Being pregnant and involved in a car accident creates a lot of concerns. Even minor fender benders can leave you feeling anxious about your health and the safety of your baby. Studies show that car accidents are a leading cause of trauma during pregnancy, with an estimated 200,000 cases reported annually in the U.S. The sudden impact can lead to complications, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. It’s normal to feel scared and uncertain about what to do next.

Knowing the risks and the right steps to take can help protect both you and your unborn child during this critical time. At Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., we understand the concerns of expectant mothers after a crash. If you or your unborn baby were harmed, our Florida car accident attorneys can guide you through your legal options.

How Car Accidents Can Affect Pregnancy

Even if you feel fine after a crash, your baby could still be at risk. Sudden impacts can cause complications that may not be obvious right away. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Placental Abruption: The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to your baby. A sudden jolt from an accident can cause it to separate from the uterus too soon. This can lead to bleeding, pain, and a lack of oxygen for your baby. In some cases, this can result in an emergency delivery.
• Preterm Labor: A car accident can put stress on your body, triggering labor before your baby is ready. Preterm birth can lead to serious health problems for your newborn, including breathing issues and developmental delays.
• Fetal Trauma: Your baby is protected by amniotic fluid and your womb, but a strong impact can still cause injury. Direct pressure from a seatbelt or airbag can harm the baby, leading to fractures or internal injuries.
• Uterine Rupture: This is a rare but life-threatening condition where the uterus tears due to blunt force trauma. This often requires immediate surgery and can put both mother and baby at risk.
• Miscarriage: In severe cases, the trauma from a crash can result in pregnancy loss. This is devastating for any expectant mother and may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.

If you were in a crash while pregnant, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your health and your baby’s well-being should be the top priority.

Signs You Should Seek Immediate Medical Care

Not all pregnancy-related injuries show symptoms right away. However, some warning signs should never be ignored:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping: This can indicate placental abruption or other serious complications. Even mild pain should be checked by a doctor.
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage: Bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage or early labor. Fluid leakage could mean your water has broken too soon.
• Dizziness or fainting: This could signal internal bleeding or a drop in blood pressure. Both conditions can be dangerous for you and your baby.
• Decreased fetal movement: If your baby suddenly moves less than usual, it may be a sign of distress. Call your doctor if you notice a change in movement patterns.
• Contractions or pressure in your lower abdomen: These may be signs of preterm labor, which needs medical attention immediately.

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the hospital right away. A doctor can check if your baby is safe and provide any necessary treatment.

Legal Rights for Pregnant Women in Car Accidents

When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, you have legal rights. You can seek compensation for your costs – present and future – and a Florida car accident attorney can help you get the most money so you and your baby are cared for. If you or your baby suffer injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Pregnancy-related medical care can be expensive. Compensation can cover prenatal visits, hospital stays, and treatments needed due to the accident.
• Pain and suffering: An accident can cause extreme stress and emotional distress, especially if it threatens your pregnancy. This type of compensation acknowledges the mental toll the accident has had on you.
• Lost wages: If your injuries force you to take time off work, you can seek compensation for the money you lose. This is especially important if your doctor puts you on bed rest.
• Future medical care: Some injuries from a crash can lead to long-term health issues. You may need extra prenatal care, a C-section, or medical attention after delivery.
• Costs to the Child After Birth: If your baby suffers injuries due to the accident, the financial impact can continue long after delivery. Medical bills for neonatal care, surgeries, therapy, or ongoing treatment can be overwhelming. Compensation can help cover these expenses, ensuring your child gets the care they need.

A Florida car accident attorney can help you file a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Proving Harm to an Unborn Baby

One of the biggest challenges in a personal injury case involving pregnancy is proving harm to the baby. Our firm has worked on cases where unborn children suffered injuries. We even have a video discussing personal injury claims for unborn babies, which can help you understand your legal rights.

Medical records, expert testimony, and fetal monitoring results can help build a strong case. A skilled Florida car accident attorney will know how to gather the right evidence.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident While Pregnant

If you are pregnant and involved in a crash, follow these steps:

• Call 911. Report the accident and request medical help if needed.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor to check on your baby.
• Document the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Get witness statements. If anyone saw the crash, their testimony can support your case.
• Contact a Florida car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Harm to an Unborn Baby?

In Florida, parents can file a claim if their unborn baby suffers harm due to another person’s negligence. If the baby is born with health issues caused by the accident, parents may be able to recover damages for:

• Neonatal medical care: If the baby needs special care after birth, the at-fault party should be responsible for those costs.
• Long-term disabilities: Some babies may develop conditions that require lifelong medical care. This can place a financial burden on parents.
• Emotional distress: The trauma of knowing your baby was hurt can have lasting effects. A claim can acknowledge this emotional suffering.
• Wrongful death in cases of pregnancy loss: If the accident causes a miscarriage, parents may be entitled to compensation for their loss.

Laws regarding fetal injury claims are complex, but a Florida car accident attorney can explain your rights and options.

How Expert Guidance from a Florida Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Navigating the legal system while dealing with the stress of an accident and pregnancy can be overwhelming. A Florida car accident attorney can provide the expertise and support you need. Here’s how they can help:

• Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. An attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
• Gathering Strong Evidence: Proving negligence and harm to your baby requires medical records, expert opinions, and accident reports. A lawyer will collect and present the necessary evidence.
• Calculating Your Full Damages: Beyond medical bills, an attorney will assess future medical needs, emotional distress, and other damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit if Needed: If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, your attorney will take the case to court to fight for your rights.
• Offering Emotional Support and Guidance: Having a legal advocate allows you to focus on your recovery and pregnancy while they handle the legal complexities.

Contact Our Florida Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you or your unborn baby were injured in a car accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. The legal system can be complex, but we are here to guide you every step of the way.

At Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., we have been helping accident victims in Florida for over 60 years. Our team understands the emotional and physical toll of being pregnant and injured. We will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with no obligation. If you decide to move forward, we work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact a Florida car accident attorney today and let us take care of the legal process while you focus on your health and your baby’s well-being.