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What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

Robert Stahle • April 30, 2025

Car accidents happen fast—and the moments that follow can be confusing, stressful, and even dangerous. Whether you’re on a busy interstate in Omaha, a rural road outside Sioux City, or anywhere in between, knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to receive fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we’ve been helping victims of car accidents in Iowa and Nebraska for decades. Here’s what you need to know in those critical minutes and hours following a collision.



1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your safety—and the safety of everyone involved—comes first. Check yourself, your passengers, and others at the scene for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears injured, it’s still essential to report the accident to the police, especially in Iowa and Nebraska where most accidents involving injury or property damage must be reported.

In Nebraska, a crash report is required if there is injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Iowa has similar laws. Failing to report a crash could result in fines or legal complications later.



2. Move to a Safe Location

If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to prevent further accidents. Turn on hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. If moving the vehicles isn’t possible, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.



3. Document the Scene Thoroughly

One of the most important steps after a car accident is to gather as much information as possible. This evidence could be critical later when filing an insurance claim or working with an attorney.

Here’s what to document:

  • Photos of the vehicles, license plates, damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
  • Names and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
  • Driver’s license and insurance information from all involved drivers.
  • The responding officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the police report (or report number).

Even if you feel fine, take note of any soreness, dizziness, or anxiety. These can be signs of injury that may develop or worsen over time.



4. Do Not Admit Fault

It’s natural to want to apologize or take responsibility in the heat of the moment—but resist that urge. Admitting fault, even casually, can hurt your case later. Fault is determined by evidence, traffic laws, and the official investigation—not by what’s said at the scene.

Stick to the facts when speaking with police, and don’t speculate. Simply provide accurate information and let the report reflect what occurred.



5. Seek Medical Attention—Even if You Feel Fine

Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Whether you're in Sioux City, South Sioux City, Omaha, or Lincoln, visit an ER or urgent care as soon as possible after the crash. Medical documentation is essential for proving your injuries in a personal injury claim.

If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident at all. Protect your health and your claim by getting checked out early.



6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Let your insurance provider know that you’ve been in an accident, but be cautious about how much detail you provide—especially if you haven’t yet spoken to a personal injury attorney. Stick to the facts and avoid offering recorded statements or accepting a settlement before consulting legal counsel.

In Iowa and Nebraska, you typically have to report accidents to your insurer promptly, or you risk being denied coverage.



7. Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Iowa or Nebraska

If you were injured, it’s vital to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts—not ensuring you’re treated fairly. A knowledgeable attorney can help you:

  • File a personal injury claim
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters
  • Estimate your full damages (including lost wages, future medical bills, and pain and suffering)
  • Navigate the legal deadlines in Iowa and Nebraska (typically two years from the date of the accident)

At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we understand the specific laws and nuances of auto accident cases in both states. Our legal team is committed to helping injured clients recover what they’re owed, with no fees unless we win your case.



8. Keep Records and Monitor Symptoms

After the crash, keep all paperwork related to the accident and your recovery. This includes:

  • Medical records and bills
  • Repair estimates
  • Police reports
  • Pay stubs or documentation showing missed work
  • Journal entries tracking your pain, symptoms, or limitations

This documentation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.



9. Avoid Social Media

It might be tempting to share what happened—but posts on social media can be used against you by opposing attorneys or insurance companies. Refrain from posting photos, status updates, or comments about your injuries, car, or recovery until your case is fully resolved.



Final Thoughts: Your Legal Partner in Recovery

Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 20, or a neighborhood street in Iowa or Nebraska, the decisions you make immediately afterward can shape your recovery—physically, financially, and legally.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and evaluate your case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t try to handle the aftermath alone. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

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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