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How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Robert Stahle • August 30, 2017
Personal Injury Attorney - Sioux City IA

When most people need to hire a personal injury attorney, the last thing they are worried about is how much they’ll have to pay for this invaluable legal guidance. During this difficult time, it is important that plaintiffs have the opportunity to focus on healing properly, instead of worrying about how they are going to manage with the added weight of legal fees. However, most personal injury lawyers will charge for their time in one of 2 ways: on a contingency basis or at an hourly rate.

How Much Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?

Contingency Basis

Most personal injury attorneys charge their clients on a contingency basis, which means you will only pay for their services if they are able to negotiate a monetary settlement or they are able to win a judgment on your behalf. This means that if you are not awarded any money from the party that is responsible for your injuries, then your lawyers will not collect any fees. If you do win your case, you will then be responsible for any expenses that your attorney incurred while they prepared your case. If your case is lost, many personal injury attorneys will waive their fees as well.

Contingency fees are a great way for lawyers to be able to help those in need, even when they do not currently have the budget to pay for legal fees out of pocket. For clients, this also acts as an extra layer of protection. You can enjoy peace of mind with contingency fees, in knowing that your attorney will do everything in their power to win your case so that you can both get paid what you deserve.


Hourly Fees

With hourly fees, you are responsible for paying your attorney for every hour that they work on your claim, regardless if you win or lose. Additionally, you are also responsible for reimbursing your attorneys for any expenses they incurred during the time that they worked on your claim. Hourly rates are much less common than contingency fees, so it is a good idea to ask your lawyer if they always work at an hourly rate before you agree to work with them. If they typically work on contingency, it may be a sign that your case is weak or they believe it is unlikely to result in a larger settlement.

Request an Initial Consultation Today

At Fitch & Stahle Law Offices, we are proud to provide free initial consultations to potential clients. This is a great way for us to be able to work with the people that need our legal advice the most, no matter their current financial status.

Want more information on the benefits of working with an experienced personal injury attorney? For more information on how the team at Fitch & Stahle Law Offices can work for you, be sure to visit us online today and request your free initial consultation.

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver:

By Robert Stahle • June 25, 2025
Legal Steps You Should Take The moments after a car accident are chaotic and frightening—but when you realize the other driver may be drunk, the fear and uncertainty intensify. You may be injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly affect your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless victims in Iowa and Nebraska who were hit by drunk drivers. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know and do. 1. Call 911 Immediately Your safety and the safety of others come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured. Make sure to inform the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver is impaired—this can ensure police respond quickly and gather critical evidence at the scene. When the officers arrive, give them an honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating or assigning blame. Stick to the facts. Law enforcement will perform sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer if they suspect intoxication, which is key evidence in your future claim. 2. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine Many injuries from auto accidents don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) take time to reveal themselves. Always get checked out by medical professionals at the scene or follow up immediately with your doctor. Having documented medical treatment is also essential for your legal case. Insurance companies often challenge claims that don’t have clear, timely medical records. 3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you're physically able to, collect as much evidence at the scene as possible: Take photos of both vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Note the time, location, road conditions, and any nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Write down anything you observe about the other driver—slurred speech, empty containers, erratic behavior. The more details you preserve early on, the stronger your claim will be. 4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel After the accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may reach out quickly. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize their financial liability. Avoid giving recorded statements, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement before speaking to an attorney. Even your own insurance company may not act in your best interest if the claim involves underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can handle these conversations and protect your rights. 5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away Drunk driving accident cases can involve criminal and civil elements, multiple liable parties, and complex insurance policies. A qualified personal injury attorney can: Preserve evidence File paperwork on time Handle negotiations Represent you in court if needed At Fitch & Stahle , we know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of the crash—including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages . If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

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.
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