Pregnancy Complications or Miscarriage After a Car Accident

Miscarriage can be the result of many factors, but when the death is the result of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, the aftermath of a miscarriage can be particularly challenging to face. Although being in a car accident doesn’t mean you will have a miscarriage or other pregnancy complications, It certainly increases the risk of that happening.  

If your pregnancy has been affected following a car accident in Arizona, Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm can help. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people.

Read Our Client Reviews

“So grateful I found Ariana and the team at… [Phoenix Accident and Injury] Law Firm! They were incredibly helpful with settling my medical bills and insurance proceeds out. Highly recommended.” – Hannah Bronkema (Read this Review on Google)

“Ariana and her team are wonderful. I was in a bad car accident a couple months ago and was in a bad place. Ariana was very helpful explaining the process to me and letting me focus on getting better. I am very, very happy with the outcome and highly recommend… [Phoenix Accident and Injury] Law Firm.” – Chris Podanski (Read this Review on Google)

Can A Car Accident Affect Pregnancy?

Absolutely. According to the CDC, 7% of all pregnancies in the United States are complicated by some form of traumatic injury, including those that come from being in a car accident.  

What Happens When A Pregnant Woman Gets in a Car Accident?

If you get into a car accident while you are pregnant, you don’t only have yourself to worry about. You also have your unborn child’s safety as a concern. Some of the most common pregnancy complications that happen to pregnant women, specifically related to childbirth, are: 

• Contrecoup: This occurs when your body is thrown violently in one direction, before being rapidly forced in a different direction. This sudden movement, whether it happens upon impact or when you brake to avoid a collision, can create an effect on the baby similar to shaken baby syndrome. This can result in birth defects and developmental delays for the child.  
• Placental Abruption: Placental Abruption happens when the placenta is prematurely separated from the uterine wall. This can result in blood loss for the mother, who may need a transfusion. It can also result in poor physical development, low birth weight, and premature birth for the baby.  
• Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the term used for the unexpected and unintentional loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. After the 20th week, this is referred to as a stillbirth.  
• Premature Birth: If your baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, they are considered premature. Those born before the 6-month mark are more likely to develop problems like cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, or inability to stay warm, eat, or breathe independently.  

What Are Some Symptoms of Pregnancy Complications?

If you get into a car accident while you are pregnant, it is recommended that you see your doctor right away. That being said, here are some symptoms of the above-mentioned pregnancy complications. 

• Loss of Consciousness 
• Pain in the Pelvic Region 
• Fluid or Blood Leaking From the Vagina 
• Abdominal Pain 
• Vomiting  
• Painful Urination 
• Changes in Your Baby’s Movements 
• Fever and Chills 
• Facial Swelling 
• Constant and Severe Headache 

What Should I Do If I Have Pregnancy Complications After a Car Accident?

After going to see a doctor and getting the medical care you need, we recommend that you find a personal injury lawyer. Arizona has strict laws regarding the unintentional injury or killing of an unborn child. When an unborn baby is killed during a car accident, Arizona law defines it as negligent homicide, manslaughter, or first/ second degree murder depending on the details of your case.  

It would be considered negligent homicide if the other driver unintentionally causes the death of the fetus. In most negligent homicide cases, the at fault driver was involved in some kind of criminal activity. This includes driving under the influence.  

Another common criminal charge would be manslaughter. This charge means that the at-fault driver did not intentionally mean to cause harm or kill anyone, but someone died as a result of their actions. This typically involves the at-fault driver driving recklessly.  

First and second degree murder charges require proof that the at-fault driver had intention to kill the victims, in this case, an unborn baby. However, these charges are almost unheard of in relation to car accident cases.  

If You Need More Information, Take a Look at These Articles

How can I handle my own auto accident claim if I have experienced pregnancy complications?

How can I know the value of my pregnancy complications from my auto accident?

How do I file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver if I have experienced a miscarriage?

Should I expect to receive medical treatment for my pregnancy complications after a hit-and-run accident? 

How can I get paid for the trauma I experienced from experiencing pregnancy complications after my accident? 

What do I do if my accident has resulted in a miscarriage?

How do auto accident settlements work if I’ve had a miscarriage? 

Is the death of an unborn child considered wrongful death? 

How is the wrongful death of a fetus different from a fatal car accident claim? 

Why do I need to see an auto accident doctor if I’ve been in a car accident while pregnant? 

Does Arizona recognize the wrongful death case of a fetus?

Pregnancy Complication Resources in Arizona

If you have suffered complications during your pregnancy as a result of a car accident, here are some resources that may be helpful.  

Honor Health Support Groups 

Postpartum Support International 

Biltmore Psychology and Counseling 

The Tears Foundation  

Bridget’s Cradles