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What Should You Do If You Feel Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated During a Traffic Stop?

Robert Stahle • July 9, 2021
A man wearing a watch is driving a car at night.

Traffic stops are one of the most common ways that police come into contact with the public. There are dozens of reasons why police may wish to pull you over, and being stopped by police is nearly always a stressful experience that can quickly go bad. Unfortunately, you cannot assume that police officers will behave in a way that respects your civil rights, so it is important to have an understanding of what police can and cannot do during a traffic stop.

If you feel like your civil rights have been violated during a traffic stop, contact our drunk driving lawyer and defense lawyer immediately. We are here to advocate for your civil rights in court.

What the Police Can and Cannot Do During a Traffic Stop

So you have been pulled over by the police while behind the wheel. What rights do they have? What can’t they do? First, we’ll talk about what rights the police have during a traffic stop.


  • Reasonable suspicion: If the officer pulls you over, they must have a reason for doing so. It is a violation of your Constitutional rights if they perform a stop without having a suspicion that you are committing a crime.
  • Ask for information: If you are pulled over for a traffic stop, you must provide the police officer with your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration if the officer requests it.
  • Probable cause: It’s important to understand the concept of probable cause. If a police officer wishes to search your vehicle, they must have observed something that has led them to reasonably believe that a crime has been committed. This can include the smell of marijuana or alcohol, seeing drugs through the window, or an admission of guilt by somebody in the car.

Here are some Constitutional rights that drivers have during a traffic stop.


  • Right to remain silent: While you are required to give up your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, you do not have to answer any other questions that the police officer asks.
  • Right to refuse a search: If the police officer asks to search your vehicle but they do not have a warrant, you have the right to refuse this search, unless they can see something illegal in plain view.

Our Siouxland Attorney Helps Protect Your Civil Rights

If you think your civil rights were violated during a traffic stop, contact our drug crime attorney. You should also write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers are from, and any other details. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information. If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of your injuries.

It can be overwhelming and stressful to take on an agency as large as the police on your own. They will do everything to protect their own, even if they have broken the law. Our Siouxland defense attorney has experience defending regular citizens against police misconduct. Contact us at (402) 494-3012 today.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
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.