Car accidents are challenging under any circumstances, but when they occur during pregnancy, the complexities increase. The potential for harm extends not only to the mother but also to the unborn child, creating additional risks and medical concerns. The average settlement for a car accident in Georgia generally ranges between $15,000 and $25,000. However, the settlement for a car accident while pregnant can often be higher.
This is due to factors such as the severity of injuries, pregnancy complications, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and the insurance coverage of the at-fault party. For serious cases involving pregnancy complications or, tragically, the loss of a pregnancy, settlements can rise significantly.
At Horst Shewmaker, we’re here to help car accident victims in Alpharetta, the Atlanta metro area, and across Georgia seek fair compensation after such life-altering events. Contact our car accident lawyers today for a free case review.
Possible Complications of a Car Accident While Pregnant
Pregnancy adds a layer of vulnerability during a car accident. Even if a collision appears minor, the impact can still pose risks to both mother and baby. Some of the most concerning complications of a car accident while pregnant include:
Placental Abruption
This is one of the most serious risks following a car accident during pregnancy. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, reducing or cutting off the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and contractions, and it often requires immediate medical attention.
Premature Labor
The trauma from a car accident can sometimes induce early labor, putting the baby at risk of complications associated with premature birth. Premature labor requires immediate intervention and can lead to a variety of health issues for the baby.
Fetal Distress or Trauma
The force of a car crash can lead to direct trauma to the unborn baby, especially if the mother’s abdomen sustains an impact. This could result in fetal distress, which requires close monitoring and sometimes emergency intervention.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious following an accident, but it poses significant risks to both the mother and baby. Pregnant women who experience trauma to the abdomen or torso should seek medical care to check for internal injuries.
Miscarriage
Unfortunately, a severe car accident can result in the tragic loss of a pregnancy. This outcome can profoundly impact both the mother’s health and emotional well-being, making fair compensation even more critical.
Given the severity of these potential complications, pregnant women involved in car accidents need to seek immediate medical care, even if they feel fine initially. Symptoms can sometimes appear hours or even days later, so thorough examination and monitoring are essential for safeguarding both mother and child.
Settlement for a Car Accident While Pregnant
When determining a settlement for a car accident involving a pregnant woman, several factors play a significant role in assessing the appropriate amount of compensation. These factors include:
The Severity of the Mother’s Injuries
The extent of the mother’s injuries is a primary factor in determining the settlement amount. Common injuries in car accidents, such as fractures, concussions, and soft tissue damage, are often magnified in cases involving pregnancy. The settlement is likely to increase if the mother sustains severe or long-lasting injuries that require extensive medical treatment or impact her ability to work and perform daily activities.
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy complications that result from the accident, such as premature labor or placental abruption, also play a significant role in settlement calculations. Medical interventions like emergency cesarean sections, extended hospital stays, or neonatal intensive care for the baby can result in substantial medical bills and long-term health concerns.
Additionally, if the accident results in the loss of the pregnancy, settlements often increase due to the profound emotional impact and significant medical and psychological consequences of such a loss.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses in car accident cases involving pregnant women can be substantial, as they often include both maternal and fetal care. These expenses may involve emergency room visits, hospitalizations, ultrasounds, specialized testing, and follow-up care with obstetricians and maternal-fetal specialists.
If additional treatments are necessary, such as surgeries or neonatal care for the baby, these costs will further influence the settlement amount. Comprehensive documentation of all medical bills, current and anticipated, is essential for calculating an accurate settlement.
Lost Wages
If the accident forces the mother to miss work, particularly for an extended period, her lost income will be considered in the settlement. In cases where the accident causes a long-term or permanent disability that prevents the mother from returning to her job, the calculation may include estimated future lost earnings. Lost wages are typically calculated based on the individual’s salary or hourly wage, factoring in the time missed due to hospital stays, recovery periods, and required treatments.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering include the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. For pregnant women, these non-economic damages are often greater, given the unique physical and emotional toll of an accident during pregnancy. The fear, anxiety, and emotional trauma resulting from a high-risk situation for both mother and child can contribute significantly to the settlement value.
In Georgia, pain and suffering calculations are generally based on the severity and impact of the injuries and any lasting psychological effects from the accident.
At-Fault Party’s Insurance Coverage
The settlement amount is also influenced by the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits. In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage may not be enough to cover the full extent of the damages. If the available coverage falls short, other sources of compensation may need to be explored, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on the mother’s own insurance policy. A skilled car accident lawyer can explain your legal options.
How Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial for pregnant women who have been in accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate the legal process, ensure proper documentation of medical expenses and pregnancy-related complications, and negotiate for a fair settlement. Here are some specific ways a car accident attorney can assist.
Gathering and Presenting Evidence
A skilled car accident lawyer will gather all necessary evidence to support the claim, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions if needed. In cases involving pregnancy, a lawyer can work with medical professionals to fully document the impact of the accident on both mother and child. This documentation helps establish the extent of damages, from medical expenses to pain and suffering, building a compelling case for compensation.
Calculating the Full Extent of Damages
Determining the appropriate settlement amount involves more than adding up medical bills. A car accident lawyer considers all aspects of the case, including lost wages, long-term medical care, emotional trauma, and the potential impact on the pregnancy. If the accident results in a pregnancy complication or loss, the lawyer can ensure that these deeply personal and life-changing damages are fully accounted for in the settlement.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to settle cases quickly and for less than they are worth. A car accident lawyer can protect the injured party’s interests by handling communications with the insurance company and negotiating on their behalf. A lawyer’s goal is to secure a settlement that truly reflects the impact of the accident on the mother’s health, her pregnancy, and her future.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. By preparing a strong case and pursuing legal action, the lawyer can push for a resolution that fully compensates the victim for her losses. Litigation is often a last resort, but a skilled attorney can take this step if it’s necessary to secure a just outcome.
Contact Horst Shewmaker for a Free Case Review
At Horst Shewmaker, we understand that car accidents involving pregnant women present unique challenges and complexities. With experience serving car accident victims in Alpharetta, the Atlanta metro area, and throughout Georgia, our firm has the knowledge and commitment needed to handle these sensitive cases. We provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to help accident victims pursue justice and fair compensation.
Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for each client, carefully evaluating each case and advocating for the client’s rights at every step. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements and, if needed, taking the case to trial, Horst Shewmaker is here to support you throughout the process.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident while pregnant, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options and find out how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
