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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.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
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.