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Leveling the Playing Field in Personal Injury Cases

Robert Stahle • January 29, 2025
A man in a suit is signing a document on a table.

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, pursuing compensation can feel like an uphill battle. Insurance companies and large corporations often have deep pockets and skilled legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. Facing these entities alone can leave you feeling outmatched and overwhelmed. That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in, providing the expertise and advocacy you need to level the playing field.

Why the Odds May Feel Stacked Against You

Insurance companies and corporations have one primary goal: to protect their bottom line. They employ experienced adjusters and attorneys who are well-versed in strategies to:

  • Deny Liability: They may argue that the fault lies with you or another party, rather than their client.
  • Minimize Damages: Even if liability is acknowledged, they may dispute the extent of your injuries or the costs associated with your recovery.
  • Pressure You Into Settling Quickly: Early settlement offers often fail to account for long-term medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Without the knowledge to counter these tactics, you risk accepting an offer far below what you deserve—or having your claim denied altogether.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Helps

Hiring a skilled attorney shifts the balance of power, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of during negotiations or litigation. Here’s how an attorney levels the playing field:

1. Legal Expertise to Counter Their Strategies

Personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of the legal system and the tactics commonly used by insurance companies and corporate lawyers. They can anticipate and counter these strategies, presenting evidence and arguments that strengthen your case.

2. Ensuring Your Rights Are Upheld

Navigating a personal injury claim involves understanding your legal rights and knowing how to enforce them. Your attorney will ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the process, protecting you from unethical practices like coercion or misrepresentation.

3. Maximizing Compensation

An experienced attorney knows how to assess the full value of your claim, factoring in immediate expenses and long-term impacts such as ongoing medical care or diminished earning capacity. They’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement and won’t hesitate to take your case to court if necessary.

The Risks of Going It Alone

Without an attorney, you may find yourself at a disadvantage, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process. Common pitfalls include:

  • Accepting Lowball Offers: Without proper guidance, you might settle for less than your case is worth.
  • Overlooking Key Evidence: Gathering and presenting evidence is critical to proving liability and damages, but it’s a complex task that requires expertise.
  • Navigating Legal Complexities: Filing deadlines, procedural rules, and courtroom protocols can be daunting without professional help.

Empowering Your Case

Hiring a personal injury attorney not only improves your chances of a favorable outcome but also gives you peace of mind. With a legal advocate handling the complexities of your case, you can focus on healing and moving forward.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we believe everyone deserves fair representation, no matter who they’re up against. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve and ensure justice is served.

Injured in an Accident?

By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Know Your Rights:

By Robert Stahle • August 21, 2025
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.