can help prove injury causation when obtained early. Statute of limitations laws in both Iowa and Nebraska limit how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit (generally 2–4 years, depending on the circumstances). The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be. What Damages Can You Claim? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we pursue maximum compensation for drunk driving accident victims. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to: Emergency room bills and medical expenses Physical therapy and future treatment costs Lost wages and loss of future income Pain and suffering Emotional distress Loss of enjoyment of life Property damage Punitive damages (in egregious cases) If a loved one was killed in a DUI-related crash, we can also file a wrongful death claim to help cover funeral costs and compensate for the loss of companionship, support, and guidance. Local Lawyers Who Know the Tri-State Area We’re not a national law firm pretending to understand your community. We live here. We work here. We know the roads, the courts, and the unique challenges facing drunk driving victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Northeast Nebraska and Northwest Iowa . We’ve handled countless injury cases across: Dakota County, Nebraska Woodbury County, Iowa The Siouxland region Surrounding rural and urban areas Our deep roots in the community give us insight that out-of-town attorneys simply don’t have. What Sets Fitch & Stahle Apart? Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can significantly impact your case. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Free consultations and no fees unless we win ✅ Licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa ✅ Decades of combined trial and settlement experience ✅ Compassionate, client-first approach ✅ Clear communication and responsive service We’re committed to making sure drunk drivers are held accountable —and that you get the financial support you need to recover and move forward. Take the First Step Toward Justice If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving crash in Nebraska or Iowa , don’t fight the system alone. You need a strong legal advocate who knows how to win these cases—and who truly cares about your recovery. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, Nebraska , or schedule a free consultation from anywhere in the Siouxland area. 📞 Call us or contact us online at fitch-stahlelaw.com to get started. Let us handle the legal burden while you focus on healing. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we stand with victims—every step of the way.