Legal support is available for expecting mothers and their babies
Being in a car accident is scary for anyone, but it’s especially terrifying if you’re pregnant. The sudden shock and impact can be overwhelming, and you don’t just have yourself to worry about — you’re also deeply concerned about your baby’s health and safety. This makes an already tough situation even more difficult to deal with.
After a car accident, pregnant mothers face a lot of stress. There are physical injuries to address, the fear of pregnancy complications, and the emotional trauma of the accident itself. Every decision, from getting medical care to dealing with insurance claims, becomes crucial for both you and your baby’s well-being.
This is why reaching out to a car accident attorney is important. At The Herrera Law Firm, we know the ins and outs of these cases and can help you get the medical attention you need while fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. By getting the right legal help, you can focus on caring for yourself and your baby, knowing your case is in good hands.
How do I know if my baby is okay after a car accident?
After a car accident, pregnant women must see a doctor immediately, even if they feel fine. Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester, your health and your baby's health are priorities. The shock and adrenaline can hide symptoms, and some injuries might not immediately be obvious. A doctor can perform the necessary exams to ensure you and your baby are okay.
Here are some symptoms pregnant women should look out for after a car accident:
- Abdominal pain or cramping.
- vagin*l bleeding or spotting.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Fetal distress.
- Severe headaches.
- Changes in fetal movement.
- Back or shoulder pain.
- Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen.
- Any unusual symptoms or changes in your body.
Even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to ensure your health and your baby’s safety and prevent potential complications.
What complications can occur if you’re pregnant and in a crash?
After a car accident, pregnant women are at risk for several serious complications. Even low-impact or minor accidents can cause medical complications. Here’s a closer look at some possible complications:
- Placental abruption: Placental abruption happens when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before delivery. The impact from a car accident can cause this type of trauma to the abdomen. This detachment can disrupt the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to severe complications for both the mother and baby.
- Uterine Rupture: Uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus, which, though rare, can be life-threatening. Severe trauma from a car accident can cause this tear, especially if the mother has had a previous cesarean section or uterine surgery.
- Maternal Shock: Maternal shock is a serious condition where the body cannot get enough blood to the organs and tissues. Major blood loss or severe injury from a car accident can lead to this condition. Symptoms of maternal shock include rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, and cold, clammy skin.
- Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. The physical trauma and stress from a car accident can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Early Labor: Early labor begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Trauma or stress from a car accident can trigger early contractions and labor. Medical intervention can sometimes delay labor to give the baby more time to develop.
- Severe Bleeding: Severe bleeding, or hemorrhage, can be life-threatening for both the mother and baby. A severe injury from the accident can cause internal or external bleeding. Immediate medical care is essential to control the bleeding and stabilize the mother.
- Birth Defects: Congenital disabilities are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth. While not as common, severe trauma and stress from a car accident can increase the risk of congenital disabilities. These can vary widely in severity and type, including brain damage to the fetus. Regular prenatal care and monitoring after an accident can help manage potential baby development risks.
Experiencing any complications during pregnancy, especially due to a car accident, can be overwhelming and stressful. Understanding the potential health risks is crucial, but it's also important to recognize such an incident's financial and legal implications. Knowing the value of your legal case can help ensure you receive the compensation necessary for all accident-related costs.
What is my car accident case worth?
Calculating the value of your case after a car accident while pregnant involves considering various factors. While there is no average car accident settlement for cases involving pregnant women, the following factors may contribute to determining the value of your case:
Medical Expenses
- Hospitalization: Pregnant women often require hospitalization to monitor the fetus for complications, even as a precaution.
- Medical equipment: Specialized equipment may be needed to monitor the fetal heart rate and other potential warning signs.
- Emergency Room Visits: Multiple ER visits might be necessary if your doctor advises you to go straight to the ER for any symptoms indicating serious complications.
- Prenatal care: Additional prenatal appointments and tests to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
- Long-term care: Potential long-term medical needs for both mother and baby if complications persist.
- Specialized care: Costs associated with any birth defects or developmental issues resulting from the accident.
Lost Income
- Inability to work: Pregnancy combined with crash-related injuries might make it impossible to work, leading to lost wages.
- Bed Rest: If bed rest is recommended to prevent complications, this could further contribute to lost income.
In-Home Services
- Childcare: Additional help might be needed if you are unable to care for your children due to injuries and pregnancy.
- Household Tasks: Assistance with daily tasks and chores if you’re unable to perform them because of your condition.
Delivery and Postpartum Costs
- Cesarean section: If complications from the accident necessitate a C-section instead of a vagin*l delivery, this includes the cost of surgery and an extended recovery period.
- Extended Hospital Stay: Due to medical complications, a longer hospital stay might be required for both mother and baby.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Physical therapy: Recovery from injuries might require physical therapy sessions.
- Emotional support: Counseling or therapy to address the emotional impact and anxiety stemming from the accident.
Pain and Suffering
- Emotional distress: The added anxiety and fear of harm to the baby can significantly increase the emotional toll of the accident.
- Physical pain: Discomfort and pain resulting from both the accident and pregnancy complications.
Compensation after a car accident while pregnant
If you are pregnant and you or your baby have been injured in a car accident, pursuing legal action can help you recover compensation for the numerous accident-related expenses often associated with these crashes.
Legal action can be crucial in ensuring that you and your baby receive the care and support needed during this challenging time. Common damages (the legal term for financial compensation for losses) you may be able to pursue include:
- Present and future medical expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including hospitalization, specialized medical equipment, emergency room visits, and additional prenatal and postnatal care. Damages can also account for future medical needs, such as long-term care for you and your baby, and costs related to any birth defects or developmental issues resulting from the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income due to your inability to work and any bed rest recommended to prevent complications.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for physical and emotional pain, including anxiety, fear, emotional turmoil, and physical discomfort resulting from the accident.
If an unborn baby dies in a crash or if the pregnant mother succumbs to her injuries, the emotional and legal ramifications can be profound. In Texas, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice and compensation for their loss. These claims can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional trauma experienced by the family.
Protect your rights and your baby’s future with The Herrera Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a car accident while pregnant, The Herrera Law Firm in San Antonio, TX, can provide support during this challenging time. We can handle all legal aspects of your
case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. We know how traumatic car accidents can be for expecting mothers. That’s why we will do everything we can to help you.
Our experienced San Antonio car accident attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by pregnant women after a car accident. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you and your baby recover. Contact us for a free case evaluation to help you focus on your family’s well-being.
Click here to download a printable PDF of this article, “Hurt in a Car Accident While Pregnant.”
