The Ultimate Guide For Pregnant Women Who Are Involved in Car Accidents (2024 Edition)

Accidents do not discriminate! They can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime, and in the blink of an eye. For pregnant women, the potential risks and complications from a car accident are significantly higher, making it even more crucial to take precautions and be aware of the dangers.

Some car accidents could be scarier than others. For instance, it might be that the car accident occurred at high speeds instead of a slow-pace fender-bender. Just as frightening, you might have been hit by a big SUV instead of a smaller electric vehicle.

Regardless of the circumstances, an auto accident can be dangerous for anyone. However, for pregnant women, the stakes are even higher.

That’s why we created a Californian’s legal guide for pregnant women suffering from car accident injuries with shocking statistics, tips for staying safe while driving, proper seatbelt use, common congenital disabilities, and the compensation they deserve. This guide also seeks to examine what legal rights women have under California law after a car accident during pregnancy.

What If You Are Pregnant And Involved In A Car Accident?

Pregnant women face even greater risks of injury to themselves and their unborn children when they are involved in a car accident. Here are some troubling statistics:

• Reuters reports on a study that found that the accident rate for women in their second trimester was nearly double that for women before they became pregnant. Pregnant women were 42% more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident that sent them to the emergency room compared to when they weren’t carrying a child.

• Another study published in the Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine estimated that 1,500 to 5,000 fetal deaths occur every year in the United States as a result of the mother being involved in an auto accident. However, it is difficult to determine exactly how many pregnancies end in car accidents.

  Fetal death is only legally determined and recorded if the mother is at least twenty weeks pregnant. Moreover, between 10% and 20% of all early pregnancies end in miscarriage. As such, it is difficult to determine whether a pregnancy loss is due to an auto accident or not. Yet, the fact remains that hundreds — possibly thousands — of pregnancies end every year in America as a result of auto accidents.

• The same study examined nine cases in which a pregnant mother was killed in an auto accident. In all nine cases, the baby died as well. Eight of the mothers were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of their deaths. The researchers concluded that proper seat belt use was the simplest way to protect an unborn child in a car accident.

What Are The Effects Of A Car Accident On Pregnancy?

Being in a car accident is frightening and stressful, and even more so if you’re pregnant. What’s going to happen to you and your baby? How will you be able to pay for your hospitalization and medical expenses?

The consequences will vary depending on different factors. To give you a general idea, here’s what might happen when a pregnant woman is in an accident, depending on how far along they are in the pregnancy:

First Trimester

Although the risk of injury and miscarriage is present at any stage of pregnancy, it’s generally lower during this period. The fetus is small at this stage, measuring about three to four inches by the end of the first trimester. It’s less vulnerable to harm in a car accident as the amniotic fluid protects it from sudden stops and jolts.

However, we can’t completely discount the possibility of harm to the fetus in case a car accident occurs. The first three months of pregnancy are some of the most critical for development, even without the added challenges of a collision. The stress and anxiety resulting from such a traumatic event can impair fetal development and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Second Trimester

The uterus and amniotic fluid still provide some protection to a fetus in the second trimester. However, they are more at risk of harm in case of a car accident. The baby is big enough to sustain injuries from trauma and indirect blows.

Additionally, the risk of placental abruption considerably increases after 20 weeks. In some cases, it can result in a miscarriage, an underweight baby, or even stillbirth. It can also be dangerous for the mother because it causes excessive bleeding.

Third Trimester

In the final phase of the pregnancy, the risks for placental abruption and preterm labor are significantly higher. Cushioning provided by amniotic fluid is reduced, making the baby more susceptible to injuries from trauma to the mother’s abdomen.

Moreover, mothers are more vulnerable during this time. The stress, emotional suffering, and physical strain resulting from the accident will be magnified. This increases the risk of harm to the baby, even if they did not sustain direct injuries in the accident.

Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, expecting mothers should always seek medical attention after an accident. Lawyers who’ve dealt with car accident cases emphasize the importance of prompt treatment in protecting the rights and safety of both mother and child.

Can A Car Accident Damage Your Uterus?

A car accident can damage your uterus in various ways, even though it is well protected by the pelvic bones. Direct trauma to the abdomen can cause bruising and tearing of the uterine muscles and surrounding tissues. Penetrating injuries are also a significant risk, particularly in high-impact traffic accidents.

For example, if a big rig crashes into a car, the impact could shatter the windows and destroy the vehicle’s frame. The collision would produce various hazards, like glass shards and sharp metal, that can stab or cut the abdomen.

Can A Car Accident Cause Labor?

Car accidents could induce labor due to the physical trauma and emotional distress experienced by the mother. The force from a collision, even at lower speeds, can create a significant impact on the body, leading to complications such as preterm contractions or placental abruption. This physical trauma can trigger the onset of labor, especially if the pregnancy is already in a later stage.

As a result of the accident, stress and anxiety can lead to preterm births and other pregnancy complications. Stress hormones, like cortisol, can make it harder for the body to support a full-term pregnancy. Mothers involved in car accidents are also at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to premature births or low birth weights.

Can A Pregnant Woman Survive A Car Crash?

A lot of people survive a car accident, even women who are pregnant. However, the outcome is influenced by several factors, including:

The Severity Of The Crash

Low-impact collisions like minor sideswipes generally have lower risks. In contrast, severe accidents like SUV rollovers and high-speed crashes can result in more substantial trauma. They can lead to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and direct harm to the baby.

In particular, red light running, speeding, and drunk driving are some common factors leading to fatal car accidents.

The Types Of Vehicles Involved

The types of vehicles involved also play a role. For example, suppose the mother is a passenger in a car hit by a commercial truck. In that case, they are at higher risk of sustaining fatal injuries due to the disparity in vehicle size and weight in truck accidents. Similarly, the size of the car itself can be a critical factor. Larger, more robust vehicles offer better crash protection than smaller, lighter cars.

Modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety features can also significantly increase the chances of surviving a crash. These features help prevent accidents through alert systems and automated safety technology and mitigate the impact of collisions. Safe driving technologies like automatic braking, electronic stability control, and lane departure warning are designed to enhance safety for all passengers, including pregnant women.

That is why many parents think a minivan or an SUV is a good and safe car for moms and they avoid certain brands that get in the most accidents.

Safety Precautions Taken

Generally, the survival rate is higher for those who took proper safety measures. For instance, not wearing seat belts can significantly increase the risk of fatalities. Previous studies have shown that nearly half of the individuals who died in car crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt.

Functional airbags are also crucial for safety, so always check that they work. Today’s cars should have an indicator on the dashboard that will tell you if the airbags are malfunctioning. If the indicator is on, take your car to the dealer or a professional mechanic. Defective airbags will not do you any good in a car accident.

Regular maintenance of your vehicle is critical. A car in good condition can help prevent and keep you safe in an accident.

Immediate Medical Treatment

If you are injured in a car accident while pregnant, you need immediate medical care to increase your chances of survival. If a pregnant woman suffers a uterine rupture or placental abruption, for example, they could bleed to death without prompt treatment. Those who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) after a car accident also need quick attention. Paramedics will know how to spot warning signs of TBI, which could be unnoticeable to the victim.

The sooner a mother is cared for and looked at by doctors, the higher their chances of recovering.

Consequent Complications

The severity of injuries doesn’t always accurately predict the outcome for pregnant women in car accidents. Some have survived catastrophic injuries without adverse long-term effects on themselves or their babies. On the other hand, others with seemingly superficial injuries have later died from complications.

For example, minor cuts can lead to infections if not treated properly. Adverse reactions to medications, antibiotics, and procedures can also be fatal. For these reasons, it is very important that a victim is monitored after the first treatment, especially if they are pregnant.

Car accidents also raise the risk of pregnancy complications that can harm the mother, like preeclampsia. This condition can become life-threatening even after the mother has given birth.

How Do I Know If My Unborn Baby Is Okay After A Car Accident?

Immediate medical attention is essential to ensure the safety of your unborn baby after a car accident. This step is vital, especially if you notice warning signs of potential harm, such as vaginal bleeding, discharge, or abdominal pain. Don’t skip a medical evaluation even in the absence of these symptoms. Seemingly minor injuries to you could pose a significant risk to your baby.

