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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.

Injured in an Accident?

By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

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.