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What to Do if You're in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Getting into a car accident is frightening and stressful enough. Being pregnant during a crash adds another layer of anxiety and uncertainty—not only is your future affected, but your child’s as well.

On this page, the Valent Legal team will walk you through what to do if you’re in a car accident while pregnant to ensure both mother and baby are safe and healthy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident While Pregnant?

Your actions in the immediate aftermath of a car crash should prioritize your safety and the baby’s. Your first steps should include:

  1. Move to safety and check yourself for any serious injuries.
  2. If you can, document the scene by taking photos, exchanging contact information with the other driver, and speaking to potential witnesses.
  3. Call 911 and report the crash to the police.
  4. Seek immediate medical attention. If first responders arrive, make sure they know you’re pregnant and have them call you an ambulance if necessary.
  5. Following treatment, notify your insurance company about the crash and contact an experienced car accident lawyer for a consultation.

Why It’s Important to Get Medical Help Right Away After an Accident

When a pregnancy is involved, even seemingly minor or low-impact collisions can create health risks for you and your baby that might not be immediately obvious. Getting a thorough medical examination promptly is the only way to ensure there are no hidden injuries or complications.

When visiting the emergency room, make sure to request an ultrasound and obstetric examination, even if your initial assessment looks good. After your initial treatment, schedule follow-up appointments with your OB/GYN to monitor your health and ensure your pregnancy remains complication-free.

What Pregnancy Complications Can Occur After a Car Accident?

Symptoms such as abdominal pain, contractions, vaginal bleeding, or a noticeable decline in your baby’s movement can signal potentially significant birth complications after a car accident, including:

  • Miscarriage: The pain, stress, and trauma from car accident injuries can cause a devastating early end to your pregnancy.
  • Premature birth: The strain from a car accident and related injuries can cause you to go into labour early, potentially requiring intensive treatment and monitoring to ensure your baby survives and develops properly.
  • Uterine ruptures: A crash can damage the walls of the uterus, causing a wound that can trigger internal bleeding and threaten the lives of both the mother and the child.
  • Placental abruption: The placenta can detach from the uterus, causing internal bleeding and depriving your baby of nutrients.
  • Fetal trauma: Your baby can suffer physical injuries, potentially creating long-term health complications.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Car Accident Claim?

Medical records are always an important piece of evidence for a car accident claim, and the involvement of a pregnancy makes them even more vital. Documentation from before and after the accident can help you demonstrate differences in your health and the strength of your pregnancy caused by the crash.

After you report the collision to law enforcement, the ensuing police report will contain a factual foundation of what occurred that can be very useful for your case. Accident witnesses can help you establish the other driver’s liability, and any nearby traffic or security cameras can add another layer of strong visual evidence.

The strength of the available evidence can significantly impact the value and timeline of your claim. A trusted car accident lawyer can help explain your legal options and what to expect from your case.

Can I Get Insurance Benefits for a Car Accident While Pregnant?

Your auto insurance policy can allow you to recover up to $50,000 in no-fault “Section B” benefits for your medical an prenatal treatment costs.
Section B coverage is mandatory in Nova Scotia auto insurance policies and can be accessed immediately without a determination of liability.

If another driver is at fault, you can pursue a third-party claim against them to recover more damages. However, it’s important to note that the other driver’s insurance company will likely attempt to settle your case quickly for an amount that doesn’t account for the full impact of the crash on your pregnancy, including future complications and your child’s future care costs. Avoid making any prerecorded statements to insurers or accepting any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer.

What Resources Are Available for Pregnant Women After a Car Accident?

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Take Action

Getting a legal consultation with a trusted lawyer is the best way to ease the burden of pursuing a car accident claim while pregnant. Your lawyer can do all the heavy lifting, including gathering evidence, communicating with insurers, and negotiating a fair settlement.

Pregnancy can add complexity to a personal injury claim, as the at-fault driver may be liable for the effects the accident has on both you and your child. Your lawyer will calculate the total value of damages impacting you both, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future treatment costs.

Nova Scotia’s Limitation of Actions Act gives you two years from the accident date to file a claim, and your deadline to report the claim to the insurance company may be significantly shorter. However, settling your case before knowing the full outcome of your pregnancy can reduce your overall compensation. Your lawyer will help you navigate the precise timing.

Let Us Help You With Your Car Accident Claim

If you were injured in a car accident while pregnant, the trusted lawyers at Valent Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or call (902) 443-4488 today for a free consultation with our experienced team.