Visit your obstetrician as soon as possible, as they can conduct specific tests like ultrasounds and fetal monitoring to ensure your baby’s well-being. Emergency medical care is also crucial for confirming the safety of your baby. Allow paramedics to evaluate your condition right after the car accident.

The Role Of Emergency Responders In Protecting Unborn Babies

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are pivotal in keeping you and your baby safe in an accident. Upon arrival, they will immediately assess the situation and the pregnant woman’s condition to determine the most appropriate response.

EMTs receive training in identifying critical conditions and providing the necessary medical interventions. These include controlling the bleeding, administering oxygen, immobilizing fractures, and clearing the airway.

They also employ specific care practices for pregnant women to ensure the safety of the unborn baby. For example, they may position the mother on her left side to improve blood flow to the uterus. If equipment is available, they will also monitor the fetal heart rate to detect signs of distress.

While EMTs can’t provide comprehensive treatment at the scene, they focus on stabilizing the victims’ conditions to prevent further harm. They will do everything possible to save both the mother and baby. In serious cases, they can expedite transfer to the emergency room, where pregnant women can receive better care and medical attention.

All the while, EMTs are in constant communication with fellow healthcare providers. They rely not only on their skills but also on collaborative efforts to deliver effective care to victims, including unborn babies.

Moreover, they provide emotional support to victims, an often overlooked part of their job. They can help keep pregnant women calm, which helps them make the right decisions in these critical moments. This reassurance is especially helpful for those experiencing heightened anxiety and stress over their baby’s safety. Through effective emergency treatment assessment and administration, you and your baby will have better chances of survival and recovery.

The Types Of Pregnancy Injuries Women Can Suffer As A Result Of A Car Accident

Both you and your baby can suffer injuries as a result of a car crash, and the types of injuries you can suffer depend largely on your accident. Some examples are cuts, bruises, head trauma, back injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and eye injuries. Victims could even sustain burn injuries if the car accident leads to a fire or explosion.

Pregnant women could face greater consequences in car accidents. Here are some of the most common injuries pregnant auto accident victims sustain:

Premature Birth

Studies have found elevated rates of preterm labor among auto accident victims. In some cases, doctors can stop preterm labor with medication and other interventions. In other cases, the baby is born too early (known as a preemie) and either cannot survive or suffers permanent disabilities.

Preterm birth occurs when a baby is born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affected one out of every ten infants born in the United States in 2022. Preterm birth rates saw a 1% decline, settling at 10.4% that year. This decrease followed a 4% increase observed from 2020 to 2021.

High-Risk Pregnancy

A pregnancy can be deemed high-risk due to complications resulting from a car accident. The mother is at higher risk of miscarriage, even if the fetus did not sustain direct injury.

Pregnancies are labeled “high-risk” when there are complications with either the mother or the baby that need careful monitoring and observation. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, there are many other reasons a pregnancy could be classified as high-risk.

Existing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or HIV can complicate pregnancy. Maternal obesity can increase a child’s risk of heart disease by 15%, as well as other medical conditions in the unborn child. Multiple births also complicate a pregnancy. Preeclampsia, preterm labor, and preterm births are all commonly associated with multiple babies.

Finally, a pregnancy could be designated high-risk due to the mother’s age. Pregnancy in women younger than 17 or older than 35 carries known risks, such as eclampsia or seizures, systemic infections, and babies with chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.

When these factors are already present before a car accident, the mother has a higher chance of developing pregnancy complications. Moreover, if the pregnancy is already categorized as high-risk, the mother could lose their baby in a crash.

High-risk pregnancies tend to result in greater medical expenses. They require more doctor’s visits, medications, and extensive tests. They are also very stressful for a mother who is worried about the health of her unborn child.

Both the added medical costs and the added stress of a high-risk pregnancy are compensable losses. Mothers are entitled to compensation if the high-risk pregnancy was caused by a car accident involving a negligent party. Contact a car accident lawyer who can help you fight for your rights.

Placental Abruption

Abdominal trauma sustained during a car accident increases a mother’s chances of placental abruption. This condition occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before your baby is born. The placenta is a vascular organ within the uterus that exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the mother and fetus. If it detaches from the uterine wall, it disrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Placental abruption is an uncommon but highly dangerous complication. A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the mortality rate for all births was 8.2 out of every 1000, and for placental abruption, it was 119 out of every 1000.

The higher rate is partly due to the strong correlation between placental abruption and early delivery. In fact, more than half of the placental abruption mortality cases studied were found to be due to preterm delivery.

A pregnancy can continue successfully depending on the degree of placental separation from the uterus. This type of pregnancy, however, becomes a high-risk pregnancy that requires careful monitoring and adds stress to the mother.

You will likely incur high medical expenses if a placental abruption occurs as a result of a crash. You need car accident lawyers who can help you recover these expenses. Reach out to us to discuss your case.

Uterine Injury

Because the uterus is enlarged during pregnancy, it is more susceptible to injury. Abdominal injuries sustained in a car crash can cause life-threatening complications for both mother and child. In cases of uterine rupture, the mortality rate for unborn children is near 100%. The complications of a rupture also create a risk of death for mothers, who face a 10% mortality rate. Uterine injury can also cause internal bleeding that threatens the lives of both mother and child.

Miscarriage

Can a car accident cause a miscarriage? Sadly, yes, especially in severe crashes and high-risk pregnancies.

Unborn babies are protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid, placenta, and other structures in the mother’s abdominal cavity. This natural protection shields the child from minor trauma, such as in cases of minor car accidents. The unborn child is often protected by the mother entirely and suffers no injuries as a result of the collision. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

In serious car accidents, the mother is subjected to very powerful forces, and the baby cannot always withstand the trauma. Some mothers suffer tragic miscarriages as a result.

In this case, the mother has a legal claim for her losses. Pain and suffering will be critical components of her personal injury compensation. It takes skilled auto accident lawyers to fight for — and prove — the value of a mother’s suffering after a miscarriage.

Insurance claim adjusters are trained to make simple calculations regarding intangible and non-economic losses. When the pain is as personal as a miscarriage, this is simply not good enough. You need a lawyer who can fight for just compensation for a car accident while pregnant.

Maternal Shock

A car accident can put a pregnant woman into maternal shock in different ways, more commonly due to hypovolemic or hemorrhagic shock. This condition occurs when the body loses a large amount of blood, such as in cases of traumatic amputation. The significant blood loss prevents organs from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function, potentially leading to multiple organ failure. This situation is extremely dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

Another common cause of maternal shock is septic shock. It occurs when an injury from a car accident spreads an infection throughout the body. The result is widespread inflammation and organ failure. Septic shock is a leading cause of death for both pregnant women and unborn babies, making prompt medical attention critical.

The Types Of Injuries An Unborn Baby Can Suffer As A Result Of A Car Accident

When a car accident happens, an unborn baby is at risk of sustaining several types of injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe and potentially have long-term effects on the child’s health and development. Here are some of them:

Fetal Trauma

While the authors of a case study reported in Medicine have noted that direct fetal injury is infrequent, a car accident while pregnant can cause brain damage to the fetus. When it occurs, the results can be catastrophic. In the study, the baby sustained and later succumbed to head injuries and other complications.

Head injuries are some of the most common types of fetal trauma because the head is the largest part of the unborn child. Unfortunately, many cases of fetal direct head injuries have a poor prognosis.

The head trauma suffered by an unborn child in a car accident mimics that of “shaken baby” syndrome. The child’s brain can rock forward to hit the front of the skull, then back again to hit the back of the skull. These well-documented coups and contrecoup forces have been known to cause serious and sometimes fatal brain damage. Luckily, seat belts and airbags have been repeatedly shown to reduce trauma to both mother and baby in a car accident.

Birth Defects

Both direct fetal injuries and premature births can lead to birth defects, and car accidents can cause both. A study in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that birth defects were twice as common among preterm births (24 to 36 weeks) as in full-term births (37 to 41 weeks). This figure jumped five times when very preterm births (24 to 31 weeks gestation) were compared with full-term births.

