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Myths About Iowa Personal Injury Attorneys | Fitch & Stahle

Robert Stahle • June 14, 2021

Many people who suffer injuries as a result of the negligence or reckless conduct of others fail to file a lawsuit due to myths surrounding personal injury lawyers. Like many professions, lawyers face a portrayal in popular media that is often far from the truth. While most of these myths are blatantly untrue and misrepresent what personal injury lawyers do, some people may fall victim to them and thus fail to receive their just compensation for a personal injury case.

Attempting to handle a personal injury claim on your own is exactly what the opposing party and their insurance company want. To clear up some of these myths and misconceptions, the automobile accident attorney at Fitch & Stahle Law Office would like to explain them one by one.

Lawyer Fees Will Take Up the Majority of Your Settlement

Some people think that hiring a personal injury lawyer will cost so much that the amount of the settlement will not be enough to cover the lawyer fees. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our injury lawyer has a free initial consultation after which you can decide whether you want to utilize our services. In regards to overall fees, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they are only paid contingent on the outcome of the case. Thus, if your claim doesn’t recover any money, the lawyer isn’t paid.

Your Personal Injury Claim Could Bankrupt a Person or Business

Some people hesitate to file a personal injury claim because they are afraid it could permanently damage the financial situation of the person or business who injured them. However, the compensation that you are seeking doesn’t come from the person or business directly. Instead, it comes from their insurance company.

Personal Injury Attorneys are Unethical

Some people wrongly think that all personal injury attorneys are greedy, unethical, and all that they care about is money. This is not true. Most injury attorneys are passionate about their work and prioritize the interests of their clients. They aim to help their clients receive the compensation that they deserve. And because most get paid on a contingency basis, there is no fee if you do not receive compensation. The more money we get for you, the more we earn ourselves, which means that our interests are aligned.

The Same Lawyer Who Handled My Divorce Should Handle My Personal Injury Claim

This myth is based on the incorrect assumption that all attorneys perform the same types of duties. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Just because somebody practices law doesn’t mean that they can handle all different types of law. To get the maximum amount of compensation possible, it’s highly advisable to seek out a lawyer who specializes in personal injury.

Siouxland Personal Injury Lawyers

Whether your personal injury case involves a boating accident, semi-truck accident, motorcycle accident, or something else, our experienced Siouxland attorneys will help you receive the most compensation possible.

To learn more about our personal injury services, contact us at 402-494-3012 today.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Civil Court: What Victims Should Know

By Robert Stahle • June 18, 2025
When someone is injured by a drunk driver, the first question is often: “Will they go to jail?” Criminal charges such as DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) are often filed against the driver, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved. While this may result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time, the reality is this: a criminal case won’t pay your bills. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, you need to file a civil claim —a personal injury lawsuit. This is where true accountability happens for victims. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help people across Iowa and Nebraska navigate the civil justice system and pursue the compensation they need after a drunk driving accident. Here’s what you should know. Civil Cases Are Separate from Criminal Trials Many victims assume that if the driver is arrested and convicted of DUI, they’ll automatically be compensated. But criminal proceedings are about the state punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. In fact, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver isn’t charged or convicted. While a conviction helps prove liability in civil court, it’s not required. Your personal injury attorney will build a case based on evidence of negligence and damages—whether or not the state takes action. What Damages Can You Recover in a Civil Claim? Civil cases allow victims to recover a broad range of compensatory damages , including: Emergency medical bills Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation Lost wages and future income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Vehicle and property damage Loss of enjoyment of life In many drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages . These are awarded to punish gross negligence—like driving with a high blood alcohol content or with prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages can dramatically increase your total compensation and serve as a warning to others. The Role of an Attorney in Building Your Case Civil lawsuits require a thorough investigation, documentation, and expert testimony. At Fitch & Stahle, we begin by collecting all the evidence: police reports, toxicology results, dashcam footage, witness statements, and medical records. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened and why. We then calculate both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma), making sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. When Third-Party Liability May Apply In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible. For example: Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver may be liable under dram shop laws Employers who allowed a known impaired driver to operate a company vehicle could also face liability We explore all angles to make sure you’re fully compensated. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Sioux City or surrounding areas, the criminal justice system alone won’t protect your future. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you file a civil claim, recover full compensation, and hold the drunk driver—and any responsible parties—accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.

How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025
When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility)  Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.
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