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Tips and Tricks for Remote Dispositions

Robert Stahle • March 8, 2021
A laptop computer is sitting on a desk in a classroom.

For many people, connecting with others using Zoom or other video conferencing software has become the new normal. While in-person depositions have some advantages, remote depositions are becoming increasingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dealing with a remote deposition can involve a different planning strategy than dealing with an in-person deposition.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our personal injury attorney has some tips and tricks that can help you adapt to the new normal of remote depositions.

What is a Deposition?

Before going into tips and tricks, it is important to know exactly what we mean by deposition. Put simply, a deposition involves a witness being asked questions about a case. The deposition has two purposes:


  • Find out what the witness knows
  • Preserve that witness’s testimony

At a deposition, all parties are to learn of all the facts before the trial begins so that nobody is surprised when a witness is put on the stand.

Who Should Be at the Deposition?

Because the primary purpose of a deposition is to gather information for the case, there will not be a lot of people present. Typically, the only people present are:



Sometimes depositions are recorded by a stenographer, though nowadays, electronic records are more common.

Remote Deposition Tips

The majority of depositions are now being handled remotely. To ensure that you are prepared for your deposition, follow these tips and tricks.

Plan and Prepare

Before your remote deposition, you’ll want to make sure that your home office is ready to handle it. Logistically, you should ensure that you have a stable Internet connection and a working microphone. Double-check the background that’s visible behind you. Items such as family photos, clocks, or artwork can be distracting. Similarly, make sure that members of your household do not enter the room while the deposition is taking place.

Use an Experienced Court Reporter

The court reporter, or videographer, in this case, should serve as the host of the remote deposition. They should be experienced in serving as the appointed officer in a remote setting. Here are some things that the court reporter needs to do before the hearing:


  • Be prepared with a stipulation to swear in the witness remotely
  • Be ready to handle documents electronically
  • Have the ability to scroll through pages on screen and add markups as instructed by counsel
  • Test out the Zoom platform before the deposition takes place to make sure that the platform is compatible with your computer

Siouxland Personal Injury Attorney

The attorneys here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office understand the importance of being able to adapt to the current environment. Whether you have suffered a personal injury due to an automobile accident, an animal bite, catastrophic injury, or boating accident, we aim to get you the compensation that you deserve, whether your hearing is remote or in person.

For professional personal injury representation, contact us at 402-494-3012 today.

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By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
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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.