Birth defects lead to costly medical procedures and rehabilitative services that may be required for the child’s entire life. The child might need emergency surgery or a lengthy stay in the ICU after he or she is born. Many medical specialists will likely have to be consulted about the child’s various needs. Birth defects often lead to poor developmental outcomes, and this means that many children suffering from birth defects must complete years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other types of rehabilitation to live a relatively normal life.

If your child’s birth defects are the result of a car accident, the negligent driver has a legal obligation to pay for all these costs. Your child is also entitled to compensation for his or her pain and suffering, which can be substantial. Contact lawyers who handle car accident claims to find out how you can pursue compensation from the liable parties.

Can Whiplash From A Car Accident Affect Your Pregnancy?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement, like the cracking of a whip. While it primarily affects the neck and shoulders, it can also indirectly impact a pregnancy.

The stress and pain caused by the injury can lead to complications such as high blood pressure or premature labor. However, it’s important to note that every pregnancy is unique. The effects of whiplash can vary from one person to another.

Note that whiplash can have delayed signs, so immediate care and proper management are crucial to minimizing risks. If you have been in a rear-end car accident, the most common cause of whiplash, look out for common signs and symptoms. These include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Can A Concussion From A Car Accident Affect Your Pregnancy?

Research on the effects of a concussion during pregnancy is ongoing. One study suggests that there may be a link between maternal concussion and problems with the baby’s brain development. Another study showed that traumatic brain injuries can also increase mortality risk and cause other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, these studies often involve women who have suffered more severe forms of TBI.

Immediate medical attention is crucial in diagnosing, ensuring swift recovery from a concussion, and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. Go to the doctor if you have symptoms like headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, and excessive fatigue. These could be signs of a concussion or other types of brain injuries from a car accident.

Note that you don’t have to hit your head to sustain a concussion, so you must seek medical help even if you did not receive a direct blow to the head. It is a type of brain injury that can also result from a forceful jolt to the body, causing the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. You can explore the brain injury resources available in your state for more information and support.

When Should You Seek Medical Care After A Car Accident When You Are Pregnant?

Go to your doctor immediately after an auto accident if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Abdominal pain.
• Increased swelling in your face or fingers.
• Lack of or changes in fetal activity or movement.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Severe headache.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Frequent urination.

However, even if you’re not experiencing any concerning conditions or you believe you only sustained minor injuries, you should still go to a doctor ASAP for your safety and your baby’s sake. Inform the medical staff about the car accident and your pregnancy so they can tailor their care and take appropriate precautions.

Why Is It Important To Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

Prompt medical care can save your and your baby’s lives. It can help identify potentially hidden injuries and minimize the risks of long-term complications.

Even if you feel fine, it might be different for your baby. Thorough medical examinations may be needed to detect serious injuries and closely monitor your condition. Remember, some injuries, like placental abruption, can occur even in a minor accident. Early detection can tip the scales toward your baby’s survival.

Moreover, seeking medical attention can give you peace of mind. It reduces stress during a critical time and helps keep you and your baby healthy.

Lastly, a medical assessment creates documentation crucial when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit. Your medical records can help make a direct connection between the accident and your bodily injuries, which is a basic requirement when seeking compensation. If you have further questions about the legal aspect of your injuries, consult a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases involving pregnant women.

Follow-Up Care After A Car Accident

Pregnant women will likely need continuous monitoring after a car accident to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing without further issues. Let your medical team develop a treatment plan for you.

Be vigilant for signs of complications. Even if your condition has stabilized, don’t get complacent. Continue going to your appointments and following the doctor’s advice. Here are some other tips to help you recover more smoothly after a car accident:

• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Avoid strenuous activities unless you’ve received approval from your doctor.
• Pay attention to your diet and drink lots of water.

By now, you’re wondering, “How am I going to pay for all the additional treatments and medications I need?” While you might get some financial help from your insurance, it’s often not enough to cover all your losses. You should consult a lawyer who handles car accident cases to help you obtain compensation and explore all your options.

How Can I Pay For My Medical Bills After A Car Accident While Pregnant?

If you’re in a car accident, you may have several options for paying for your injuries, including:

Hospital Financial Assistance Programs

Some hospitals and healthcare facilities provide financial assistance programs for individuals unable to pay for their treatment. They may offer payment plans that allow you to pay your bills over time in more manageable installments.

Your team of car accident lawyers can also help you get a medical lien, allowing you to receive treatment without upfront costs. In return, they are entitled to a portion of any future settlement or judgment equal to the costs of the medical services they provided.

Government Programs

See if you qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid healthcare program) or other state-specific programs. These programs can cover various medical expenses if you meet their eligibility criteria. In Medi-Cal, for example, eligibility and coverage will depend on your income.

Insurance Claims

Your health insurance can cover a significant portion of your medical bills, including your hospitalization, surgery, lab tests, and medications, depending on your policy. If the car accident was caused by someone else, you can file a claim with their insurance provider to recover compensation for medical bills and future treatment costs.

However, what if an uninsured motorist injured you? You might be eligible to file a claim with your own auto insurance provider if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. They will be obligated to pay for the damages, but only if you qualify under the terms of your policy.

In California, UI/UIM coverage is typically offered with your insurance plan, and you must sign a waiver if you don’t wish to buy it. Ask your provider to see if you can make a UI/UIM claim or talk to a lawyer for car accidents who can help you process insurance and personal injury claims.

What Are My Legal Rights If I’m In A Car Accident While Pregnant?

When another driver or a company is legally responsible for causing the auto accident, they have a legal obligation to compensate the victim for their injuries. Even a minor car accident while pregnant can cause serious problems.

Pregnant women often have far more losses than other auto accident victims, largely due to higher medical expenses. A pregnant auto accident victim will likely require hours of fetal monitoring. She will have extra medical appointments with her obstetrician and may also have to see other specialists. She will likely also experience increased pain and suffering as a result of her worry about her unborn child. All these factors mean a pregnant car accident victim generally requires higher compensation.

Aside from the financial burdens, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to move forward with all these challenges you’re facing. A lawyer who handles car accident claims will be your ally in protecting your rights.

How Can I Pursue Compensation For My Car Accident?

To pursue compensation, you must file a car accident claim with the insurance company responsible for covering your damages. They will then investigate your claim, calculate how much they owe you, and then make an offer. If you accept, then you should receive the amount you agreed on. Remember that after accepting an offer, you are no longer eligible to file another claim, even if you later discover that you need more money for your treatment.

However, how do you know who is responsible for paying you?

Who Is Liable In Car Accidents?

California is an at-fault state, meaning the ones who should compensate you are those at fault for the accident, which may include:

• Another Driver — For instance, you were crossing an intersection on a green light when another driver running a red light crashed into you. In this specific case of an intersection accident, you would likely have to file a claim with their insurance provider.
• Car/Auto Parts Manufacturer — What if the vehicle could not stop at the red light because of an auto defect, like brake failure? You might have a valid claim with the manufacturer if the defect was a design flaw or a production error. This is also true if a mechanical failure occurs in your own car, such as when defective tires lead to an accident.
• Government Entities — You can file a claim with a government body if the car accident occurred due to their negligence. For example, the city responsible for maintaining the road could be liable if a road hazard contributed to the incident. A municipality may also share responsibility for car vs. bus accidents.
• Other Third Parties — Many other parties can be to blame for your car accident, even those who are not directly involved, such as the car owner, the ridesharing company in a rideshare accident, the negligent party’s employers, car mechanics, and many more. Lawyers for car accident cases will investigate each one for potential negligence.

As you can see, filing a claim is not as simple as submitting a piece of paper. After considering your circumstances, you must determine who is responsible for the car accident. That’s why it’s highly recommended to get a car accident lawyer who can determine where you should file a claim.

What If There Are Multiple Liable Parties?

Multiple parties can often be liable for your injuries and damages. According to California’s comparative negligence rule, their percentage of liability will determine how much they owe the victim.

