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How to Stay Safe and Avoid a DUI This St. Patrick’s Day

Robert Stahle • March 11, 2019

Every year on March 17th, many of us partake in the celebration of the patron saint of Ireland. While the origins of the American celebration of St. Patrick’s Day are more religious in nature, the modern version includes a variety of celebrations and tributes – including droves of people heading to their favorite pub or tavern to enjoy a green hued brew or a shot of their favorite Irish whisky.

While we wish you the happiest of celebrations on this coming St. Patrick’s Day, it’s important to enjoy the festivities in the safest way possible. Drinking and driving puts yourself and others in danger and it also increases the chances of being on the receiving end of a DUI. Rather than taking the risk, here’s how you can avoid a DUI while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.


The Designated Driver

If you’re celebrating with a group of friends, having a designated driver can help prevent a DUI for everyone in your group. Being the designated driver is a tremendous responsibility, so it’s important to be realistic before nominating someone for this role or signing up for it yourself.

The temptation to have just one or two drinks can be strong on St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, this is often enough to impair a person’s driving. Make sure that your designated driver is content with an alcohol free celebration and is responsible enough to stick to the plan.


A Ride at Your Fingertips

With services like Uber and Lyft available in most areas, a safe ride home involves nothing more than the installation of an app on your phone. If you’re going out with a group of friends, designate one or two of them to be in charge of arranging transportation via Uber, Lyft or even an old school taxi.


Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Many medium to larger sized cities offer special public transportation options to help keep residents safe on St. Patrick’s Day. Before the day of celebration arrives, look at your local municipality’s website or check social media to see if public transportation is an option.


Out of Sight Means Out of Mind

Even if you go with one of the above options, you might think it’s a good idea to drive to your destination and then take another form of transportation home if you end up overindulging in alcohol. Unfortunately, this can set you up for making a decision that you’ll regret for years to come.

Often, people misjudge how impaired their driving is or might realize that coming back the next day to retrieve their vehicle is going to be an incredible hassle. Instead, leave your car at home and even take your car keys off your keychain. Zero access to your automobile eliminates the chances of needing to contact a DUI defense attorney in the morning.


Have a Safe Celebration

Finally, the surest way to avoid a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day is to enjoy an alcohol free celebration. There are plenty of ways to celebrate with friends and family without jeopardizing your future. However, if you find yourself as the recipient of a DUI charge, contact an experienced DUI defense attorney at Fitch & Stahle Law Office to discuss your case. A DUI can have devastating, long lasting effects. Stay safe so you can enjoy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for years to come.

How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By 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.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.
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