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Understanding the Legal Process After a Car Accident
Robert Stahle • April 16, 2025
At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we recognize that the aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming. Beyond the physical and emotional stress, navigating the legal process can be confusing. Understanding what to expect and how to proceed can make a significant difference in your case.
The Steps of a Car Accident Claim
1. Filing a Police Report: This is essential for documenting the accident and establishing key details.
2. Seeking Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, a medical examination is crucial.
3. Gathering Evidence: Collect photos, witness statements, and other documentation that can support your claim.
4. Consulting an Attorney: Speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected from the start.
5. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Your attorney will handle discussions to secure a fair settlement.
6. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If negotiations fail, your lawyer may recommend pursuing legal action in court.
Understanding these steps can help you prepare and avoid common pitfalls. Contact Fitch & Stahle today to discuss your case.
2. Understanding Comparative Fault in Car Accidents: How It Affects Your Claim
One of the most misunderstood aspects of car accident cases is comparative fault. Many accident victims assume that if they share any blame for the accident, they can’t recover compensation. However, laws vary by state, and even if you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to damages.
How Comparative Fault Works
• Pure Comparative Fault: In some states, you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Modified Comparative Fault: Many states bar recovery if you are more than 50% or 51% responsible for the accident.
• Contributory Negligence: A few states prevent you from receiving any compensation if you are even 1% at fault.
How an Attorney Can Help
Insurance companies often try to assign more fault to victims to reduce payouts. At Fitch & Stahle, we gather evidence and build strong cases to challenge unfair liability assessments. If comparative fault is a concern in your case, reach out to us for a consultation.
3. The Role of Witnesses in Car Accident Cases
Eyewitness testimony can play a crucial role in proving liability and securing compensation in a car accident claim. Many people overlook the importance of witnesses, but their statements can provide unbiased perspectives on what happened.
Why Witness Testimony Matters
• Clarifies Fault: Witnesses can confirm which driver was negligent.
• Supports Your Version of Events: Their statements can strengthen your claim.
• Helps Refute False Claims: If the other party tries to shift blame, witnesses can counter their argument.
How to Secure Witness Testimony
• Get Contact Information: Always collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of potential witnesses.
• Ask for a Statement: If possible, have them describe what they saw while it’s fresh in their memory.
• Work with Your Attorney: Your lawyer can follow up and ensure their testimony is properly documented.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t underestimate the power of a strong witness statement. Contact us at Fitch & Stahle to discuss how we can use this evidence to strengthen your case.
4. Understanding Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in Car Accident Cases
After a car accident, victims may be entitled to different types of damages. Understanding the difference between economic and non-economic damages can help you build a comprehensive claim.
Economic Damages
These damages cover tangible financial losses, including:
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or disability
Maximizing Your Compensation
Insurance companies often try to downplay non-economic damages. At Fitch & Stahle, we work to ensure our clients receive full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
5. How Weather Conditions Can Impact Car Accident Liability
Many drivers assume that bad weather absolves them of responsibility in an accident. However, weather conditions do not eliminate liability—they simply add another layer of complexity to the case.
Common Weather-Related Accidents
• Rain & Wet Roads: Slippery surfaces increase stopping distances and reduce control.
• Snow & Ice: Black ice and snowy roads can lead to loss of control.
• Fog & Low Visibility: Limited visibility increases the risk of collisions.
Determining Fault in Weather-Related Accidents
While poor weather can contribute to an accident, drivers are still expected to adjust their behavior accordingly. Liability may depend on whether a driver:
• Was driving too fast for conditions
• Failed to use headlights or windshield wipers properly
• Followed another vehicle too closely
If you were in a weather-related accident, having an attorney review your case can help determine fault and ensure you receive fair compensation. Contact Fitch & Stahle for expert legal guidance.
6. The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
One of the most crucial steps after a car accident is seeking medical attention. Many people delay or avoid medical treatment because they feel fine immediately after the crash. However, some injuries take time to appear, and delaying treatment can negatively impact both your health and your legal case.
Common Injuries That May Not Show Symptoms Right Away
• Whiplash: Neck pain and stiffness can develop hours or days after an accident.
• Concussions: Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion may be delayed.
• Internal Bleeding: Serious internal injuries may not be noticeable at first but can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains and ligament damage can worsen over time.
How Delaying Medical Treatment Affects Your Claim
• Insurance Companies May Argue Your Injuries Aren’t Serious: If you wait too long to see a doctor, insurers may claim your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
• Gaps in Treatment Can Weaken Your Case: Consistent medical records help establish the severity of your injuries and the necessity of treatment.
• Your Recovery May Take Longer: Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and speed up your recovery process.
At Fitch & Stahle, we strongly recommend that all accident victims seek medical attention immediately, even if they feel fine. Doing so protects both your health and your legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for expert legal guidance on your next steps.
7. Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney after a car accident, thinking they can handle their claim alone. However, involving an attorney early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Quickly
• Preserving Evidence: Attorneys can collect crucial evidence before it disappears.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, but an attorney ensures fair negotiations.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Legal guidance helps prevent common errors that could weaken your case.
• Maximizing Compensation: Lawyers understand how to calculate and pursue the full extent of your damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Fitch & Stahle today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.