Some drivers fear not only for their own lives in accidents but for their unborn children. Pregnant mothers in vehicle collisions have unique needs and require emergency care. The physical and emotional trauma could lead to miscarriage, pre-term labor, or other injuries.
Have you suffered a miscarriage or other injury to your unborn baby in a Fort Lauderdale car accident? When someone else is responsible for harming you and your unborn baby, you can hold them accountable.
If you are pregnant or lost a baby from car accident injuries, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help. Contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. using the contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
Expectant Mothers Need Immediate Care
If you are pregnant and in a car crash, get a medical examination immediately. No matter how far along you are, request an ambulance and medical assistance after the crash. You could suffer internal injuries that are harmful to the fetus, including placental abruption. This happens when the placenta separates from the uterus and may cause hemorrhaging, premature birth, or miscarriage. You might not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get medical attention to check. Pregnancy complications can happen days or even weeks after an accident.
If you miscarry after an auto accident, call an attorney. It is not unseemly to seek compensation for your emotional and economic losses. You should not have to suffer twice for a reckless driver who harmed you and your unborn baby.
Who is at Fault for Your Car Accident in Florida?
Once you decide on a car accident lawyer, your attorney can begin reviewing the details of your case. The most important component of any car accident claim is establishing fault. The only way you can win your case is by proving another party is at fault for your car accident.
In some instances, it may be obvious who is at fault. If your car accident involved a drunk driver, it would be easy to assume that they caused the accident and your resulting miscarriage or pregnancy injuries. Sometimes it is not easy to establish the at-fault party.
Your lawyer will need to closely examine your car accident to determine who is at fault. Some of these parties could include:
- Negligent drivers
- Auto parts producers
- Vehicle dealerships
- Automakers
- Auto designers
- Safety inspectors
- Government agencies
In certain cases, several parties contributed to the cause of the car accident. Your lawyer’s investigation will reveal the truth and help ensure that all liable parties are held to account.
Seeking Compensation for Pregnancy Losses After a Car Accident
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and take care of the many details in getting you compensation. This is a time where you should be able to mourn your loss and recover from the trauma you’ve experienced. While you heal, your lawyer can help you with the legal details of your car accident.
There are several different components of car accident claims:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s auto insurer
- Filing a claim with your own auto insurer
- Filing a car accident claim in civil court
Florida is a no-fault state regarding car accidents and insurance. This means that your personal insurance policy is your first source for compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost pay, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, personal injury protection insurance only covers certain types of damages. Your insurance company only compensates you for things like property damage and medical expenses. You could also exhaust the limits of your own PIP.
Filing a car accident claim with the at-fault’s auto insurance or with a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way to ensure that you are compensated fairly. Your car accident lawyer will guide you through this process every step of the way.
Compensating Families for Car Accidents That Cause Miscarriage
A car accident lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. You can also pursue these damages with a civil lawsuit. Some of the most sought after types of damages include compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of love and support
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Medical expenses
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Damage to your reputation
- Property damage
Your car accident lawyer will ensure that all your losses are considered. It is the at-fault party who is compelled to repay you for the ways your life has been damaged by your pregnancy loss.
Types of Pregnancy Injuries in a Car Accident
A serious accident while pregnant puts the lives of the mother and fetus at risk. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of fetal death due to maternal trauma. Expectant mothers may suffer serious injuries in crashes. Even if there are no apparent complications after the accident, there could be brain injuries due to a lack of oxygen or blood that show up at birth.
The following are potential outcomes when a pregnant woman gets into a car accident.
Premature Birth
Stress on the mother during a crash can cause her to go into premature labor. Premature birth can cause a wide range of problems, from infections to brain disorders.
High-Risk Pregnancy
The mother’s pregnancy could go into high-risk status. This means complications exist that require monitoring.
Fetal Trauma
Injuries to the fetus’ body or brain during a car accident can have long-term effects on the child. Fetal trauma can be caused by:
- An impact to the mother’s abdomen during the crash
- Lack of oxygen to the mother
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is a serious risk for mothers involved in car accidents. If something punctures the stomach and uterus in the accident, it could kill the fetus. The mother could lose oxygen and potentially go into cardiac arrest. This can also cause miscarriage.
The risks of fetal injuries or premature birth can be much higher when a pregnant woman is involved in a car accident.
Loss of Fertility
The mother could miscarry due to the car accident, and the consequences of this may be loss of fertility. The physical injuries may be so severe that the mother can no longer get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. This can add further emotional distress to an already devastating traumatic experience.
Pregnant and Involved in a Car Crash? Call Today
Suppose you or your unborn baby suffered serious injuries in a car accident, including premature birth, birth injuries, or miscarriage. In that case, you could get justice with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer is ready to help you with your case. Contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. using our quick contact form to schedule a free consultation.
