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Navigating the Legal Process After a Personal Injury:

Robert Stahle • December 23, 2024

A Step-by-Step Guide

A life jacket , lantern , notebook and pen are on a wooden dock.

Being injured in an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with medical bills, lost income, and physical pain. Adding the complexity of the legal process can make it even more stressful. However, understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident as you pursue justice. At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always come first. Immediately after an accident, seek medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records serve as critical evidence, linking your injuries to the accident and documenting their severity.

Step 2: Consult an Attorney

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney early in the process can make a significant difference in your case. Your attorney will:

  • Assess the viability of your claim.
  • Explain your legal rights and options.
  • Handle communications with insurance companies and opposing parties.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we offer free consultations to help you understand your next steps without any financial risk.

Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Collection

Your attorney will begin gathering evidence to build a strong case. This may include:

  • Police or accident reports.
  • Photos and videos of the scene.
  • Witness statements.
  • Medical records and treatment plans.
  • Expert opinions, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals.

This phase is crucial for proving liability and the extent of your damages.

Step 4: Filing the Claim

Once the evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The claim will outline:

  • The details of the accident.
  • Proof of liability.
  • A demand for compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Step 5: Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Step 6: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. This involves:

  • Preparing and submitting a complaint to the court.
  • Serving the complaint to the defendant.

Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to trial; many cases are settled during the pre-trial phase.

Step 7: Discovery Process

During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence related to the case. This may involve:

  • Depositions (sworn statements from parties and witnesses).
  • Interrogatories (written questions requiring written answers).
  • Requests for documents, such as medical records and financial statements.

Discovery helps both parties understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

Step 8: Mediation or Settlement Discussions

Before going to trial, the court may require mediation—a process where a neutral third party helps both sides reach a settlement. Mediation often results in an agreement, saving time and costs associated with a trial.

Step 9: Trial (If Necessary)

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case goes to trial. At trial, your attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. While trials can be lengthy and uncertain, Fitch & Stahle Law Office has the experience and resources to advocate effectively for your rights.

Step 10: Collecting Your Compensation

If you win your case or reach a settlement, the final step is collecting your compensation. This may include:

  • Medical expenses.
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Property damage.

Your attorney will ensure that the payment process is handled efficiently and that you receive the full amount owed.

Why You Need Legal Support

The legal process can be complex and filled with pitfalls that may jeopardize your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

  • Guide you through each step with confidence.
  • Protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.
  • Maximize your compensation by building a strong, well-documented case.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we are committed to helping injured individuals navigate the legal process with clarity and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the legal process after a personal injury can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal team by your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the complexities of your case.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office today for a free consultation. Let us put our expertise to work for you and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Fitch & Stahle Law Office: Your trusted advocates in personal injury law.

What Victims Should Know About Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuits in Iowa and Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • July 28, 2025
Including Dram Shop Liability

Drunk Driving Accidents & Nebraska Dram Shop Laws:

By Robert Stahle • July 16, 2025
How a Sioux City Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Seek Justice Each year, drunk driving crashes leave thousands injured or killed—causing devastating emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Despite strict DUI laws and public awareness campaigns, impaired drivers continue to pose a serious threat across Iowa, Nebraska, and the country. For victims, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident is more than just painful—it can be life-altering. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight to hold negligent drivers (and sometimes even the businesses that served them) accountable under the law. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a drunk driver, we’ll explain your legal options, including how Nebraska’s Dram Shop law may play a role in your case. Why File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit? Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just illegal—it’s a reckless act that endangers everyone on the road. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel impaired, they can (and should) be held civilly liable for the damage they cause. While a criminal DUI case focuses on punishing the offender, a civil personal injury lawsuit is about helping you rebuild. It allows you to pursue compensation for: Medical expenses (past and future) Lost wages and diminished earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional trauma Property damage Rehabilitation costs Punitive damages (in cases of extreme recklessness) Nebraska’s Dram Shop Law: Holding Alcohol Providers Accountable Under Nebraska’s Dram Shop Law , victims of drunk driving accidents may also be able to file a lawsuit against the business or establishment that overserved the intoxicated driver. Here’s how it works: A licensed alcohol vendor (such as a bar, restaurant, or event venue) can be held liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor , and that person later caused injury or death. Nebraska law limits these claims to commercial sellers of alcohol—not social hosts. A dram shop claim can help recover damages if the drunk driver lacks adequate insurance or personal assets. This area of law is complex, and not all attorneys are familiar with how to navigate the strict requirements and timelines involved in dram shop litigation. That’s why working with a firm like Fitch & Stahle , which handles cases in both Nebraska and Iowa , is crucial. What Needs to Be Proven in a Drunk Driving Case? To recover damages in a drunk driving lawsuit, your legal team must prove the following: Duty of care – The driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely. Breach of duty – That responsibility was violated by driving impaired. Causation – The impairment directly led to the accident and your injuries. Damages – You experienced real harm—such as medical costs, lost income, or emotional distress. In dram shop cases, your lawyer will also need to demonstrate that the bar or establishment served a visibly intoxicated individual who went on to cause the crash. Why You Need a DUI Injury Lawyer in Nebraska or Iowa Drunk driving cases are rarely straightforward—especially when multiple parties may share liability. Insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts, shift blame, or dispute your injuries altogether. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we will: Preserve key evidence such as police reports, BAC results, surveillance video, and eyewitness accounts Analyze potential dram shop liability Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to build your case Identify all available sources of compensation Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies—or take your case to trial if needed Our team has deep experience with Nebraska’s unique dram shop provisions and Iowa’s liability standards. We understand what it takes to hold all negligent parties accountable. What Damages Can You Recover? Depending on the specifics of your case, compensation may include: Economic damages : Medical bills, lost income, future treatment costs, property loss Non-economic damages : Pain, suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship Punitive damages : Intended to punish especially reckless conduct—like drunk driving In cases where dram shop liability applies, these claims can be especially valuable when the at-fault driver is underinsured or has no assets. Time Is Critical – Act Now In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury and dram shop lawsuits is typically four years , but specific timelines may apply depending on the facts of your case. Evidence like surveillance footage and eyewitness memories can fade fast—so it’s essential to speak with an attorney right away. Get Help from a Sioux City Personal Injury Attorney Who Understands Nebraska Dram Shop Law If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver—especially one who may have been overserved at a Nebraska bar or restaurant—you have the right to seek full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients across Sioux City , Iowa , and Nebraska recover after devastating crashes. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation — and let’s start fighting for the justice you deserve.