Suppose you were involved in a speeding-related accident due to a reckless driver, and you weren’t able to avoid it because of a software bug in your self-driving vehicle. Who is actually to blame? The speeding driver, the carmaker, the software developer, or you?

These parties can share responsibility for the accident — yes, even you. If you have some fault, your compensation will be reduced accordingly.

Determining liability has several layers. You should hire an attorney who can thoroughly investigate your car accident. Lawyers who specialize in car accident cases will help you identify all negligent parties and calculate the amount they owe you.

Do You Have A Wrongful Death Claim For An Unborn Child Killed In A Car Accident?

Wrongful death claims are governed by state law. For this reason, each state’s law varies on the question of whether parents can pursue a wrongful death claim for the death of an unborn child. Section 377.60 of the California Code of Civil Procedure creates a cause of action for wrongful death, but this section makes no mention of unborn children.

In interpreting the wrongful death statute, the California Supreme Court has previously held that it only applies to a child who was delivered alive.

In other words, parents cannot file a wrongful death claim for a miscarriage or a stillbirth. If, however, the child was delivered alive, the parents can pursue damages in a wrongful death claim if the child subsequently dies from injuries sustained in a car accident.

This does not mean that the car accident victim cannot pursue other forms of compensation for the loss of their baby. In such cases, the mother can still pursue her own personal injury claim. She is entitled to compensation for her medical bills (including those related to the miscarriage or stillbirth) and her pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering are significant in these devastating cases. Insurance companies rarely adequately account for a woman’s physical, emotional, and financial damages that result from such a personal and painful loss. This is why having an experienced auto accident lawyer represent you is important. Your car accident attorneys will fight hard to demand fair compensation for these painful losses.

Navigating Insurance Claims After A Car Accident

A common misconception in injury claims is that it’s easy to get compensation from the insurance company. An insurance claim is a frustrating and exhausting process, especially given the dirty practices of insurance companies. Of course, insurance companies do not want you to know the fair value of your claim. They do not want you to consider all the different losses you have suffered and how much you are actually entitled to under the law. This is why it is so important for pregnant women to get legal advice after an auto accident.

Insurers won’t care that you’re pregnant and you need money for your treatment and your baby’s health; they only care about protecting their profits. They will take advantage of any weakness — like your desperation for money for your baby’s treatment, inadequate knowledge about the process, or the lack of lawyers to represent you in your car accident claim.

Claims adjusters won’t be gentle with you; they’ll use forceful tactics to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. They will also try to minimize your payout or find reasons to deny your claim entirely. They might even twist some facts, suggesting your injuries are not severe enough to warrant higher compensation.

Don’t believe the words of someone who’s not on your side. As they say, “Mother knows best.” If you believe your baby deserves more, you’re likely correct.

Hire lawyers who handle car accident claims to take over all communications and negotiations with insurance companies. If an adjuster contacts you, redirect them to your legal team. That way, you won’t have to deal with their schemes and the hassle of navigating insurance claims. You can focus on your recovery and your baby’s well-being.

Proving Your Case

You must demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence to successfully recover compensation. A lawyer who handles car accident cases can do so by proving that:

• The other party is at fault. In California, they should be at least 1% liable to be held accountable for the victim’s damages.
• The other party’s negligence led to your or your baby’s injuries.
• You incurred damages as a result of the accident.

To demonstrate they were negligent, your team of lawyers for your car accident case must strengthen your case with evidence, such as the police report, photos and videos, and witness testimonies. Medical records will also be essential in proving that the accident was the cause of your injuries or loss of pregnancy.

Additionally, you must be able to justify the value of your damages. What your car accident lawyer can do is present receipts, medical bills, and invoices. They can also get expert testimony from doctors, economists, life planners, and other professionals to prove the worth of your losses.

The car accident settlement process is pretty complex, putting undue stress on you and your baby. During this critical time, you must rest as much as possible. Hire a lawyer for your car accident to do the legwork on your behalf.

What Damages Can You Recover After A Car Accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused a car accident, victims are entitled to compensation for all of their accident-related losses and all the ways the car accident has ruined their lives.

Victims are eligible to claim damages in personal injury cases for the following:

• Medical expenses for your injuries, including future treatment costs.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential due to your injuries.
• The costs of hiring help for round-the-clock care, daily chores, and other tasks if your injuries prevent you from doing them yourself.
• Expenses related to modifications to your home and vehicle to accommodate your injuries.
• Travel expenses for doctor appointments, hospital visits, or trips to see out-of-city specialists.
• Car repair or replacement costs.
• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of quality of life.
• Other intangible losses, such as loss of consortium.

These damages in a personal injury claim are generally available to all victims, not just pregnant women. The only difference is that expecting mothers may incur higher or additional losses related to their pregnancy.

How Fetal Injuries And Pregnancy Complications Can Affect Your Personal Injury Settlement

People who are in a car wreck while pregnant might have additional expenses and compensable losses. For example, if you are rear-ended while pregnant and sustain severe injuries, your settlement will look much different than if you simply suffered whiplash. Here are just a few examples:

Mental And Emotional Distress

The value of intangible losses is different for every victim. In general, the bigger the impact of the accident on someone’s life, the higher the amount of compensation. Car accident claims will take into account any mental health issues suffered by the victim due to the accident and the related costs.

In cases involving pregnant women, some unique factors are taken into consideration when calculating the compensation they deserve for their mental and emotional distress. Your pain and suffering settlement will be affected by the added stress and worry for your baby. To give you an idea, here are some examples:

• Pregnant women might experience severe anxiety over the health and safety of their unborn child. They might even feel overwhelming guilt, believing that they put their baby in harm’s way, even if the car accident was not their fault.
• In tragic cases where the accident led to the loss of the pregnancy, the emotional impact and resulting damages are more significant. The amount of emotional distress suffered by the victim may result in larger settlements.

Although money won’t be able to undo the damages you incurred, it can still help you move forward and face the challenges ahead. That’s why you should get an experienced lawyer specializing in car accident claims who can fight for the amount you deserve.

Additional Treatment Costs

For pregnant women, a car accident will almost certainly result in extra medical care. A negligent driver or party is legally obligated to compensate for these extra expenses.

For example, you might end up in the emergency room and have multiple specialists, including your obstetrician, check on you. Assessing the full extent of harm your baby has incurred will require extra tests, including electronic fetal monitoring and ultrasounds. You also need follow-up care until you’ve given birth or well afterward to ensure the safety of your baby.

Your pregnancy could be designated as “high risk” after an auto accident. This, too, will likely result in extra monitoring and medical care, leading to higher costs.

Lost Wages Due To Bed Rest

You might be placed on bed rest after an accident. If you have to miss extra time off work, your lost income can be attributed to the accident and recovered in a personal injury settlement. Even if you use PTO or maternity leave to get paid during this period, the extra time off work you wouldn’t have taken otherwise is a loss that can be compensated for.

Costs Of Early Delivery

Some mothers might need to deliver early as a result of the car accident. These cases can quickly incur hundreds of thousands — sometimes millions — of medical expenses. Emergency C-sections and hospital stays are expensive. If your child must stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), this can cost thousands of dollars every hour. If these expenses result from a car accident, you have the right to be compensated.

Baby’s Medical Care After Birth

Birth defects present an array of challenges. There will be immediate and long-term medical care. Your child might need care for his or her entire life. In the case of severe physical disabilities, you might have to modify your home to allow for wheelchair access.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to these tangible financial losses, you will have extensive losses that are difficult to value. Your child might be unable to play sports or engage in other common childhood pursuits. Perhaps he or she will be unable to hold a job or otherwise live a normal life. Of course, your parent-child relationship will be affected by the challenges presented by birth defects. These losses can and should be recovered in a personal injury settlement.

These are just a few examples of factors that can affect your settlement. No two car accidents are alike, particularly when pregnancy is involved. It is important to consult with experienced lawyers for your car accident case. Attorneys know how to prove all of your losses after a car wreck while pregnant and fight for fair compensation for each of them.

What Is The Average Settlement For A Car Accident While Pregnant?

