At Fitch & Stahle Law, we are successful at obtaining many “not guilty” verdicts from judges and juries, as well as getting many cases dismissed. But there are times when it's best for a client to enter a plea of “no contest” or “guilty” when criminal or personal injury charges are brought against them. As experienced personal injury and criminal defense attorneys, we will do everything in our power to prepare you for the possibility of a “guilty” verdict and educate you on the steps that can be taken to appeal, get a fine or probation.

When consulting a law firm, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you have a solid case. While this can be discussed extensively with an attorney, there are some basic criteria that need to be in place in order to increase the likelihood of a successful personal injury case outcome. The following is an overview of the five top areas to consider:

Many people who hire a personal injury attorney Sioux City trusts are nonetheless unsure about the process and what to expect. One of the biggest concerns is often whether or not they can expect to go to court for their case.

Many clients are relieved to learn that the minority of personal injury cases actually have to go to trial. A great many are settled out of court once a settlement that is agreeable to both parties is made.

Being involved in an accident or incident that results in a personal injury can be an overwhelming event. From physical harm to financial loss, such as loss of employment, healing from a personal injury takes place on both a physical and mental basis. Fortunately, there are laws in place that allow you to receive compensation for a personal injury; however, it is pertinent to keep in mind that there are multiple factors that play into how much compensation you are actually due. Understanding these factors will help you assess whether or not you are receiving the full amount you owed. As with any type of personal injury compensation claim, it is best to have it filed by a qualified attorney.

If you have been involved in an accident resulting in a personal injury, there are several do's and don'ts that you need to be aware of in regards to posting on social media. A simple mistake on a social media platform can cause you to lose some or all of the compensation that is due to you. First and foremost, it is imperative to understand that anything you say or do online can be used against you. It is not beyond an attorney to scour your social media postings and use them against you in the court of law if you are in the middle of a personal injury settlement. Whether it be an attorney for an insurance company or a lawyer for the at-fault party, your social media behavior will be monitored and used against you if possible. With this in mind, let's take a close look at the do's and don'ts of social media if you are involved in a lawsuit.

Preparing for a personal injury lawsuit can feel stressful, but it does not have to be that way. With the right legal advocate on your side and good preparation, you can feel more confident that the personal injury law will be in your favor. Here are 10 things to consider as you prepare for your personal injury lawsuit.

1. Remember that there is a time limit to file suit - it is called the Statute of Limitations, and if it runs out before you file you will not be able to bring suit or make your case.
2. Do not talk about the case on social media or anywhere else - anything you say to other people could potentially be used against you, so keep everything to yourself until it is all settled.
3. Be up front and honest about what took place - trying to lie to get a settlement rarely works, and there is too much liability and risk with that idea to make it viable.
4. Know what and who to file for and against, respectively - suing the wrong person or for the wrong kind of harm could potentially get your case thrown out of court, so choose wisely.
5. Understand that there are no "routine" personal injury law issues, and they are all unique - each and every case has circumstances that are just a little bit different from other cases like it.
6. Give all the evidence and information to your attorney as soon as possible - the sooner they have what they need to work with, the sooner they can start advising you on the best course of action.
7. Get prepared for your deposition, because what you say could be used against you - ask your attorney to help you be ready, because you should know what to say and not say.
8. Settlements can be good choices if they are fair and just for your case - there is not necessarily anything wrong with settling instead of taking your case to court, as long as the settlement is acceptable.
9. Getting the right attorney can make a big difference - you may want to have a consultation with several attorneys before choosing the one you want to represent your interests.
10. Nerves can get the best of you, if you do not keep them under control - it is understandable to be nervous, but practice breathing or other techniques that can keep your nerves in check during a deposition or court appearance.

The earlier you get started working with an attorney and the more forthcoming you are with your information, the faster you may see justice in your case. Be sure to follow your attorney's instructions, ask questions if you do not understand something, and work with your attorney to move toward a successful resolution to your personal injury law issue.

With the movement toward self-driving cars, one of the key points for those who want to see them on the streets is that they will reduce the number of car accident claims. But is that really the case? Will these self-driving cars mean safer roadways and fewer accidents? It is entirely possible, given the technology that is being used and how it is being implemented, that these cars could make things safer for everyone. That is not to say that self-driving cars are free from errors, though, because there have been accidents involving them.

The cars have occasionally had problems with understanding their spatial relationship to other objects. In other words, they have failed to realize that another vehicle was in their path, and have not yielded right of way. This has happened with cars that were totally self-driving, and also with cars that offered an auto-pilot option for drivers. While this technology is far from perfect, the number of accidents that have taken place has also been surprisingly small for the number of these types of cars that have been tested and the number of miles the vehicles have logged.

For those who are concerned about a car accident or other type of personal injury involving a vehicle, the self-driving option may be a good choice. It can also make things much easier for people who have some trouble driving, or who need to get around but may not be in the best state to do so. For example, a self-driving car would be able to take someone home if they had too much to drink, or if they somehow were injured and not able to operate the gas pedal and brakes effectively, or steer with a damaged arm.

There are many options for ways that self-driving cars could be used, and the majority of those ways point to a significant reduction in the number of auto accidents that are seen on US roadways. However, there are also some concerns. The largest of these worries is based around the issue of who will be at fault in an accident. If no one is driving, how does insurance handle the collision? That question is one that has yet to be answered, and that will not likely have any easy answers. Only time will tell when it comes to how these issues can be addressed.

Anyone who has been involved in a car accident, whether with a self-driving car or an owner-operated vehicle, may need the services of an attorney who is comfortable with vehicle cases involving personal injury. By having the right attorney on your side, you can be provided with the opportunity for appropriate compensation. That can make a significant difference in your satisfaction with the outcome of your case. There are no guarantees, of course, and the hiring of an attorney for a car accident case is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. This decision will likely become even more important as self-driving cars - and the potential for accidents involving them - become more common.

Motorcycle accidents can be very unsettling. Even though you are most likely in an emotional state, it is important to do several things that will make any insurance or legal actions easier. A few of the most important:

Personal injury law can be confusing. It's important that you find the right legal professional to help you assess your case and protect your interests. If you're seeking a personal injury lawyer who serves Sioux City and the surrounding areas, here are some things to keep in mind when determining who is the right attorney for your needs.