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

Robert Stahle • March 11, 2019
A glass of green beer with shamrocks and a bottle of beer on a wooden table.

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.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

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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.