Cases involving pregnant women are generally worth more than the industry average. To give you an idea, the average settlement for car accidents in 2020 was between $20,000 and $25,000. Meanwhile, the Insurance Information Institute (III) found that the average payout for car accident bodily injury claims in 2022 was $24,211.

The amount you receive can vary greatly depending on different factors, such as the extent of injuries, medical costs, etc. Some claims can reach millions due to more severe injuries or permanent disabilities. The damages are typically more significant when pregnant women are involved, leading to higher compensation. Seek legal advice from qualified lawyers who handle car accident cases to get an estimate of the compensation you’re entitled to.

Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Claim After A Car Accident?

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for various types of claims. In California, for example, the deadline for personal injury is two years from the accident date.

That said, the rule has some exceptions, such as when the injury is discovered later than the accident date. In this case, the statute of limitations will restart from the discovery date of the injury. A lawyer who specializes in car accident cases can better explain this rule to you, including any extensions that might apply to your case.

Do I Have To Wait Until The Baby Is Born To Settle My Case In California?

Most auto accident victims are concerned with how long it will take to settle their personal injury cases. This is understandable, especially when the victim is an expectant mother who will soon have many child-related expenses. However, the answer to this question is different in every case.

Victims are entitled to compensation for all damages caused by the defendant’s negligence. It is, therefore, highly important that you and the lawyer for your car accident case know the full extent of those damages before settling your claim.

In some cases of minor trauma, the obstetrician might be confident in stating that there are no adverse effects on the baby and that the mother’s pregnancy appears to be proceeding as normal. It may be safe to settle a case before the baby is born in these situations. However, in many cases, it is not possible to know whether the baby has suffered adverse effects from the car accident until he or she is born.

Developmental delays, neurological damage, and other critical medical issues cannot be accurately assessed in the womb. It would be a mistake to settle a claim without knowing the full extent of harm your baby has suffered.

In other cases, your labor and delivery might be made more difficult because of the trauma you sustained in a car accident. Many complications can result in a birth-related injury. You are entitled to compensation if any of these complications were related to the car accident. This scenario also demonstrates how it would be a mistake to settle your personal injury claim before your baby is born, especially if your doctors and lawyers handling your car accident case don’t account for this possibility while calculating your long-term damages.

How Long Does It Take To Resolve My Car Accident?

The timing of your settlement will depend on your particular situation. An experienced auto accident lawyer will be able to give you a better idea of your settlement timeline after reviewing your case and looking over the medical evidence from your doctor.

Be patient, even if you think your lawyer is taking too long to settle your case. It is better to wait for a thorough investigation of your claims than to settle too early and miss out on the compensation you deserve. The lawyer handling your car accident case will ensure that you do not miss the statute of limitations and that your claim doesn’t get lost in the insurance company bureaucracy.

Your Right To Legal Representation After A Car Accident During Pregnancy

As an injured victim, you have the right to hire car accident lawyers to help you navigate your claim and manage the legal aftermath. Of course, you don’t have to get one, but getting an attorney for your car accident has benefits.

Here are some ways a car accident lawyer can help:

• Help you understand your rights and your unborn baby’s.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages.
• Gather evidence to settle disputes and back up your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to obtain maximum compensation.
• Work with experts like accident reconstructionists, economists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and other professionals.
• Process the paperwork and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.

You don’t have to worry about upfront costs when hiring a lawyer. Most lawyers specializing in car accident claims offer contingency-based services, like at Arash Law. We want to ensure injured victims can access quality legal representation without added financial stress. The personal injury lawyers at our firm only get paid if we win your case.

However, you have to choose the right lawyer for your accident. Look for someone who can provide tailored advice and compassion for you and your baby. A lawyer who specializes in car accident claims must also be knowledgeable in the complex laws regarding traffic accidents, personal injury, and unborn children.

What Should You Do If You Get Involved In A Car Accident While Pregnant

After a car accident, your number one priority should be your safety. After all, you’re taking care of two lives — your baby’s and your own. Check for any injuries and pain, especially in the abdomen and back area. Avoid moving too much, but if you can, move to a safer location, away from traffic.

Don’t worry about how much this will cost and how you can sue the other party. We can get to that later. Your legal needs are important, but getting the medical care you need is more crucial. Make sure to call 911 and let the dispatcher know about your location and your condition. They will send out emergency services so you can receive immediate treatment.

Important Steps To Take Immediately Following A Car Accident

Once you have received medical attention and weren’t taken to the ER, take the following steps only if possible. Otherwise, let someone else, such as a companion, do the following:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers — If you haven’t exchanged details yet, the police will facilitate this process when they arrive. You can also do this yourself by simply taking a photo of the other driver’s insurance card with your phone. Take a picture of the license plate so the driver can be located later if necessary.
• Take pictures of the accident scene — If your injuries allow, and if you have an opportunity, gather everything you can use as evidence later. Document the damage to both vehicles. Take pictures of the road (including any skid marks). You can also take a video, especially if you suspect a drunk driver hit you. Visual evidence showing slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or a lack of balance can help prove that they were driving under the influence. It might also assist in criminal prosecution.
• Get the names and numbers of any witnesses — The police will also facilitate this step. These independent witnesses may be able to provide testimonial evidence should the facts of your case be in dispute.

Doing these immediately after a car accident will help you build a stronger case if you pursue an insurance or personal injury claim later. Any information or evidence you can gather will also help your lawyer for your car accident claim in their investigation.

What To Do After You Leave The Scene Of The Car Accident

You can further protect your baby and your rights after a car accident by doing the following:

Consult Your Obstetrician And Monitor Your Health

Even if you received emergency medical attention at the car accident scene, notify your obstetrician immediately. Pregnant women require different and specialized care than other individuals. Your OB knows best about your health and specific needs related to your pregnancy. They can order further testing to ensure the safety of your baby and develop a tailored treatment plan to improve your chances of swift recovery and successful delivery.

You should also pay attention to worrying symptoms in the days and weeks following the car accident. Your obstetrician can advise you on what to look out for, such as persistent pain, changes in your baby’s movement, bleeding, and unusual discharge. Monitor for signs of miscarriage after a car accident, such as cramping in the lower abdomen or lower back and a sudden loss of typical pregnancy symptoms. Report any concerns to your healthcare provider immediately.

Ensuring you and your baby are safe after a car accident will take time. In many cases, your worries won’t end at childbirth, as your baby could sustain injuries and complications that will negatively affect their life outside your womb. The lawyers handling your car accident claim should consider both your immediate medical expenses and the value of your ongoing concerns about your baby’s health. This can help provide peace of mind and financial support for your current and future needs.

Document The Ways You Are Affected By Your Injuries

The largest component of most personal injury awards is pain and suffering. This is especially true when the victim is pregnant, as the worry over an unborn child’s safety can drastically increase her distress. Unfortunately, proving the value of these intangible losses is often difficult. How can you put a dollar amount on the fear that you might lose a pregnancy?

Documenting the precise ways in which your injuries have affected you is one of the most effective ways to get past this ambiguity. Here are some ways to do this:

• Keep a journal of all your medical appointments.
• Document the hours spent getting this extra medical care.
• Keep track of your pain every day. Rate it on a scale of one to ten.
• Make notes of any activities that you couldn’t attend as a result.
• Document times you couldn’t sleep due to pain or worry about your unborn child.

Having a record of specific, tangible ways in which you were affected by the car accident makes it easier to prove your pain and suffering, helping you secure a fair settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your attorney for your car accident case may suggest going to court and presenting your journal as evidence. These details can be persuasive to a jury deciding the value of your claim. Other members of the community understand what it is like to worry about a child or to lose sleep due to pain. Your journal will help you tell your story and make a case for just compensation at trial.

Take Care Of Your Legal Needs For You And Your Future Child

Consult with lawyers for car accident claims as soon as possible. You need to know your options for compensation, especially for your medical expenses. You also need their help to make a stronger claim and protect your rights.

Remember, the legal battle starts at the scene of the accident. Anything you say about the accident can be used against you. The other driver’s insurance company may use an exclamation like “I can’t believe I did that!” or “I’m so sorry, it’s my fault” to blame you for the accident.

