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What Are Your Responsibilities When at Fault in an Auto Accident?

Robert Stahle • April 18, 2019

Being involved in an auto accident can be a traumatic experience, and even a minor accident can push stress levels over the top. When you’re the one at fault for a car accident, these emotions can be even more intense. You may be injured yourself while also coping with guilt over causing injury or property damage to another person.


With so much going on, it isn’t always clearly understood what should happen following a car accident and the extent of legal and financial responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the person who is determined to be at fault.


Determining Fault after an Accident


Each state has its own laws regarding the type of insurance coverage that drivers are required to carry on their registered vehicles. Neither Iowa or Nebraska are No-Fault states, rather they both operate under comparative negligence law.


Comparative negligence law states that when an accident occurs, the determination of fault in the accident is based on each of the party’s individual contributions. For example, if a person is texting while driving and runs a red light, they are likely to be found 100% at fault of the accident.


In a situation where one driver who failed to use their turn signal was rear-ended by a driver exceeding the speed limit, it would be necessary to determine the degree that each driver’s negligent actions contributed to the fault in the accident.


Financial Responsibility Following an Accident


Both Iowa and Nebraska require motorists to provide proof of financial responsibility in the event that they’re involved in an automobile accident. This law is in place to ensure that each driver has the financial means to cover any damages that may occur as a result of their negligence on the road.


In most cases, proof of financial responsibility is provided through auto insurance that includes liability coverage. In Iowa, the minimum liability insurance coverage is $20,000 for bodily injury of death of single person in an accident that is determined to be the fault of the owner or driver of the insured vehicle, $40,000 for total bodily injury or death liability, and $15,000 for property damage.


The laws in Nebraska are slightly different, with minimum liability insurance coverage including $25,000 liability coverage for injury or death of one person, $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death, and $25,000 liability coverage for property damage.


An alternative to maintaining appropriate liability insurance coverage on your vehicle is to provide proof of a bond certificate in an amount that is sufficient to cover financial liability in the event of an accident. For example, the typical bond amount in Nebraska in $75,000.


It’s important to note that liability insurance only covers the damages that other drivers and passengers incur as a result of your fault in an accident. Liability insurance does not cover any injuries that you personally sustain during an accident. Unless it can be proven that the other driver is at least 51% responsible for the accident, you’ll need additional insurance to cover the cost of your own medical care and auto repairs.


Working with an Auto Accident Attorney to Protect Your Assets


Determining fault in an accident isn’t always a clear-cut process. An experienced auto accident attorney can help protect you from financial devastation after an accident. If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office for a consultation today.

How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025
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.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025
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.
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