A car accident during pregnancy is a medical emergency, even when the impact seems minor. The forces involved in any collision can pose serious risks to the pregnancy, and symptoms of complications may not appear immediately. Here's what to do — and what you're entitled to under California law.
Go to the Emergency Room Immediately — No Exceptions
Even if you feel fine after a car accident during pregnancy, you must be evaluated at an emergency room with obstetric capabilities. Do not go home and wait to see how you feel. Serious complications — including placental abruption — can develop without immediate pain or obvious symptoms.
At the ER, expect:
- Fetal heart monitoring (usually 4–6 hours minimum after significant impact)
- Ultrasound to assess placental position and fetal movement
- Assessment for uterine contractions
- Blood tests for Rh compatibility (Rh-negative mothers may need RhoGAM)
- Evaluation for maternal injuries
Placental abruption is life-threatening: This occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. It can cause severe fetal distress and maternal hemorrhage, and may not produce obvious symptoms until hours after the trauma. It requires immediate intervention.
Pregnancy-Specific Complications After Car Accidents
Placental Abruption
The most feared complication. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, and decreased fetal movement. Risk is highest in direct abdominal trauma but can occur from the forces of any significant collision.
Preterm Labor
Trauma can trigger uterine contractions leading to premature delivery. Premature babies face serious medical challenges including lung development issues, neurological problems, and extended NICU stays — all of which are compensable damages.
Fetal Injury
Direct trauma to the abdomen can injure the fetus. Additionally, the rapid deceleration forces of a crash can cause fetal head trauma even without direct impact.
Miscarriage
Trauma-induced miscarriage is compensable in California. Courts recognize the profound emotional and physical harm of pregnancy loss caused by another's negligence.
Psychological Impact
The anxiety and PTSD associated with a traumatic accident during pregnancy — worrying about fetal health, driving phobia, fear of another accident — are real and compensable injuries.
Seatbelts During Pregnancy — What You Should Know
Seatbelts are statistically beneficial for pregnant occupants — they reduce fatality risk by over 50%%. The lap belt should be positioned below the abdomen across the hip bones, and the shoulder strap should cross between the breasts. Never put the shoulder strap behind you or under your arm.
If you weren't wearing a seatbelt: California's seatbelt law applies regardless of pregnancy. Under comparative negligence rules, not wearing a seatbelt can reduce your recovery — but does not eliminate it. An attorney can argue the seatbelt issue was minor relative to the defendant's fault.
What Damages Are Available for Pregnant Accident Victims
- All maternal medical expenses — ER, OB monitoring, specialist care
- Fetal medical expenses — NICU, pediatric care for injury-related conditions
- Maternal lost wages from bed rest and treatment
- Maternal pain and suffering
- Emotional distress from fear for fetal health, miscarriage grief, postpartum complications
- Wrongful death damages if the fetus is stillborn after a viable gestational age (typically 20+ weeks)
- Long-term damages for a baby born with injuries caused by the accident
Protecting Your Newborn's Rights
If your baby is born with injuries related to the accident — whether during the crash or as a result of premature birth — the child has independent legal rights to compensation. California law tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations for minors until their 18th birthday, at which point they have 2 years to file their own claim. A parent or guardian can file on the child's behalf before that time.
Document Everything Carefully
- Keep all OB and specialist medical records from the accident date forward
- Document any changes in your pregnancy treatment plan caused by the accident
- Journal your anxiety, fear, and emotional distress daily
- Keep records of any additional monitoring or procedures ordered due to trauma
These cases require sensitivity and experience. Attorney Mark Gonzales handles pregnancy accident cases with the care and urgency they deserve. Free consultation.
📞 Call 909-587-6336