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How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

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.

Drunk Driving Accident Victims:

By Robert Stahle • August 8, 2025
How Fitch & Stahle Law Firm Fights for Justice in Nebraska and Iowa

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

By 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.