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Choosing Witnesses for Your Court Cases

Robert Stahle • February 8, 2021
A close up of a wooden judge 's gavel on a black background.

When it comes to having a successful outcome in your court case, one of the major factors is the witnesses that appear. The problem is that not every witness is a good witness. Many people are hesitant to appear in court out of a lack of familiarity with the legal system and require prepping before appearing in court.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our criminal lawyer understands what makes a good witness, as well as how to properly prep a witness. With decades of experience working in the Sioux City, NE, and IA court systems, our lawyers are ready to stand by your side in court and fight for your rights.

What Makes a Good Witness

A witness can either help build a client’s case, break down the case of the other side, or both. Here are some traits of a good witness:


  • Refresh Their Memory: First, a witness should attempt to picture the scene, the people and objects there, and exactly what happened. Memory can be faulty, and so before the trial, ensure that your witnesses know exactly what happened at the scene.
  • The Importance of Appearance: A good witness will have a neat appearance and proper dress. Inappropriate dress or impolite manner will distract the jury and can make them disregard the witness’s testimony.
  • Speak Clearly: The witness should present their testimony clearly, slowly, and loud enough so that every juror can hear it. Avoid things like chewing gum when testifying.

What Are the Types of Witness Testimony?

There are three main types of witnesses. They are:


  • Lay Witness: The most common type of witness, a lay witness is a person who watched the events and describes what they saw.
  • Expert Witness: Someone who specializes in a certain area. They testify with respect to this specialty area.
  • Character Witness: Someone who knew the victim, the defendant, or other people who are involved in the case. While they don’t usually see the crime take place, a character witness is useful because they can give testimony relating to the character of the defendant or the victim.

How to Prep Witnesses

To ensure success of the case, witnesses must be properly prepared to give their testimony. Make sure that the witness reads documents authored by the witness that might end up becoming exhibits or that could potentially be used on cross-examination. The witness should also understand the questions that are likely to be asked during the cross-examination. They should know how to answer those questions without volunteering additional information. Above all, the witnesses should tell the truth.

Certain witnesses may need to be informed about behaviors that could undermine their credibility and likability. These can include an arrogant and condescending attitude, displays of anger, and disrespectful treatment of others.

Sioux City Personal Injury Attorney

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our personal injury lawyer understands the importance of having quality witnesses for your case. With our quality attorneys at your side, you can rest assured that your rights are being protected and fought for.

Contact our law firm 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.