For this reason, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault for the car accident. The sooner you have an attorney, the better he or she can protect your legal rights. Your car accident attorney will help guide you on what to say or not.

Moreover, when the other driver’s insurance company is notified that you have counsel, they can no longer contact you about the accident. This will protect your legal rights and save you the hassle of dealing with a deceitful claims adjuster who wants to pay you as little as possible.

What Not To Do After A Car Accident While Pregnant

Car accidents are complicated by nature. You must be careful not to make the following common mistakes after a vehicular accident:

Immediately Leave The Scene

You shouldn’t leave the scene of a car accident, even if the other driver is completely to blame. Anyone involved in a vehicle collision has legal duties to stop, provide reasonable help, and exchange information with other parties. If you leave without doing your part, you could be charged with a hit-and-run, regardless of fault.

Furthermore, if you were injured, leaving the scene too early can harm your claim or put you at a disadvantage. Waiting for the police to arrive can ensure they can document your side of the story in the official report. Stopping and cooperating will also help you gather useful information, collect evidence, and find out if the other party has car insurance.

However, if you need emergency medical care, prioritize your health and go to a nearby healthcare facility. If you can, tell the 911 dispatcher or the police that you are heading to the hospital. Immediate medical attention is crucial for both your and your baby’s well-being.

Ignore Doctor’s Orders

After a car accident, your condition might be more serious than it seems, even if you feel fine. Tread carefully and follow your doctor’s orders to the T. These include any instructions for at-home care or recommendations on treatment and testing. Ignoring medical advice can lead to delayed diagnosis of potentially life-threatening complications that could have been prevented with early intervention. It can also make your injuries worse or slow down your recovery.

Moreover, failing to comply with your treatment plan can negatively affect your case. Insurance companies will use this against you, arguing that you are not as injured as you claim to be if you don’t need treatment. They would then try to reduce your compensation or deny it entirely.

Your and your baby’s health should be your top priority. Following your doctor’s orders is the best way to ensure you recover and deliver your baby safely. It will also strengthen your claim, helping you get the necessary funds to continue treatment.

If you’re worrying about the expenses, consult a lawyer specializing in car accident cases. They can evaluate your legal options for getting reimbursement for your medical bills.

Post On Social Media

Did you know that posting on social media can hurt your case? This is why insurance companies love social media. As claimants make more and more information public, insurance investigators have been able to use more information to justify paying less for personal injury claims. How does this work?

First, an insurance investigator will search out your social media accounts. If your privacy settings make all the information public, it is easy for the investigator to access all your posts, statements, pictures, and videos. If you restrict access to your accounts, an investigator might make a fake account to follow you. Either way, it is relatively easy for them to find your posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms.

What kind of information are these investigators looking for? Pictures of the accident or statements about what happened are relevant.

However, you might be surprised at the extent to which they will go to disprove your claim. Suppose a pregnant car accident victim must go on bed rest as a result of her injuries. If she posts a photo of herself doing any activity — even something as simple as preparing a meal — the insurance company could claim that she exaggerated her injuries or made them worse by not following her doctor’s orders. They could even use an innocent photo of the mother holding her children to argue that she is not suffering as much as she claims if she can hold a child.

Insurance companies will not hesitate to use information from social media against you in any way they can. Their investigators will attempt to discredit you and devalue your claim. Do not give them the opportunity — stay off social media until your case is resolved.

Coping With The Mental And Emotional Impact Of A Car Accident While Pregnant

A car accident — or any accident, for that matter — can be emotionally overwhelming, especially for pregnant women who are already dealing with disrupted hormones. However, they must find a healthy way to address these feelings. Intense emotions, especially anger, can harm the mother and the baby. They can manifest physically, potentially leading to birth complications.

Many victims also have to deal with the psychological effects of a brain injury resulting from the accident. Their habits and personalities might change drastically, affecting their health and relationships. In some cases, you might not even notice how the accident has affected your mental and emotional state.

It’s best to consider therapy and counseling. Professional help can provide you with coping strategies to manage the consequences of a traumatic event like a car accident. Additionally, attending support groups can bring you comfort and a sense of community, helping you move forward with a more positive outlook.

Taking up relaxing hobbies can also help. Activities such as meditation, prenatal yoga, knitting, reading, and painting can take your mind off things and keep you grounded. Consult with your OB, physician, and mental health professionals to learn what activities are safe for you and your baby.

Tips For Dealing With Stress Resulting From The Car Accident

There’s no substitute for professional advice about the best ways to address your thoughts and emotions. Still, here are some general tips that can help you manage the stress after a car accident:

• Take slow, deep breaths when things get a little too overwhelming.
• Rely on your friends and family for support.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed to lessen the weight on your shoulders.
• Practice grounding techniques.

Maintaining a journal can also help you process your emotions. It provides a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings. Another huge benefit is that it can help demonstrate your pain and suffering when pursuing a claim.

As for the insurance and legal matters, leave them to your lawyers for your car accident. This will reduce your burden and decrease the potential risks to your baby’s development.

Should A Pregnant Woman Stop Driving To Prevent Car Accidents?

Most pregnant women can continue driving without issue. However, with the exciting news of pregnancy, a question often arises — is driving still safe for both the mom and the baby?

Is Driving While Pregnant Safe?

In general, you are free to drive while you’re pregnant, as long as you are comfortable and don’t have direct instructions from your doctor not to. Most pregnant women can safely operate a vehicle during all stages of pregnancy, provided they take certain precautions. However, it’s wise to minimize driving while pregnant as much as possible, especially when you’re nearing your due date.

Pregnancy brings sudden, unknown risks that make driving dangerous. Physical discomfort, such as back pain or shortness of breath, can make it difficult to focus on the road or maintain proper control of the vehicle. Additionally, sudden medical issues, like dizziness, nausea, or contractions, can occur without warning, potentially leading to a dangerous situation while driving.

At What Stage Should A Pregnant Woman Stop Driving?

Here’s generally when a pregnant woman should stop driving:

• Late Pregnancy — As you approach your due date, discomfort, reduced mobility, and the risk of sudden labor may make driving less practical. It might be better to stop driving at this stage of the pregnancy.
• Active Labor — This might seem obvious, but it’s important to point out. Some women have driven themselves to the hospital while they were in labor. This is usually out of necessity, but it’s unsafe. To avoid this situation, create a plan for when you go into labor. Ideally, someone who can drive should always be with you as your due date nears.
• High-Risk Pregnancies — If you have health and pregnancy complications, your doctor may advise limiting activities like driving, especially during critical periods. If you have deep vein thrombosis, for example, driving without breaks is not recommended, as it will force you to sit for long periods.
• Long Trips — Extended time on the road can be physically taxing, and many accidents occur during long road trips. How long can you safely sit in a car while pregnant? While there is no consensus, many experts recommend taking a break from car travel, stretching, and walking around every two hours.
• Severe Pregnancy Symptoms — Nausea, dizziness, or fatigue can significantly impair driving ability. If these symptoms make it difficult to concentrate on the road, pull over and rest, or ask someone else to drive.
• Restricted Mobility or Pain — Pain or tightness in the back, hips, or legs can make it difficult to reach the pedals comfortably or maneuver the vehicle safely. You shouldn’t be behind the wheel if you can’t turn your head or body to get better visibility. Don’t push through discomfort; prioritize your safety and your baby’s.

Pregnant Women’s Guide For Driving Safely And Preventing Car Accidents

If you decide to drive, you can reduce the chances of getting into a car accident by following these tips:

Plan Your Trip Carefully

• Research your destination. For example, if driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, ensure you can handle hazards like fog and narrow roads. Know when and where most accidents happen, and plan accordingly.
• If possible, avoid expressways and highways. High-speed travel can be more dangerous and contribute to numerous highway and freeway accidents.
• Choose a route that allows you to spend as little time on the road as possible. Check apps like Waze and Google Maps for the safest and most direct route to your destination. Research dangerous road conditions or highway construction zones to avoid delays and hazards.
• Anticipate other factors. Avoid driving in rainy weather and other poor weather conditions. You should also avoid driving during rush hour and the holiday season, as traffic congestion can significantly increase the likelihood of getting into a car accident.
• Plan your stops. Pregnant women generally need more bathroom breaks. They are also more prone to having blood flow and swelling issues if seated for extended periods. If possible, take a breather every one to two hours of driving to stand up, stretch, and move around for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow more time for longer trips.
• Avoid driving at night. If possible, schedule your trips during the day. Going on a long summer road trip? Take a break at night. Nighttime driving has many hazards that increase the risk of accidents.

