Were You in a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Our Bronx law firm can demand the money you deserve
Pregnant women injured in car accidents need to make sure they take their injuries seriously right away. Otherwise, their health and their baby’s health could be at risk. Depending on the severity of the injury and many other factors, a miscarriage or another birth complication during pregnancy can occur.
We know what’s at stake at Giampa Law. That’s why we want to help. Our experienced New York City car accident lawyers have years of experience helping women dealing with a car accident while pregnant. We know what medical issues often occur. We also understand the legal challenges women often face in such situations in New York. That’s why we have such a strong track record of success.
What are common injuries involving pregnant women in car accidents?
Injuries sustained by pregnant women in car accidents can cover a wide range. Some of the most common – and most serious – injuries women sustain include:
- Premature birth due to a car crash
- Miscarriage due to car accident trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash, especially in cases involving rear-end car accidents
- Concussion or other types of head injuries
- Broken bones, especially in the hands and face
Injuries sustained by an unborn baby in a car accident can be severe as well:
- Birth defects, including brain injuries or physical injuries due to the impact of a serious car accident.
- Placental abruption, a medical term for when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before birth, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
- Oxygen deprivation-related injuries to the baby, often referred to as hypoxia.
These are just some of the injuries a woman and her baby can sustain in a car accident. That’s why it’s critical that injury victims seek immediate medical care after an accident – and remember that even if you feel fine, there could be complications for the baby. Put your health first and see a doctor.
Car accident pregnancy injuries by trimester
Another important factor is what stage a woman’s pregnancy was at when the car accident occurred.
- Car accident during first trimester – The first trimester refers to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage in a pregnancy, the fetus is smaller and more protected in the event of an accident – but injuries can still occur.
- Car accident during second trimester – The second trimester refers to weeks 13 to 26 in pregnancy. During the second trimester, the fetus is still fairly well-protected, but the risk of harm is greater.
- Car accident during third trimester – The third trimester refers to week 27 until birth. Car accidents during the third trimester are especially dangerous.
The bottom line is injury victims should always seek immediate medical treatment after a car accident. Even if your accident seems minor, don’t simply assume that your injury is minor as well. Serious injuries to pregnant women often occur in rear-end accidents and other seemingly minor accidents. Don’t take anything for granted. Seek immediate medical attention. A woman’s health and the health of her unborn baby could be at risk.
What is the average settlement for a car accident while pregnant?
There are so many expenses that need to be taken into account in such cases. Initially, you might think that your accident is only worth a few thousand dollars, especially if you only sustained minor injuries in a car crash. But if your baby is born with a birth injury due to your accident, the total value of your case might be worth much more. Many other issues also need to be taken into account when determining the total financial impact of your car accident, including:
- Total cost of medical care for the mother and her baby immediately after an accident.
- Long-term, future anticipated medical costs, especially if the baby is born with a car accident birth injury.
- Repairing your vehicle or buying a new one.
- Home modifications if the woman or baby has a permanent physical disability due to a car accident.
- Replacement income if the woman needs time off from work to recover from her injury.
- Lost future income, either if the mother sustains a permanent injury that prevents her from returning to work, or the baby has a permanent disability and will require a parent to stay home.
Many other factors can influence how much money someone should receive for a car accident during pregnancy. The best way to know for sure is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
How can a lawyer help?
When you have a lawyer on your side after your car accident, you can make sure your injury claim gets the attention it rightfully deserves. Injured pregnant women can also focus on what matters the most – healing and hopefully having a healthy baby. We can take care of everything else, from dealing directly with insurance companies to thoroughly investigating your car accident.
Get the Bronx law firm that gets results. Get Giampa Law. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a New York City car accident lawyer you can trust. We don’t back down when faced with difficult cases. We rise to the challenge.