If you’ve been injured in a car accident while pregnant, your priority should be ensuring the health and safety of you and your baby.
Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience for anyone, but for pregnant women, the stakes are even higher. Even a minor collision can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child. Understanding how to protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation after a car accident while pregnant is essential.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help. Your health, your baby’s well-being, and your financial recovery are our top priorities.
The Unique Risks of Car Accidents During Pregnancy
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of trauma during pregnancy. Even a low-speed collision can have significant consequences for the mother and the baby. Some of the most common risks include:
Physical Injuries to the Mother
- Abdominal Trauma: Direct impact on the abdomen from the steering wheel, seatbelt, or dashboard can harm the uterus or placenta.
- Whiplash: Pregnant women are more susceptible to whiplash due to the changes in their body’s center of gravity and loosened ligaments caused by pregnancy hormones.
- Broken Bones or Lacerations: Depending on the accident’s severity, you may suffer physical injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Risks to the Baby
- Placental Abruption: One of the most serious risks is when the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterine wall. This can result in severe bleeding, preterm labor, or stillbirth.
- Miscarriage or Preterm Birth: The force of the collision can lead to early labor or even loss of the pregnancy.
- Fetal Trauma: Direct trauma to the uterus can harm the fetus, potentially leading to birth defects or developmental issues.
- Low Amniotic Fluid: A collision may cause issues with amniotic fluid levels, essential for the baby’s development.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Pregnant women involved in car accidents often experience heightened anxiety, depression, or PTSD, especially if the health of their unborn child is in jeopardy. Emotional distress is an important consideration when seeking compensation.
Steps to Take If You’re Pregnant and Injured in a Car Accident
If you’re pregnant and involved in a car accident, the following steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor or visiting the emergency room immediately after the accident is critical. Pregnancy-related injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, and some complications may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
A medical evaluation will include:
- Ultrasound Monitoring: To check the baby’s heart rate, movement, and overall well-being.
- Blood Tests: To monitor hormone levels and check for internal bleeding.
- Fetal Monitoring: A non-stress test or other monitoring may be performed to ensure the baby is not in distress.
Contact Law Enforcement
Report the accident to local law enforcement so an official police report can be filed. This report will be necessary to document the details of the accident and establish liability.
Document the Accident
If you’re able, collect as much information as possible, including:
- Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle.
- Contact information for the other driver(s) and witnesses.
- Insurance details for all parties involved.
Inform Your Doctor About the Accident
Notify your obstetrician or healthcare provider about the accident, even if you’ve already been evaluated at the hospital. They may recommend additional tests or closer monitoring in the weeks following the crash.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of filing a claim while pregnant, ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
Compensation for Pregnant Car Accident Victims
If you’re injured in a car accident while pregnant, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Current Medical Bills: Emergency care, hospital visits, ultrasounds, medications, and treatments related to the accident.
- Future Medical Costs: Costs associated with ongoing prenatal care, complications arising from the accident, or premature delivery.
- Pain and Suffering
- Compensation for the physical pain caused by your injuries and the emotional trauma of worrying about your unborn child’s health.
- Lost Wages
- If you’re unable to work due to your injuries or if your doctor orders bed rest due to the accident, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Damage to Your Vehicle
- The cost of repairing or replacing your car if it was damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful Death (in Severe Cases)
- If the accident results in the loss of your baby, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your unimaginable loss.
Missouri’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you’re deemed 20% at fault for the crash, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
How an Attorney Can Help Pregnant Car Accident Victims
Filing a car accident claim while pregnant can be incredibly complex due to the heightened risks and emotional toll. An attorney experienced in car accident cases can:
- Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and review police reports to establish fault.
- Work With Medical Experts: Collaborate with doctors and specialists to document your injuries and their impact on your pregnancy.
- Calculate Full Compensation: Ensure all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional damages are included in your claim.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Handle communications with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement.
- Take Your Case to Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, an attorney can file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.
Preventing Injuries During Pregnancy: Car Safety Tips
While car accidents aren’t always avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury while driving during pregnancy:
- Wear Your Seatbelt Properly
- Always wear your seatbelt with the lap belt under your belly (across your hips) and the shoulder strap between your breasts and to the side of your belly.
- Sit Far Back From the Airbag
- Adjust your seat so there’s at least 10 inches of space between your belly and the steering wheel.
- Limit Driving Late in Pregnancy
- As your belly grows, your mobility and visibility may decrease. Consider limiting driving or having someone else drive if possible.
- Take Frequent Breaks
- On long trips, stop frequently to stretch your legs and avoid sitting in one position for too long.
Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights
If you’ve been injured in a car accident while pregnant, your priority should be ensuring the health and safety of you and your baby. However, don’t overlook the importance of protecting your legal rights. The medical and emotional impact of a car accident during pregnancy can be significant, and you deserve full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional suffering.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we understand pregnant car accident victims’ unique challenges. With over 25 years of experience handling car accident claims in Missouri, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C Today
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help. Your health, your baby’s well-being, and your financial recovery are our top priorities.