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What You Need to Know About Nebraska Law Changes in 2019

Robert Stahle • September 13, 2019
A baby is sitting in a car seat in the back seat

Every day, law abiding citizens follow the laws of their state. In Nebraska, as in every other state in the nation, these laws are put into place to better protect and serve the citizens. For the most part, these laws go along unchanged, which creates little confusion in what the laws mean or who the affect. However, every so often some laws are changed that have a more significant impact on the average citizen. In 2019, we’ve seen several of them.


When we welcomed in 2019 more than half a calendar year ago, Nebraska also welcomed some new laws onto the books. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know.


Nebraska’s Child Restraint Laws Take Center Stage

In an effort to better protect children who are involved in automobile accidents , Nebraska made changes to the Child Restraint Laws, which went into effect in the beginning of the year. The changes, while not huge, are significant and it’s important that parents of young and school aged children are aware of the changes and why the new laws were put into place.


The new law states that:


●Any child under the age of two needs to be in a rear facing child restraint seat while traveling in a vehicle. The child is required to stay rear facing until they reach the age of two, or reach the maximum rear facing height and weight limit on the seat as indicated by the manufacturer.

●The age that a child needs to remain in a federally approved car or booster seat increased from 6 to 8 years.

●Any child 8 years or younger is required to ride in the back seat of the vehicle. The only exception being if every back seat is already occupied by a child under the age of 8.


For some parents, these laws have been an adjustment but officials stand firm that they are intended to protect the youngest passengers. By keeping a child rear facing as long as possible, you reduce the chance of spine and neck injuries if they’re involved in a collision. Likewise, the backseat is the safest place for a child in the event of an automobile accident, so these laws are designed to optimize safety for children while traveling.


Additional Changes to Nebraska Laws in 2019

In addition to the new Child Restraint Laws, there were a few other laws that made it onto the books in Nebraska this year. One of these laws addresses transparency in how much hospitals charge for their services. The law states that hospitals in Nebraska are required to publicly list their standard charges for services on the internet. This law was in part designed to protect patients, especially those who are underinsured, from the price gouging that seems to be increasingly common in the medical industry.


If You Have Questions About Nebraska Laws, We Can Help

Laws can be confusing enough on their own without changes adding to their complexity. If you have questions about Nebraska’s laws, have been involved in an automobile accident, or have been charged with a crime, you can count on us to connect you with a defense attorney who can help. We specialize in criminal and personal injury law and are waiting to serve you. Contact the Fitch & Stahle Law Office to speak one on one with a criminal attorney today.

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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.