A car accident can bring more than just physical pain. For pregnant women, the trauma from a crash can lead to serious problems, including a miscarriage. Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, and it can happen when the impact from a collision causes damage to the body or the baby. If you or someone you love lost a pregnancy after a car accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.
What Happens to the Body During a Crash?
Even a minor crash can put pressure on the abdomen, especially if the seatbelt isn’t worn properly or if there’s a direct hit to the car door or dashboard. During pregnancy, the uterus grows and becomes more sensitive to trauma. When the body experiences sudden force, it can harm the placenta, uterus, or the baby inside.
Some of the most serious injuries during a car accident that can lead to a miscarriage include:
Placental Abruption
This is when the placenta separates from the uterus. It can stop the baby from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Placental abruption happens in about 1 to 5% of minor crashes and 20 to 50% of severe ones.
Uterine Rupture or Laceration
Although rare (less than 1% of pregnancy trauma cases), a rupture or tear in the uterus can be life-threatening. It may cause internal bleeding and often leads to the loss of the baby.
Direct Fetal Injury (DFI)
This means the baby is hurt directly from the impact. DFI is involved in less than 10% of pregnancy losses related to crashes but is still a risk.
Premature Delivery
Some crashes lead to early labor. A baby born before the 37th week may have health problems or may not survive depending on how early the delivery happens.
How Often Do Miscarriages Happen After Car Accidents?
In the U.S., it’s estimated that between 1,500 and 5,000 fetal losses happen each year due to car accidents. Most people don’t realize how common this is because it’s often underreported. Some women might not even know they were pregnant at the time. Others may not connect the crash to the miscarriage until later.
Miscarriages are already common, with about 10 to 20% of pregnancies ending before 20 weeks. But trauma, especially from car accidents, increases that risk.
What Should You Do After a Crash While Pregnant?
After any crash, seek medical care right away—even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, like internal bleeding or placental issues.
Other tips:
- Keep the seatbelt low across your hips and chest.
- Sit upright and keep the seat at a safe distance from the dashboard.
- Ask for a police report to document the crash.
- Save all medical records related to the accident and pregnancy.
Can You Sue for a Miscarriage After a Car Accident?
In some states, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit if the crash caused the loss of your unborn child. If the embryo or fetus died as a result of the crash, and someone else was at fault, you may be able to take legal action.
This type of lawsuit may cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Medical expenses
- Funeral or burial costs (if applicable)
- Lost income from time off work
A personal representative—usually a parent—would bring the case on behalf of the unborn child’s estate.
In some situations, there may also be a claim for loss of consortium, which is the loss of love, support, and companionship between partners. Some courts allow these claims after a miscarriage tied to trauma.
Can You Get No-Fault Benefits?
If your state has a no-fault insurance system, like Michigan, you may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits can help with:
- Medical bills
- Hospital stays
- Surgery costs
- Lost wages
- Travel to and from appointments
Even if you can’t sue the other driver for pain and suffering, you may still receive PIP benefits from your own insurance policy.
Can the Other Driver Face Criminal Charges?
Yes, the at-fault driver may face criminal charges in some cases. For example:
- A grossly negligent driver could be charged with a felony and face up to 15 years in prison and a fine.
- A drunk driver who causes a miscarriage may also face felony charges.
- A careless or reckless driver could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to 2 years in jail and a fine.
These charges depend on the facts of the crash, the state laws, and the level of negligence.
Talk to a Lawyer if You Lost a Pregnancy After a Crash
Losing a pregnancy is heartbreaking. If a car crash caused the loss, it can feel even worse. You may be dealing with grief, anger, confusion, and a long recovery. You don’t have to go through this alone.
A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand your rights, file claims, and fight for compensation. Every case is different, but you deserve answers and support.
Call B’Ivory LaMarr Trial Lawyers at (877) 438-7243 to get a free consultation. We’re ready to listen and help.