Settlement for Car Accident When Pregnant
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Experiencing a car accident while pregnant can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Your first thoughts are about the safety of your unborn child, and it’s natural to feel a surge of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about what to do next.
Beyond the immediate concerns for your baby, the impact of the accident can bring additional emotional and physical challenges that linger. If you were injured in a car accident while pregnant, a settlement can help address the medical costs, emotional distress, and potential long-term effects.
At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, we understand the unique concerns expectant mothers face. Our qualified car accident attorneys will guide you through this challenging situation, using our legal experience and the dual experience of our senior partner, Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse (RN), to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Unique Dangers for Pregnant Women in Car Accidents
Pregnant women face higher risks in car accidents because their bodies are adapting to support a growing baby. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus becomes more vulnerable to injury, increasing the likelihood of placental abruption or preterm labor, even from a minor impact.
The strain of carrying a baby places added pressure on organs and blood vessels, making internal injuries more likely for pregnant women in car accidents. Medical treatment options can also be limited, as certain procedures or medications might pose a risk to the baby. These factors often lead to a longer, more complicated recovery and should be considered when seeking compensation for the accident.
The Importance of Medical Attention for Pregnant Accident Victims
If you’re pregnant and in a car accident, always seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. The impact of a car accident while pregnant can cause complications that may not be immediately visible, affecting both short- and long-term health for you and your baby. Early medical care can help reduce these risks and protect both mother and baby’s well-being.
Short-Term Health Risks to Mother and Child
Short-term health issues related to a car crash while pregnant include:
- Preterm labor. The trauma from the accident can trigger early contractions, leading to premature birth.
- Placental abruption. A serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, risking the baby’s oxygen and nutrients.
- Internal bleeding. Injuries to the abdomen may cause internal bleeding, which can harm both mother and baby.
- Fetal distress. The baby may experience reduced oxygen or irregular heartbeats due to the accident.
Long-Term Health Risks to Mother and Child
Involvement in a car accident while pregnant can also result in long-term effects on the mother and baby’s health, including:
- Chronic pain. Untreated injuries may lead to lasting pain for the mother, affecting daily life and postpartum recovery.
- Developmental issues. Injuries during pregnancy could impact the baby’s growth and development over time.
- Postpartum complications. Trauma from the accident may lead to complications after birth, such as difficulty healing or physical limitations.
- Emotional distress. Anxiety, depression, or PTSD can develop in the mother and affect the pregnancy and the baby’s development.
Car Accident While Pregnant Settlements: What Can Compensation Can You Seek?
When you suffer injuries in a vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Your settlement for a car accident while pregnant may include:
| Damages | Description | Examples |
| Medical Expenses | Covers healthcare costs for mother and baby. |
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| Lost Wages | Compensation for income lost due to the accident and recovery. |
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| Pain and Suffering | A pain and suffering settlement pregnant includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. |
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| Future Medical Care | Covers ongoing medical needs for both mother and baby after the accident. |
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| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Compensation for a diminished ability to enjoy life due to injuries. |
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How Is the Average Car Accident While Pregnant Settlement Calculated?
The average settlement for car accidents while pregnant can vary based on several factors. While specific compensation amounts differ, a car accident with a pregnant woman is typically determined by the following considerations:
- Severity of injuries. The more severe the injuries to both mother and baby, the higher the potential settlement. This includes physical trauma, long-term health issues, and emotional impact.
- Serious injury threshold. Michigan’s no-fault law requires that injuries must meet the serious injury threshold—such as permanent disfigurement or long-term disability—to pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering.
- Insurance coverage. In Michigan, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and certain care costs, regardless of fault. After receiving PIP benefits, you can seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver, but only up to their policy limits.
- Impact on your life. Your settlement amount may also reflect the effect of the accident on your daily life. This can include how it affects your ability to work, care for your child, or carry out activities without pain or limitations.
What Happens If the Accident Results in a Miscarriage?
Losing a baby due to a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. In Michigan, you can hold the at-fault party liable for the loss of your infant before birth and seek compensation. This can help you and your family cope with the emotional and financial burdens.
If a car accident results in miscarriage, damages may include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Funeral costs
- Grief counseling
- Compensation for emotional suffering
While no amount of money can replace your baby, pursuing a settlement can offer some relief during such a heartbreaking time. Compensation can provide the support needed to begin healing and manage the long-term impact on your family.
How Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. Maximizes Your Claim
Expectant mothers deserve the peace of mind that their rights and their baby’s well-being are protected. Seeking compensation requires both legal experience and an understanding of the unique challenges mothers face after an accident.
At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, we combine legal skill with the specialized knowledge of Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse and attorney. With her extensive experience in birth injury cases, Eileen knows the medical issues that arise in accidents involving pregnant women.
This insight allows our team to fully address the medical and legal aspects of your case, helping you receive maximum compensation. We’ve helped countless mothers win slip and fall settlements while pregnant, birth injury claims, and car accident awards. Our team will work tirelessly to secure justice for you and your child.
Win Fair Compensation For Your Injuries After a Crash While Pregnant
If you or a loved one has experienced the trauma of a car accident while pregnant, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this time can be. Your priority is your health and the safety of your baby, and our priority is to stand by your side and ensure you receive the care, support, and compensation you need.
Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates today for a compassionate and comprehensive free consultation. Let us guide you through this difficult journey, so you can focus on what truly matters—your well-being and the future of your unborn child.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