Prepare For The Road

• Make sure to have your car inspected or serviced regularly. A well-maintained vehicle reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions that could put you and your baby in danger on the road.
• Prepare for emergencies. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a power bank, and an extra phone. If you’re driving during winter, bring an extra blanket to stay warm in case of delays or breakdowns.
• Bring food and drinks to maintain your energy levels and avoid dehydration. Pregnancy can make you peckish at unexpected times, so having some protein bars or other healthy snacks on hand is also helpful to keep cravings at bay. This is especially important if you have gestational diabetes, as you need to eat to maintain your blood sugar levels.
• Assess your condition. Only drive if you feel well. If you’re feeling unwell now, there’s a high chance you’ll only feel worse later. If you’re tired, nauseous, or just out of it, postpone your trip.
  Take a nap, eat a snack, and drink some water. You can go on your trip when you’re feeling better. Otherwise, stay put. Ask someone else to drive or take a Lyft or Uber instead.

Keep Yourself Comfortable And Secure

• Wear comfortable clothing. Choose breathable, soft materials that allow you to move easily. You need every bit of help you can get when your movement is heavily restricted by a growing bump and the general discomfort that comes with pregnancy.
  Choose shoes that won’t restrict blood flow, and keep them on. Although driving without shoes may be legal, it’s still not advisable due to potential safety concerns.
• Remove extra layers. Coats and jackets are unnecessary bulk when wearing seatbelts; They can make you uncomfortable and limit your movement, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
• If your car allows it, tilt the steering wheel toward your breastbone, not your abdomen. This way, the airbag won’t directly strike your belly when it deploys.
• Always wear your seatbelt properly. This ensures both you and your baby stay safe while minimizing pressure on your abdomen during sudden stops or collisions.

Stay Safe While Driving

• Obey the rules of the road. Follow speed limits and traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents.
• Avoid distractions while driving. Some common distractions that cause car accidents are smartphone use, eating and drinking, and talking with passengers while driving. Some are illegal, like using the phone at a red light or wearing headphones.
• Practice defensive driving. Stay alert and anticipate other motorists’ actions to avoid reckless driving collisions. Use the three-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Pull over when needed. Whenever you feel unwell or need a break, find a safe place to rest. However, avoid parking lots at night.
• Consolidate your errands as much as possible. For example, try to do your grocery shopping at Walmart and then pick up your dry cleaning in one trip. Doing them on different days can increase your time on the road and accelerate fatigue, one of the most common causes of car crashes. Make sure not to overexert yourself.

Following these tips can help ensure your safety and that of your baby. Still, no matter how careful you are on the road, car accidents can occur due to other people’s negligence. That’s why you should also know how to protect your rights when injured on the road.

How Should I Position My Vehicle Seat When I’m Pregnant?

If you are driving, be sure your stomach maintains a protected distance from the airbag. Your breastbone should be at least 10 inches from the dashboard or steering wheel.

You might need to move your chair back as your stomach grows. Adjust your seat to find a comfortable upright position. However, avoid reclining the seat more than necessary. The goal is to put as much space as possible between your belly and the steering wheel while keeping the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt to a minimum.

Also, make sure to adjust the angle of the mirrors to account for your new seating position. You should still have a good view of all sides to avoid a car accident.

Is Wearing A Seatbelt Safe For Pregnant Women To Do?

The question each mom-to-be asks herself when pulling that strap across her body in the vehicle is often, “Are seatbelts truly safe to wear if I’m pregnant?” She might even go as far as asking someone else, like her OB or another healthcare provider. While she hears them say, “Yes!” there remains a lingering concern for her small, unborn baby.

Experts agree that everybody, including pregnant women, should always wear a seat belt when riding in a vehicle. Seat belts are the most effective means of saving lives and reducing injuries in accidents. Some studies have stated that the mother is three times safer when wearing a seat belt, whether comfortable or not.

Additional research shows that an in-utero fetus is up to five times more likely to die than a toddler or child restrained in a car seat in the same vehicle. So, if you’re pregnant, it’s crucial to put on your seat belt correctly.

Can Seat Belts Cause Miscarriages?

A study showed that improper seatbelt use can kill a fetus inside the uterus. If the seat belt is over the bump, it can exert strong force and pressure on the baby upon impact. Major injuries can lead to the water breaking too early. They can also result in placental injuries, early placental separation, and, in extreme cases, the death of the unborn baby.

To avoid the scenario above, follow these seat belt safety suggestions during pregnancy:

• The most secure seat belt is a lap and shoulder belt combination.
• The lap belt should be under your stomach, touching your thighs, and low and comfortable on your hip bones.
• Never use the belt over or across your stomach. If it goes over your belly button, it’s too high!
• Always use the shoulder belt, which should fit snugly through the middle of your shoulder and chest.
• Make sure the shoulder strap is in between your breasts.
• Never put the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.

Going On A Car Ride As A Passenger While Pregnant

If you choose not to drive, you must still consider some things to protect yourself and your baby while riding in a car as a passenger. The tips above can apply, including wearing the seat belt properly, regardless of where you are seated in the car. You can adjust your seat and recline it slightly for comfort, but not so far that your seat belt cannot effectively secure you.

Another thing you should note is that you should always communicate with the driver about your needs. Let them know should you need a snack, a potty break, or a good stretch, especially during long trips.

Informing the driver is especially important when you’re using rideshare services. Let them know you’re pregnant at the start of the trip. This will hopefully make them more inclined to drive safely, avoiding sudden stops and sharp turns. This also helps prevent Lyft or Uber accidents, keeping you and your baby safer.

Regardless of who you’re traveling with, it’s important to take the initiative and prepare a small bag of essentials to ensure you’re ready for any situation. Pack items like water, healthy snacks, necessary medications, and important documents such as your medical records or contact information for your healthcare provider. Additionally, have a plan in place for emergencies, whether that involves knowing the nearest hospital, arranging for someone to assist you in case you can’t drive, or having a backup method of transportation.

Where Is The Safest Place For A Pregnant Woman To Sit In A Car?

Many assume the front passenger seat is the safest spot for anyone in the car. They believe that pregnant women should sit in the front seat of a car so that the airbag protects them. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for expecting mothers. Many experts recommend sitting in the back seat if you’re not driving. Here’s why:

First, the back seat offers a buffer zone between you and the impact of a collision compared to the front passenger seat. That extra distance can make a big difference for your safety.

Second, if you’re in the back seat, you can position the seat belt properly, with the lap belt snug under your belly — not resting on it — and the shoulder belt across your chest, avoiding your neck. A correctly placed seat belt distributes the impact of a collision across the strongest parts of your body, like your hips and chest.

Finally, the front passenger seat has an airbag to protect passengers during collisions. However, airbags deploy with considerable force and can hurt passengers, cause facial injuries, and even lead to tinnitus. The impact could also harm a pregnant woman and her baby or cause complications.

Driving After Giving Birth

Giving birth is a traumatic experience for your body, so you must give it time to heal before doing any taxing activities like driving. After delivery, saving energy to recover and care for your newborn is best.

The healing period differs for every person and involves several factors, such as surgical procedures, complications, and individual health conditions. Those with normal deliveries without complications or health issues might recover more quickly. On the other hand, someone who has a C-section will require extended healing time.

Only you and your doctor can tell if you’re ready to drive again after giving birth. Listen to your body. After giving birth, you’ll typically feel some soreness, abdominal pain, and other discomforts that can make driving uncomfortable for you. Moreover, taxing activities can aggravate perineal tears and incisions if you push yourself to drive before they heal.

