Getting into a car accident is a frightening experience for anyone, but if you’re pregnant, it can feel even more overwhelming. Whether you’ve been involved in a low-impact car accident while pregnant or a more severe crash, you’re not only thinking about damage to your vehicle and potential injuries—you’re also deeply concerned about your baby’s safety. It’s important to know that you don’t have to navig
Seek Medical Attention First
Your health and your baby’s well-being come first. Even if you feel fine after a car accident, some complications—like placental abruption or preterm labor—might not show symptoms immediately. This is especially true if you’re driving while pregnant in your third trimester, as your body is under additional strain. Seeking medical care ensures that any hidden issues are addressed promptly and also provides documentation of your condition, which can be critical to your legal claim.
Possible Complications After a Car Accident While Pregnant
Complications can arise whether the accident occurs early or late in pregnancy, including during the third trimester. The following are some pregnancy complications that can occur after a car accident:
- Placental abruption
- Preterm labor
- Reduced fetal movement
- Fetal distress
- Miscarriage
- Uterine rupture
- Internal bleeding
- Increased risk of high blood pressure
- Increased risk of gestational complications
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
What Car Accident Damages Can You Recover if You’re Pregnant?
If you’re not more than 50% at fault for a car accident in Florida, you may be eligible to recover damages. However, if you were pregnant at the time of the car accident, your damages may include additional costs related to the unique challenges of a pregnancy-related injury. In addition to the usual medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering damages, you may also be eligible for the following:
- Specialized prenatal and postnatal care costs: Expenses for additional ultrasounds, monitoring, or emergency procedures
- Costs for emergency delivery: If the accident leads to a preterm delivery or C-section
- Future medical care for the baby: If the baby is born prematurely or with injuries that require ongoing care
- Maternal disability: Compensation if the accident leads to a condition that impacts the mother's ability to work or function normally
- Loss of pregnancy: Damages for emotional and physical pain associated with miscarriage or stillbirth
- Counseling or therapy expenses: Costs for mental health support due to trauma related to the accident
What To Do if Your Insurance Company Denies or Lowballs Your Claim
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that’s too low, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can step in to advocate for your rights. Here are some of the legal actions they can take on your behalf:
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Negotiation is often the first step after receiving a low settlement offer. Your attorney can submit additional documentation, such as detailed medical records, expert opinions, and receipts, to strengthen your case. They will communicate directly with the insurance company to push for a fairer offer and ensure that long-term impacts—like future medical needs and emotional distress—are considered. An attorney’s negotiation skills can make a significant difference in reaching a favorable settlement without needing to go to court.
Mediation
Mediation is a less formal process where both parties meet with a neutral third-party mediator to discuss and attempt to resolve the dispute. Your attorney will present your case and negotiate on your behalf during mediation, aiming for a mutually acceptable resolution without the need for a trial.
Arbitration
Arbitration is another form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision. This process is typically faster than a trial, and your attorney will guide you through arbitration to present the strongest possible case.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations and alternative dispute resolution methods fail, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Your attorney will file a formal complaint outlining your damages and the legal grounds for your claim. During the discovery phase, both sides gather and exchange evidence to build their cases. While most lawsuits are resolved through settlement before trial, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing a Bad Faith Claim
If the insurance company acts in bad faith—by denying your valid claim without reason, delaying the process unnecessarily, or making unreasonably low offers—your attorney may file a bad faith claim. This type of lawsuit seeks additional damages beyond your initial claim, holding the insurer accountable for unethical behavior.
Farah & Farah Is Here for You and Your Baby
If you’re pregnant and have been in a car accident—whether it was a low-impact collision or a more serious crash, and whether you’re in your first or third trimester—Farah & Farah is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and hold those responsible for the accident accountable. You won’t have to pay a dime unless your case is successful.
