Pregnancy Complications After a Car Collision: Your Legal Options

The screech of tires, the shattering of glass, and suddenly—the world stops. For an expectant mother, a car collision transforms in an instant from frightening to terrifying as thoughts race to the precious life growing within. 

That first kick after impact becomes more than a movement; it becomes reassurance. The intersection of pregnancy and car collisions creates a uniquely vulnerable situation where medical concerns intertwine with legal questions. 

While a mother’s first priority remains her baby’s well-being, understanding the legal landscape in Alabama becomes essential to protecting both present health needs and future security. The path forward requires navigating both hospital corridors and legal complexities with equal determination.

Understanding Pregnancy Complications from Car Collisions

Car accidents can cause unique complications for pregnant women that wouldn’t affect other accident victims. The physical trauma of a collision can impact both the mother and developing fetus in ways that require immediate and ongoing medical attention.

Common pregnancy complications after car collisions include:

• Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall;
• Premature labor and delivery;
• Maternal injuries that affect pregnancy (pelvic fractures, abdominal trauma);
• Miscarriage or fetal loss;
• High-risk pregnancy conditions requiring extended bed rest;
• Gestational diabetes or preeclampsia triggered by physical stress;
• Birth defects or developmental issues related to trauma; and
• Emotional trauma and pregnancy-related anxiety disorders.

Even seemingly minor accidents can pose serious risks during pregnancy, as the physical changes to a woman’s body make her more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. Complications may not be immediately apparent, which makes proper medical documentation critical from the moment of impact.

Immediate Medical Steps After a Collision While Pregnant

Taking immediate and appropriate medical action after a car collision is crucial for protecting both maternal and fetal health. These early steps also establish important documentation for any future legal claims.

Essential medical steps include:

• Seek emergency medical care immediately, even after minor collisions;
• Inform all medical providers about your pregnancy, including gestational age;
• Request fetal monitoring, even if you feel uninjured;
• Watch for warning signs like vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, abdominal pain, decreased fetal movement, or contractions;
• Follow up with your obstetrician within 24-48 hours, even if emergency care shows no issues;
• Maintain all recommended follow-up appointments;
• Request detailed medical records documenting the collision and any potential pregnancy impacts; and
• Consider consulting a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if recommended.

Medical documentation serves a dual purpose: It ensures you receive appropriate care while also creating a record that connects any complications to the collision. This documentation becomes essential evidence if you pursue legal remedies for your injuries.

Alabama Laws Regarding Fetal Harm in Car Accidents

Alabama has specific legal frameworks that address fetal harm resulting from car accidents. Understanding these laws helps expectant mothers recognize their rights and potential claims.

Key legal considerations in Alabama include:

• Alabama recognizes claims for fetal harm if the baby is later born alive with injuries;
• In cases of fetal death, Alabama’s Wrongful Death Act may apply if viability can be established;
• The “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine requires at-fault parties to take victims as they find them—including pregnant;
• Two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pregnancy complications;
• Potential claims against multiple parties, including other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or road maintenance entities; and
• Possibility of both economic and non-economic damages.

Alabama’s legal system recognizes the special status of pregnant women in accident cases, but these cases often require specialized legal knowledge to navigate effectively. The complex intersection of personal injury law and fetal medicine demands representation familiar with both areas.

Types of Damages Available for Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant women who experience complications after a car collision may be entitled to various types of compensation. These damages reflect both the immediate and long-term impacts of the accident on the mother and child.

Potential compensable damages include:

• Medical expenses for maternal injuries and pregnancy complications;
• Additional prenatal care costs beyond standard pregnancy care;
• Emergency delivery costs and NICU expenses for premature birth;
• Future medical treatment for ongoing maternal or child health issues;
• Lost wages during extended pregnancy bed rest or recovery;
• Reduced earning capacity due to needed childcare for a special needs child;
• Pain and suffering related to physical injuries;
• Emotional distress from pregnancy complications or traumatic delivery;
• Loss of consortium for impacts on family relationships; and
• Punitive damages in cases of grossly negligent driving.

The calculation of damages is particularly complex in pregnancy cases because they may extend far into the future, especially if the child experiences developmental challenges or health issues related to birth trauma. Working with medical experts becomes essential to properly value these claims.

Evidence Needed to Support Your Claim

Building a strong case for pregnancy complications after a car collision requires specific types of evidence that establish causation between the accident and the health issues experienced.

Important evidence to preserve includes:

• Pre-accident prenatal records showing a healthy, normal pregnancy;
• Emergency room records from immediately after the collision;
• Fetal monitoring strips and ultrasound results;
• Documentation of any pregnancy complications that developed;
• Birth records and delivery notes;
• Medical opinions linking complications to the trauma of the accident;
• Detailed records of all medical expenses;
• Documentation of missed work and lost income;
• Photos of visible injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene;
• Witness statements about the collision; and
• Police accident reports.

The timing of medical care after an accident is particularly important in pregnancy cases. Insurance companies often attempt to attribute complications to pre-existing conditions rather than the accident, making comprehensive medical documentation critical to establishing your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Complications After Car Accidents

Many expectant mothers have questions about their rights and options after experiencing a car collision during pregnancy. 

Below are answers to some common concerns regarding pregnancy complications and legal recourse in Alabama.

How Soon After a Car Accident Should a Pregnant Woman Seek Medical Care?

A pregnant woman should seek immediate medical attention following any car accident, regardless of severity. Even minor impacts can cause placental abruption or other complications that aren’t immediately apparent but can threaten both maternal and fetal health.

Can I File a Claim if My Baby Was Born Healthy but I Experienced Pregnancy Complications?

Yes, you can pursue compensation for your own medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to pregnancy complications even if your child was ultimately born healthy. The trauma and treatment you experienced remain compensable.

What if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Alabama follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making it essential to work with an attorney who can effectively counter allegations of shared responsibility.

How Long Do I Have to File a Legal Claim in Alabama?

Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving pregnancy complications. However, there may be different deadlines if your claim involves government entities or certain insurance notifications, so consulting with an attorney promptly is advisable.

If My Child Has Birth Defects After a Car Accident, Can I Seek Future Medical Costs?

Yes, you can pursue compensation for future medical needs if your child experiences birth defects or developmental issues linked to the accident. These claims often require expert testimony to establish causation and project future care costs.

Secure Your Family’s Future with Expert Legal Guidance

The dual trauma of a car collision and pregnancy complications can leave lasting impacts on your family’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. When faced with medical uncertainty and mounting expenses, having experienced legal representation becomes essential to securing the compensation you deserve.

At Baxley Maniscalco, our attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by expectant mothers after car accidents in Alabama. We work closely with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and fight for compensation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term care requirements for you and your child.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our compassionate team will guide you through every step of the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your health and your baby’s well-being.