Every pregnancy and delivery is unique. Prioritize your health and well-being. Only resume driving when you feel ready and your healthcare provider has allowed you to. Driving while you’re feeling unwell can increase the risk of collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe To Drive On Bumpy Roads While Pregnant?

Normal bumpy roads don’t present much risk to pregnancy. The baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which provides cushioning from regular movement and minor jolts in activities like driving and exercising.

However, excessive and prolonged bumpy car rides might affect pregnancy, especially if you are high-risk or have pre-existing conditions. You might want to talk to your doctor or OB first for personalized advice regarding your situation and concerns.

Do I Need To Tell My Insurance Provider I’m Pregnant?

You don’t usually have to tell your provider about your pregnancy if you have existing insurance. It should not affect your coverage in an accident. However, it doesn’t hurt to tell them, either. Some insurers might also require you to inform them so you can get maternity benefits added to your policy.

Are You Insured To Drive Pregnant?

As a car insurance policyholder, you are insured to drive even when pregnant. Pregnancy doesn’t affect your regular policy, so you should still have coverage up to your usual limits. There is no specific auto insurance policy for pregnant women as well.

Can An Airbag Harm A Fetus In An Accident?

While airbags are intended to enhance safety, they can pose some risks during pregnancy. They usually deploy forcefully, potentially causing direct trauma to the pregnant woman’s abdomen. The impact can also lead to placental and uterine injuries, which can harm the baby.

Still, that doesn’t mean airbags are more dangerous than good. To protect yourself and your baby, tilt your steering wheel if you’re driving or sit in the back seat if you’re a passenger.

Can A Seatbelt Harm A Fetus In A Car Accident?

A seatbelt can harm both the mother and the fetus in a car accident if it is not worn correctly, such as when the strap is placed over the belly. In this position, it can put harmful pressure on the abdomen when the mother is thrown forward in a collision.

Even so, not wearing a seatbelt is not an option. Without it, you could sustain far more serious injuries. Instead, you could go through the windshield in a particularly high-impact accident, like a serious head-on collision. Keep yourself and your baby safe by wearing it correctly.

Why Is It Important To Do Everything My Doctor Recommends After A Car Accident?

Following your doctor’s orders will help you receive the appropriate care and monitoring needed to address your injuries. Some injuries might not be immediately obvious and can manifest hours, days, or weeks after the car accident.

An example is whiplash, which could manifest as normal neck pain. However, it can lead to a chronic complication that can last for months or even years if left untreated. Whiplash can lead to nerve damage and other long-term conditions that could make pregnancy even more difficult.

Remember that your doctor’s goal is the same as yours: to keep you and your baby safe. They will do their best to treat you and mitigate any risk to your pregnancy that might arise because of the car accident.

Should I Give A Statement To The Car Insurance Company After I’m In An Accident While Pregnant?

No, you are not required to give statements to insurance companies about the car accident. Your only obligation is to report it to your provider. You can file a claim with the insurance company if you want compensation.

That won’t stop claim adjusters from calling you and pressuring you into giving a recorded statement, though. Remember, you have the right to decline, but do it respectfully. Then, hire lawyers who specialize in car accident claims. They can take over all the communications and negotiations with the other parties.

Can I Get An X-ray Or CT Scan After A Car Accident If I’m Pregnant?

Tests like X-rays and CT scans are generally safe for pregnant women and do not pose significant risks to the fetus. Your doctor may suggest these tests to diagnose injuries or monitor your condition. These help identify head injuries, fractures, internal bleeding, placental abruption, and uterine injuries.

If you have some concerns about the safety of your unborn baby, don’t hesitate to ask your doctors and radiologists. Tell them about any complications in your pregnancy so they can evaluate any risks present. However, in most cases, the benefits of an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment outweigh the small risks of these tests.

Can A Fender Bender Cause Miscarriage?

Even a low-impact car accident while pregnant, such as a fender bender, can lead to serious injuries. It can also result in the loss of the fetus, although this is rare. Complications like placental abruption can occur, which can be fatal for both the mother and the baby. This is why you must immediately get medical attention after a car accident, no matter how minor you think it is. Early detection can significantly increase the chances of survival.

What Happens If You Get Hit In The Back While Pregnant?

Getting hit in the back during pregnancy can potentially lead to serious complications. Even if the impact itself does not directly affect the baby, it can cause pregnancy-related injuries. Additionally, a pregnant woman could sustain spinal and back injuries from a car accident or other incidents, like slip-and-falls.

According to a 2022 case study, acute spinal injury poses high risks of maternal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. Meanwhile, severe cases can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis, loss of bowel control, deep vein thrombosis, and more. These complications can make it difficult to maintain a pregnancy and endanger the lives of both the mother and her baby.

Can Slamming On The Brakes Cause Placental Abruption?

Slamming on the brakes can potentially cause placental abruption in pregnant women. The sudden, forceful stop can exert trauma and stress on the abdomen, which could cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall. Moreover, it can indirectly lead to this condition if it results in a car accident.

If you notice bleeding or other symptoms like cramps, contractions, and persisting pain after a sudden stop, go to the ER immediately. This is considered a medical emergency that can lead to severe complications, including fetal loss.

What Car Seat Belt Is Safe During Pregnancy?

The safest car seat belt for pregnant women is a standard three-point lap-shoulder belt. However, you must wear it correctly to maximize its use. While you may encounter ads for seat belt positioning devices, you must stay cautious. Currently, there are no government-approved devices, so their safety cannot be guaranteed.

Our lawyers specializing in car accident cases suggest choosing a model that meets the new IIHS seat belt standards. You might want to stay away from Tesla, which has issues with its seat belts. Tesla has caused many deaths due to its autopilot system and other safety hazards.

Can I Sue For Pregnancy Complications Following A Car Accident?

You can sue the at-fault party for pregnancy complications resulting from the car accident. The key is to prove that any injury or complication you have now was due to or exacerbated by the accident. You’ll need a lawyer specializing in car accident cases who can help you gather evidence and expert opinion to support your claim.

Were You In A Car Accident While Pregnant?

Auto accident cases involving pregnant injury victims are anything but simple. Medical conditions and legal issues make these cases far more complicated than personal injury cases involving victims who are not pregnant. Plus, dealing with insurance companies and their shady tactics can be detrimental to your unborn baby’s health. This is why it is so important for pregnant car crash victims to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney about their legal rights.

Schedule A Case Evaluation With Our California Car Accident Lawyers For Pregnant Women

Our skilled personal injury lawyers at Arash Law know how to handle the challenges of cases involving pregnant victims. We protect victims’ rights to be fully and fairly compensated for all the losses they suffer. This includes tangible medical expenses, like fetal monitoring and visits to pregnancy specialists.

It also includes your intangible losses, like the added worry about your unborn child and the stress of added pregnancy complications. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to prove these losses and recover fair compensation is important.

Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free consultation. Don’t delay; the sooner you have a lawyer with expertise in car accident claims and fighting for you, the better protected your legal rights (and those of your unborn baby) will be.

We’ve recovered over $500 Million for victims and expecting mothers throughout the state of California, including cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Irvine, San Jose, Sacramento, Riverside, Bakersfield, Woodland Hills, Santa Clara, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Chula Vista, Fremont, Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Modesto, and Fresno.

Recent News About Car Accidents Involving Pregnant Women

• 06-06-2024] Sacramento County, CA – Three People Hospitalized, Including Pregnant Woman, Following Car Crash In Florin
• [05-13-2024] Shasta County, CA – Pregnant Woman Killed, Male Driver Injured Following Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision Near Cottonwood
• [07-06-2023] Contra Costa County, CA – Pregnant Woman Killed, 2 Others Injured After Two-Vehicle Rollover Collision In Antioch
• [12-05-2021] San Diego County, CA – Three People, Including A Pregnant Woman Injured Following A Major Car Crash In Grant Hill
• [08-02-2020] Fresno County, CA – Pregnant Woman Killed After A Fatal Pedestrian Accident At Swift Avenue