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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?
Here's What to Do Next

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:
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Local Experience: Based in
South Sioux City, we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa.
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Full-Service Representation: From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step.
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Licensed in NE & IA: Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered.
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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.
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Call us now at 402-494-3012
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Schedule your free consultation at
fitch-stahlelaw.com
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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.
