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Why You Should Never Accept the First Insurance Offer After a Crash

Robert Stahle • May 7, 2025

Why You Should Never Accept the First Insurance Offer After a Car Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Iowa or Nebraska, chances are high that you’ve already heard from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Often, this first call includes a friendly tone and a quick settlement offer. While it might be tempting to accept—especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and missed work—doing so could cost you thousands in lost compensation.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we’ve represented countless injury victims across Iowa and Nebraska who were offered lowball settlements that didn’t even begin to cover their losses. In this blog, we explain why accepting the first offer is rarely in your best interest—and how having a trusted attorney on your side can make a major difference.



1. Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side

Despite their commercials, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line—not to ensure you’re made whole after a crash. One of the ways they reduce payouts is by making early settlement offers that seem generous but fail to account for long-term damages.

These offers are designed to:

  • Get you to settle before you fully understand your injuries.
  • Prevent you from hiring an attorney.
  • Limit future liability by having you sign away your right to sue.

In both Iowa and Nebraska, once you accept a settlement and sign a release, your case is closed—even if your medical condition worsens later. That’s why speaking with a personal injury attorney before signing anything is so important.



2. You May Not Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries

Car accident injuries often take time to fully reveal themselves. Conditions like concussions, whiplash, back injuries, or internal damage may not cause noticeable symptoms for days or even weeks. Additionally, some injuries require long-term care, physical therapy, or surgery.

The first insurance offer typically only covers:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Basic vehicle repairs
  • Minimal lost wages

It often does not cover:

  • Ongoing treatment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Emotional distress

If you accept a quick settlement without understanding your full diagnosis and prognosis, you may end up paying for future care out of your own pocket.



3. A Low Settlement Could Leave You in Debt

Let’s say you accept an insurance offer of $7,500 shortly after the crash, only to later discover you need months of treatment and can’t return to work. Those medical bills and lost wages could easily exceed $50,000. But if you’ve already signed a release, there’s no going back.

Many victims in Iowa and Nebraska mistakenly believe they can renegotiate later or reopen the case. Unfortunately, that’s almost never true. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you’re legally barred from seeking further compensation.



4. You Deserve Compensation for More Than Just Bills

The law in both Iowa and Nebraska allows injury victims to seek compensation for a wide range of damages, not just the ones that show up on a receipt. A skilled attorney will evaluate the full impact the accident had on your life and fight for compensation in areas such as:

  • Pain and suffering – the physical discomfort and emotional trauma you’ve endured
  • Loss of enjoyment of life – if you can’t participate in hobbies or daily activities
  • Future medical expenses – including surgeries, medication, therapy, and equipment
  • Lost earning capacity – if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future

An early settlement rarely accounts for these factors. Insurance companies know this—and count on you not having legal counsel to help you push back.



5. Legal Representation Levels the Playing Field

Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire a personal injury attorney receive significantly higher settlements than those who don’t. At Fitch & Stahle, we’re experienced negotiators who understand how insurers operate. We’ll:

  • Collect evidence to support your claim
  • Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
  • Work with medical professionals to assess your injuries
  • Build a compelling case for full compensation
  • Take your case to court if necessary

We serve clients across both Iowa and Nebraska, including South Sioux City, Sioux City, Omaha, and beyond. Our local expertise and personal approach set us apart—and we don’t get paid unless we win.



6. You’re Not Required to Accept Anything Right Away

Many victims feel pressured to respond quickly or are told they only have a short window to accept the offer. This is a tactic. The truth is: you are under no obligation to accept the first offer—or any offer—without fully reviewing it and understanding your rights.

In fact, taking the time to:

  • Speak to a personal injury attorney
  • Complete all necessary medical treatment
  • Review long-term costs and losses

...can help you pursue a much more substantial settlement.



7. There Are Time Limits—But You Still Have Options

Both Iowa and Nebraska have statutes of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit—generally two years from the date of the accident. That means you do have time to properly assess your case, speak with a lawyer, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Even if you’ve already received an offer, it’s not too late to consult with an attorney before accepting it. Doing so could protect your financial future.



Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

After a car accident, the stress can be overwhelming. You may be in pain, missing work, and trying to juggle insurance calls. A quick payout might seem like a relief—but it’s often a trap.

Let the experienced attorneys at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm evaluate your case and fight for what you truly deserve. We’ve helped injured clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska secure fair settlements that reflect the full scope of their injuries and losses.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.