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Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

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.

Drunk Driving Accidents & Nebraska Dram Shop Laws:

By Robert Stahle • July 16, 2025
How a Sioux City Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Seek Justice Each year, drunk driving crashes leave thousands injured or killed—causing devastating emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Despite strict DUI laws and public awareness campaigns, impaired drivers continue to pose a serious threat across Iowa, Nebraska, and the country. For victims, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident is more than just painful—it can be life-altering. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight to hold negligent drivers (and sometimes even the businesses that served them) accountable under the law. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a drunk driver, we’ll explain your legal options, including how Nebraska’s Dram Shop law may play a role in your case. Why File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit? Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just illegal—it’s a reckless act that endangers everyone on the road. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel impaired, they can (and should) be held civilly liable for the damage they cause. While a criminal DUI case focuses on punishing the offender, a civil personal injury lawsuit is about helping you rebuild. It allows you to pursue compensation for: Medical expenses (past and future) Lost wages and diminished earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional trauma Property damage Rehabilitation costs Punitive damages (in cases of extreme recklessness) Nebraska’s Dram Shop Law: Holding Alcohol Providers Accountable Under Nebraska’s Dram Shop Law , victims of drunk driving accidents may also be able to file a lawsuit against the business or establishment that overserved the intoxicated driver. Here’s how it works: A licensed alcohol vendor (such as a bar, restaurant, or event venue) can be held liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor , and that person later caused injury or death. Nebraska law limits these claims to commercial sellers of alcohol—not social hosts. A dram shop claim can help recover damages if the drunk driver lacks adequate insurance or personal assets. This area of law is complex, and not all attorneys are familiar with how to navigate the strict requirements and timelines involved in dram shop litigation. That’s why working with a firm like Fitch & Stahle , which handles cases in both Nebraska and Iowa , is crucial. What Needs to Be Proven in a Drunk Driving Case? To recover damages in a drunk driving lawsuit, your legal team must prove the following: Duty of care – The driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely. Breach of duty – That responsibility was violated by driving impaired. Causation – The impairment directly led to the accident and your injuries. Damages – You experienced real harm—such as medical costs, lost income, or emotional distress. In dram shop cases, your lawyer will also need to demonstrate that the bar or establishment served a visibly intoxicated individual who went on to cause the crash. Why You Need a DUI Injury Lawyer in Nebraska or Iowa Drunk driving cases are rarely straightforward—especially when multiple parties may share liability. Insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts, shift blame, or dispute your injuries altogether. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we will: Preserve key evidence such as police reports, BAC results, surveillance video, and eyewitness accounts Analyze potential dram shop liability Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to build your case Identify all available sources of compensation Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies—or take your case to trial if needed Our team has deep experience with Nebraska’s unique dram shop provisions and Iowa’s liability standards. We understand what it takes to hold all negligent parties accountable. What Damages Can You Recover? Depending on the specifics of your case, compensation may include: Economic damages : Medical bills, lost income, future treatment costs, property loss Non-economic damages : Pain, suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship Punitive damages : Intended to punish especially reckless conduct—like drunk driving In cases where dram shop liability applies, these claims can be especially valuable when the at-fault driver is underinsured or has no assets. Time Is Critical – Act Now In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury and dram shop lawsuits is typically four years , but specific timelines may apply depending on the facts of your case. Evidence like surveillance footage and eyewitness memories can fade fast—so it’s essential to speak with an attorney right away. Get Help from a Sioux City Personal Injury Attorney Who Understands Nebraska Dram Shop Law If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver—especially one who may have been overserved at a Nebraska bar or restaurant—you have the right to seek full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients across Sioux City , Iowa , and Nebraska recover after devastating crashes. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation — and let’s start fighting for the justice you deserve.

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver:

By Robert Stahle • June 25, 2025
Legal Steps You Should Take The moments after a car accident are chaotic and frightening—but when you realize the other driver may be drunk, the fear and uncertainty intensify. You may be injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly affect your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless victims in Iowa and Nebraska who were hit by drunk drivers. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know and do. 1. Call 911 Immediately Your safety and the safety of others come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured. Make sure to inform the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver is impaired—this can ensure police respond quickly and gather critical evidence at the scene. When the officers arrive, give them an honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating or assigning blame. Stick to the facts. Law enforcement will perform sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer if they suspect intoxication, which is key evidence in your future claim. 2. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine Many injuries from auto accidents don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) take time to reveal themselves. Always get checked out by medical professionals at the scene or follow up immediately with your doctor. Having documented medical treatment is also essential for your legal case. Insurance companies often challenge claims that don’t have clear, timely medical records. 3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you're physically able to, collect as much evidence at the scene as possible: Take photos of both vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Note the time, location, road conditions, and any nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Write down anything you observe about the other driver—slurred speech, empty containers, erratic behavior. The more details you preserve early on, the stronger your claim will be. 4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel After the accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may reach out quickly. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize their financial liability. Avoid giving recorded statements, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement before speaking to an attorney. Even your own insurance company may not act in your best interest if the claim involves underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can handle these conversations and protect your rights. 5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away Drunk driving accident cases can involve criminal and civil elements, multiple liable parties, and complex insurance policies. A qualified personal injury attorney can: Preserve evidence File paperwork on time Handle negotiations Represent you in court if needed At Fitch & Stahle , we know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of the crash—including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages . If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
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