Car accidents are always stressful, but when a crash affects a pregnancy, the stakes change. Expectant parents face not only the immediate trauma of a collision but also the fear of harm to their unborn child. In Washington State, pregnant individuals injured in car accidents have the right to seek compensation for the unique physical, emotional and financial impacts of these incidents.
Even seemingly minor crashes can cause serious pregnancy complications. The force of a seatbelt tightening during impact or the jolt of a rear-end collision can lead to placental abruption, preterm labor, miscarriage or other complications that threaten the health of both parent and baby. Prompt treatment can save lives, but it also creates significant medical expenses and emotional distress.
Holding responsible parties accountable
When an accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, the injured party can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. In pregnancy-related crashes, damages can include medical expenses for emergency care, hospital stays and ongoing monitoring. If complications result in premature birth, additional costs for neonatal care or long-term health conditions may arise. Compensation can also potentially address pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life during what should have been a hopeful and healthy pregnancy. Washington State also allows claims for wrongful death if a viable fetus dies due to injuries caused by a crash.
And yet, insurance companies often minimize pregnancy-related injury claims, arguing that complications were pre-existing or unrelated to the crash at issue. This is just one reason why it is important to work with a skilled legal team familiar with pregnancy-related claims if you are facing this undeniably tragic scenario.
If you are pregnant and have been involved in a crash, prioritize your health and your baby’s safety first. Then, consider your legal options. Protecting your family includes seeking the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by another driver’s negligence. You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a crash that has affected your pregnancy or your spouse or partner’s pregnancy alone.