Being involved in a car accident while pregnant is all too real a risk. If you or a loved one was involved in any type of collision while pregnant, read below to learn more about the risks involved, the symptoms you should watch for, and whether you might be able to recover compensation for the accident.

Car Accidents Present Serious Risks to Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman and her fetus face risks from a car crash. These risks include the following:

  • The mother has a miscarriage.
  • The placenta detaches from the womb.
  • The mother experiences hemorrhaging.
  • The child is born prematurely.
  • The child is born with birth defects.

Symptoms Following a Car Wreck Involving a Pregnant Woman

You should be on guard for certain symptoms following a car accident. These symptoms include the following:

  • Swelling of the face or fingers
  • Increased vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Pain in the abdomen or shoulder area
  • A fever, chills, or headaches
  • Painful urination or change in the frequency of bowel movements

The Importance of Getting Medical Attention After a Collision

You should get medical attention immediately after a car crash. Although you may appear and feel fine, your baby may not be. Let the paramedics know you are pregnant, so that they can check the fetus. After the wreck, go to a doctor who will perform an obstetric examination, an ultrasound, or other tests.

Recovering Compensation for Injuries After Your Car Crash

Georgia allows injured parties to recover compensation from the at-fault party for injuries they suffered in an accident. Accidents with pregnant women can complicate matters, but the following are different types of potential claims you may be eligible to file after an accident:

  • A pregnant woman can file a claim to recover for her injuries, including mental injuries as a result of an injury to the fetus.
  • The parents can file a claim to recover if the accident causes injuries to the child after birth.
  • The parents may file a wrongful death action if the child dies after birth because of the injuries to the pregnant mother during the accident.
  • A pregnant woman can file a product liability suit against the car manufacturer or the manufacturer of a part if a defect in the vehicle caused the accident.

Filing an Insurance Claim to Recover for Injuries to a Pregnant Woman in a Car Accident

You must show the other driver was negligent and that the driver's negligence caused the accident. You will also need to prove physical injuries to herself or mental injuries from the loss of the life of a child.

Filing a Claim to Recover for the Wrongful Death of a Child or Fetus

If your newborn child died as a result of injuries caused by an accident during your pregnancy, you can file a wrongful death action. Damages in a wrongful death action include compensation for the loss of consortium (your loss of companionship with your child) and for the child's lost future earning capacity.

The law varies from state to state on whether parents can file a suit on behalf of the child if a pregnant woman miscarries because of injuries from the accident. Some states require the child to be born alive, while others, such as Georgia, require the fetus to be
“quick.” This means a mother can feel her baby moving in the womb.

How S. Burke Law Can Help with Your Claim

After suffering injuries in a car accident while pregnant, you should be focusing on your recovery and your baby, not attempting to file claims and meet deadlines and gather evidence. That is our job.

We will handle your case from start to finish. We will:

  • Determine the value of your case
  • Identify all liable parties
  • Gather all necessary evidence
  • Discuss your case with medical expert witnesses to determine exactly how the trauma of the accident will continue to affect you and your baby
  • File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer for your damages
  • Manage all communication with the insurer
  • Negotiate with the insurer
  • File a lawsuit against the at-fault party if it refuses to offer you a fair settlement

Call S. Burke Law for Help Today

If you suffered injuries in a car accident while pregnant, you may not want to settle your case until you know of all injuries, including any to your child. The time limit for filing suit varies from state to state; however, you may want to wait until your child is born to settle the matter. A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you determine your options.

Call a personal injury attorney at S. Burke Law at 404-842-7838 for a free consultation.