Can a Car Accident Cause a Miscarriage?

Yes. Although it’s rare, a car accident can cause a miscarriage and a variety of other pregnancy-related injuries. Prompt medical attention and proper care can reduce the risk of miscarriage after an accident. And you should always see your doctor or Ob/Gyn after a car accident if you are pregnant.

• Important: Signs of a potential miscarriage will not always show up immediately after the car crash. In some cases, you may have injuries that could contribute to a miscarriage days later. It could even be much later—many weeks after the accident. Always see a doctor if you are pregnant and involved in a car accident.

How does a Car Accident Affect a Pregnant Mother and Her Unborn Child?

Most car accidents are minor and are less likely to cause birth-related issues—although a doctor should always check you just in case. And, even in severe accidents, many will not affect the pregnancy or the unborn child. However, impact and injuries from an accident can cause either direct damage to the fetus, lead to complications, or even provoke a miscarriage.

Potential pregnancy-related injuries from a car accident can include:

• Premature birth (even long after the accident), can threaten the baby’s life
• Birth defects caused by injuries in the accident itself
• High-risk pregnancy when the baby is born
• Placental abruption means the placenta detaches from the uterus even though it’s not time for birth yet. This can threaten the pregnancy.
• Fetal trauma can directly injure or kill the baby
• Damage to the fetus’s brain, similar to “shaken baby syndrome.”
• Miscarriage

How Will I Know if There’s a Risk of Miscarriage After My Car Accident?

The best precaution is to see a doctor immediately, and preferably your obstetrician/gynecologist. However, you should also be on the lookout for any of these symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding or “spotting.”
• Abdominal pain or shoulder pain
• Fluid or discharge coming from the vagina
• Vomiting, particularly repeat vomiting that does not match your morning sickness pattern.
• Change in how often (or how vigorously) your baby moves (or “kicks”)
• Pain when urinating or urgent need to urinate
• Severe or recurring headaches
• Swelling (especially in your face or fingers)
• Chills, fever, dizziness, or feeling faint

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you are going to have a miscarriage. But they may indicate that something is wrong with the pregnancy—including possible miscarriage risk. Always see a doctor if these develop.

Is the Other Driver Responsible for My Miscarriage?

In Georgia, the at-fault driver or insurance is responsible for all injuries. This includes those related to pregnancy—or the loss of a child. These are among the most tragic types of accidents we see as car accident lawyers. And the mother and family have rights, including the right to recover money.

We want to be clear: no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of an unborn child. But money is how the courts attempt to make things right after this kind of loss. And while it cannot bring a child back, it can help your family survive medical costs and stay financially strong in the aftermath.

Like all car accident claims, your claim can cover all medical costs related to the accident. It will also cover missed work time. However, with a miscarriage claim, you’ll usually be entitled to much more than just your actual medical costs. You will likely be able to recover money for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses related to the personal trauma of what happened.

In addition, Georgia is one of the few states where you can file a wrongful death claim for an unborn child.

A Lawyer Can Help You

A mother and her family should not deal with legal issues after something as tragic as a miscarriage. And you shouldn’t be stuck fighting the insurance company on your own. These cases can be emotional, challenging, and legally complex. 

Let us help you. We will give you a FREE consultation with a top Atlanta car accident lawyer—and a legal team that truly believes in your claim. Call us or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.