Seven Types of Pregnancy Injuries From a Car Accident

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents on March 24, 2022

During pregnancy, getting into a car accident can be a very scary event. These collisions can result in serious injuries to both the mother and the unborn child, leading to long-term complications and devastating fetal loss. 

There are several types of pregnancy injuries that an expectant mother could experience in a car accident. If you are pregnant and involved in a collision, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

#1: Premature Birth

Premature birth occurs when a child is born prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. If a mother suffers from serious stress during and after the accident, she could go into labor early. 

Babies born prematurely require additional medical care. They may also experience certain limitations due to underdevelopment and other complications associated with premature birth. 

#2: Miscarriage

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of fetal mortality, resulting in thousands of miscarriages each year. The amniotic fluid protects an infant in the uterus, so the baby should survive unless the mother sustains severe trauma. 

A miscarriage can occur if the stomach or uterus is punctured or if the mother goes into cardiac arrest, cutting off the fetus’s oxygen supply. 

#3: High-Risk Pregnancy

When a mother or baby has certain complications, medical professionals will classify the pregnancy as high risk. A high-risk pregnancy can make labor and delivery a difficult and stressful process. Both mother and baby will require additional care and monitoring.

After a car accident, a mother can develop a high-risk pregnancy due to complications from the collision.

#4: Coup and Contrecoup Injuries

A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain hits one side of the skull, and then slides and hits the other side. This severe brain injury can result in bleeding, bruising, and swelling, resulting in brain death and serious complications. 

A mother is more likely to be affected by a coup-contrecoup injury than a baby. However, the child can also suffer brain damage due to the force and impact of the injury, resulting in shaken baby syndrome.

#5: Placental Abruption

The placenta plays a vital role in keeping a fetus healthy by providing vital nutrients and removing waste products. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the baby before birth, leading to serious complications. If a mother suffers abdominal trauma during a collision, this injury can occur.

#6: Fetal Trauma

During a car accident, a mother can suffer from serious trauma, harming the baby’s body and brain. Loss of oxygen, abdominal injury, and many other infections and injuries can lead to fetal trauma. Long-term complications and miscarriages can occur due to fetal trauma.

#7: Birth Defects

Babies can develop birth defects after a car accident. These conditions may occur due to direct trauma to the abdomen or uterus, oxygen loss, brain injuries, and premature birth. These birth defects can impact a child for the rest of his or her life.

Filing an Injury Claim After a Car Accident

Under Washington law, victims of car accidents have the right to file insurance claims or lawsuits against at-fault drivers. If you suffered a pregnancy injury in a car accident, filing a claim can help you secure the justice that you deserve.

A Washington car accident lawyer can represent your claim and advocate for your maximum possible compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible following your accident to discuss your next steps.