Risk Associated with a Car Accident While Pregnant

Car accidents are dangerous in any situation, but during pregnancy, the risks are even higher. A sudden impact can cause serious injuries to both the mother and unborn baby, even if the crash seems minor at first. In Washington, thousands of pregnant women are involved in car accidents every year, and the aftermath can be physically and emotionally devastating.

At Gilbert Law Firm, we help injured people across Spokane and throughout Washington recover after traumatic collisions, including those involving pregnancy complications. If you or a loved one was pregnant during a crash, we’re here to explain what to watch for, how to protect yourself, and how Washington law may support your claim.

This blog explains the unique risks pregnant individuals face in car accidents, common complications that can arise, and how Washington law may help them seek compensation after a crash.

Pregnancy changes everything, including how your body absorbs trauma. Even a low-speed collision can cause complications that aren’t immediately obvious.

Here are some of the most common complications we see in pregnancy-related car accident claims:

• Placental abruption: When the placenta separates from the uterus, it can cause heavy internal bleeding and may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
  
• Uterine rupture: A rare but life-threatening condition where the uterus tears, putting both the mother and baby at risk.
  
• Preterm labor: The force of impact can trigger early labor, increasing the risk of neonatal complications.
  
• Fetal injuries: The baby may suffer direct trauma, including brain injury or skull fractures.
• Miscarriage: In severe cases, especially during the first or second trimester, the trauma can result in pregnancy loss.

Studies show that pregnant drivers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents during the second trimester. Nausea, fatigue, and reduced concentration can affect reaction time behind the wheel. Even when you’re not at fault, these factors can make you more vulnerable in a collision.

If you were involved in a crash while pregnant, even if you feel fine, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately – You might not feel symptoms right away, but internal injuries can be serious.
  
• Watch for warning signs – Bleeding, cramping, abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement should be reported to a doctor immediately.
  
• Document everything – Get a copy of the police report, take photos, and keep a journal of your symptoms.
• Avoid speaking to the insurance company alone – Don’t agree to a settlement or make a statement before speaking with a Washington car accident attorney.

Yes. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Washington law.

A pregnancy-related personal injury claim can include:

• Emergency and follow-up medical care
• OB-GYN and specialist visits
  
• Costs associated with early delivery or neonatal care
  
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or trauma
  
• Loss of the pregnancy

Because these cases involve both physical and emotional harm, it’s critical to work with a lawyer who understands how to present the full scope of your injuries.

Washington’s comparative fault system allows injured drivers and passengers to seek compensation, even if they were partially at fault for the crash. That means if you were pregnant and involved in an accident, you can still pursue damages for your injuries and trauma, as long as you weren’t entirely responsible.

Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs. In particularly devastating cases, such as when a crash results in the loss of a pregnancy, Washington law may also allow families to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can be complex and emotionally difficult, but they exist to help grieving families hold negligent drivers accountable and secure financial support during an incredibly painful time.

If you were pregnant during a car accident in Washington, don’t wait to get help. Insurance companies may downplay your injuries, but you deserve to be taken seriously. At Gilbert Law Firm, we fight for people dealing with some of life’s most difficult moments—and we’re not afraid to take on complex, high-stakes claims.

Call us at (509) 321-0750 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.