BLOG

How a Sioux City Drunk Driving Lawyer Can Help You Win Your DUI Injury Lawsuit

Robert Stahle • July 30, 2025

Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most devastating experiences a person can endure. What makes these accidents so tragic is that they are entirely preventable. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put everyone else on the road at risk. The consequences for victims can include serious injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash caused by an impaired driver, you deserve justice—and you deserve full compensation for your losses. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, our experienced Sioux City drunk driving lawyers are committed to helping victims pursue fair settlements and hold negligent drivers accountable. In this guide, we’ll explain how DUI injury lawsuits work in Iowa and Nebraska, what compensation you may be entitled to, and why hiring a personal injury attorney is essential.

What Makes Drunk Driving Accidents Different?

Unlike other types of car accidents, drunk driving crashes often involve clear evidence of negligence. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit is illegal in both Iowa and Nebraska. When an impaired driver causes a collision, their violation of the law can strengthen your civil case for damages.

However, drunk driving accident claims are not always simple. Insurance companies may still try to limit their liability by disputing your injuries, suggesting you were partially at fault, or offering a settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses. That’s why it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable DUI injury lawyer who understands how to build a strong case and negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Your Rights as a Victim of a Drunk Driver

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation. While the state may pursue a criminal DUI case against the driver, that case is focused on punishing the offender—not compensating the victim. A drunk driving lawsuit is your opportunity to recover the financial support you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Types of Compensation Available in DUI Injury Lawsuits

Victims of drunk driving crashes can seek a variety of damages in a personal injury lawsuit:

·      Medical expenses: This includes emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care you may require.

·      Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages, as well as compensation for reduced earning capacity in the future.

·      Pain and suffering: Drunk driving accidents often cause significant physical pain and emotional distress, for which you can seek compensation.

·      Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.

·      Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, courts may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter similar conduct by others.

Our team at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm carefully evaluates each client’s case to ensure all potential damages are included in the claim.

Can Bars or Restaurants Be Held Liable?

In some cases, the drunk driver isn’t the only party responsible for the accident. Under dram shop laws in Iowa and Nebraska, a business that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor may be held liable if that individual causes an accident. This additional source of compensation can be vital in cases where the drunk driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.

Our attorneys investigate every angle of your case to identify all possible sources of recovery, including dram shop liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Drunk Driving Lawsuits

Hiring a skilled Sioux City personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you can take after a drunk driving crash. Your lawyer will:

·      Investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering police reports, BAC test results, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to prove liability.

·      Work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and estimate future treatment costs.

·      Calculate all damages to ensure no loss is overlooked.

·      Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.

·      Prepare your case for trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

At Fitch & Stahle, we have extensive experience handling DUI injury cases, and we are committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process.

Why Act Quickly After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Time is critical after a DUI-related crash. Both Iowa and Nebraska have statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to compensation.

Additionally, evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be erased, witnesses’ memories may fade, and physical evidence at the scene may be lost. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Fitch & Stahle Law Firm

If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. Let the experienced team at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you pursue justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Our Sioux City drunk driving lawyers are here to guide you through every step—from filing your claim to negotiating with insurers to representing you in court if needed.

Call us today for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Sioux City, throughout Iowa, and across Nebraska.

 

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Nebraska and Iowa:

By Robert Stahle • October 30, 2025
A Guide for Grieving Families

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.