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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.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Civil Court: What Victims Should Know

By Robert Stahle • June 18, 2025
When someone is injured by a drunk driver, the first question is often: “Will they go to jail?” Criminal charges such as DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) are often filed against the driver, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved. While this may result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time, the reality is this: a criminal case won’t pay your bills. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, you need to file a civil claim —a personal injury lawsuit. This is where true accountability happens for victims. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help people across Iowa and Nebraska navigate the civil justice system and pursue the compensation they need after a drunk driving accident. Here’s what you should know. Civil Cases Are Separate from Criminal Trials Many victims assume that if the driver is arrested and convicted of DUI, they’ll automatically be compensated. But criminal proceedings are about the state punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. In fact, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver isn’t charged or convicted. While a conviction helps prove liability in civil court, it’s not required. Your personal injury attorney will build a case based on evidence of negligence and damages—whether or not the state takes action. What Damages Can You Recover in a Civil Claim? Civil cases allow victims to recover a broad range of compensatory damages , including: Emergency medical bills Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation Lost wages and future income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Vehicle and property damage Loss of enjoyment of life In many drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages . These are awarded to punish gross negligence—like driving with a high blood alcohol content or with prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages can dramatically increase your total compensation and serve as a warning to others. The Role of an Attorney in Building Your Case Civil lawsuits require a thorough investigation, documentation, and expert testimony. At Fitch & Stahle, we begin by collecting all the evidence: police reports, toxicology results, dashcam footage, witness statements, and medical records. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened and why. We then calculate both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma), making sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. When Third-Party Liability May Apply In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible. For example: Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver may be liable under dram shop laws Employers who allowed a known impaired driver to operate a company vehicle could also face liability We explore all angles to make sure you’re fully compensated. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Sioux City or surrounding areas, the criminal justice system alone won’t protect your future. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you file a civil claim, recover full compensation, and hold the drunk driver—and any responsible parties—accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.

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.
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