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What You Need to Know About Nebraska Law Changes in 2019

Robert Stahle • September 13, 2019

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.

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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