Car Accidents While Pregnant in Chicago

Pregnant people face unique risks in the event of a car collision. Motor vehicle crashes can increase their risk of experiencing pregnancy complications and may also result in injury or even death to an unborn baby. Coping with the aftermath of such an experience is exceptionally difficult. Financially, you may have to pay for unexpected and unplanned medical care. Emotionally, you might face even greater challenges.

If someone else caused the crash that injured you or your unborn child, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for what you’ve suffered. An Illinois car accident from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your options.

How Working with a Compassionate Attorney Is Important

Seeking compensation after being in a car crash while pregnant can be a painful experience. Depending on the consequences of the wreck, you might have to revisit unpleasant memories when pursuing compensation. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we understand what you’re going through. That’s why we strive to offer compassionate service.

Our firm has been serving Illinois since 1982. We offer decades of experience to car crash victims who are seeking compensation after car wrecks others caused.

Our case results also demonstrate why we’re the right team to handle your claim. Consider the following noteworthy achievements:

Possible Injuries and Complications When a Pregnant Woman Is Involved in An Auto Collision

Both a pregnant woman and her unborn child may be at relatively high risk of sustaining certain types of injuries or developing serious complications as a result of a motor vehicle crash. The following complications can result from experiencing a car crash while pregnant: Car accidents and pregnancy can involve the following complications.

Placental Abruption

According to the Mayo Clinic, placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. Such an injury can deprive an unborn baby of nutrients and oxygen. A mother may also experience heavy bleeding. The Mayo Clinic states abdomen trauma — a common outcome in motor vehicle crashes — often causes placental abruption.

Preterm Birth

A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that preterm birth rates are higher than average among pregnant mothers involved in motor vehicle wrecks. The research indicates crashes are more likely to cause preterm birth and placental abruption when vehicles don’t have airbags.

Birth Defects

A child who was in a car wreck prior to birth may be at a fairly high risk of having birth defects and related health conditions, such as:

Cerebral palsy
Breathing issues
Delayed development
Vision and hearing difficulties

These babies may also struggle while feeding. Depending on the nature of their health conditions, they may require ongoing care.

Uterine Rupture

Per the Cleveland Clinic, uterine rupture occurs when the uterus tears apart. A uterine rupture that tears through all three layers of the uterine wall is a complete uterine rupture.

Such injuries may threaten the lives of both pregnant women and their unborn babies. Research from the journal Cureus indicates uterine rupture may result from the trauma of a motor vehicle crash.

Miscarriage

Sadly, research from the National Library of Medicine reveals miscarriage occurs relatively often among pregnant women who have been in motor vehicle accidents. Blunt trauma can increase the odds of a miscarriage.

Other Conditions and Injuries

The above list is not exhaustive. Additional injuries and conditions that may result from motor vehicle wrecks involving pregnant women include:

Direct Fetal Injury
Direct Fetal Trauma
Uterine Injury
Placental Injury
Maternal Trauma
Internal Bleeding
Maternal Pelvis Injury
Head Trauma
Low Birth Weight
Brain Damage
Gravid Uterus
Contrecoup Injuries
Uterine Wall Injuries

Research shows that wearing a seatbelt correctly and driving a vehicle with proper safety features may reduce the chances of such injuries.

Protect Your Child’s Future with a Car Accident Claim

You may need costly medical treatment after a motor vehicle crash while pregnant. If your unborn child sustained any injuries, they may also need care. Depending on the severity of their injuries, they might need treatment throughout the remainder of their life.

If someone else caused the collision, they may owe you compensation for your:

Medical bills
Long-term care expenses
Lost wages and/or lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering and other losses without strict dollar values

Pursuing this compensation involves filing a claim with that party’s insurance provider and, potentially, a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.

You may deserve a large settlement after being hurt in a car crash while pregnant. Don’t accept an insurer’s first settlement offer until you’ve had time to talk to an attorney and determine how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.

What to Do After a Car Crash While You’re Pregnant

If you’ve been involved in a car wreck while pregnant, you should take the following steps in the days, weeks, and months that follow:

See a doctor as soon as possible and tell them about the accident and your concerns.
Coordinate with all your doctors to confirm you and your unborn baby are receiving all necessary medical attention.
Request a copy of the accident report from the police.
Follow all recommended treatment plans.
Monitor your health and your unborn child’s health.
Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and other documentation of your losses resulting from the crash.

Finally, review your case with a car accident lawyer at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Whle you might not have been able to gather evidence by taking pictures or getting witness statements, an attorney can investigate the crash on your behalf to strengthen your claim.

The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating. This is critical. There’s a risk of some evidence being lost if you wait too long to gather it.

Contact an Experienced Car Collision Attorney for Help with Your Claim

Your health and emotional needs should be your top focus after a car crash resulting in harm to you, your unborn baby, or both. A car crash lawyer with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can offer compassionate representation when you need it most. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today for a free, no-obligation case review.