When You’re in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant mothers and parents, and you take the utmost care in ensuring the health and safety of your baby. Unfortunately, accidents and events out of our control still happen, and experiencing an injury while pregnant is not only expensive – it can be psychologically and physically stressful. And, when your injury is due to someone else’s negligence, the situation can take on an entire host of complications.

Take, for example, a car accident. In a minor car crash, an expectant mother may walk away with a few bumps and bruises, but her unborn baby could suffer serious injuries. The mother may have to undergo additional fetal monitoring and testing, which can cause increased anxiety and emotional suffering that could go on for months. Concerns about premature labor, placental abruption, birth injuries or even miscarriage are all very real for a pregnant woman who suffers physical and mental trauma in an accident.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of traumatic injuries in pregnancy, at nearly 50 percent. Trauma complicates one in 12 pregnancies and, according to the AAFP, is the leading non-obstetric cause of death among pregnant women.

Car accidents and pregnancy complications

Auto accidents can cause major injuries, minor injuries and massive emotional stress. Following any type of injury, an expectant mother should seek emergency medical treatment immediately to ensure the safety of herself and her baby. During a vehicle collision, a fetus can experience pressure from the crash, seat belt or airbag, which can cause serious pregnancy complications or even loss of the baby.

If you’re pregnant and in an accident, be hyper-aware of any of the following symptoms that the fetus may be in distress:

• Abdominal pain
• Changes in fetal movement
• Contractions
• Fainting or lightheadedness
• Fever
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Vomiting

If any of this occurs, seek medical help immediately. Your OB-GYN may need to monitor your pregnancy more closely to ensure it is not high-risk due to the accident.

Seeking compensation for your accident

After any accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages and losses. This includes medical expenses, which are likely to be higher when there are complications with your pregnancy.

Your attorney will take into account the numerous factors that could affect the amount of compensation to which you’re entitled. This can include whether or not the baby suffered trauma, if an emergency delivery was necessary, or if the baby suffered birth defects or injury caused by the accident. All of these costs add up due to the additional doctor visits, treatments and mental suffering experienced by the mother – and experienced law firms understand this.

The Minot injury attorneys at Larson Law Firm, P.C. provide compassionate assistance to expectant mothers hurt in car accidents. We understand the complicated nature of your injuries and seek compensation accordingly. To arrange a free consultation, call us in Minot or Bismarck today at 701.484.HURT or complete our contact form.