There is no way to calculate an average settlement amount for a pregnancy car accident that we can apply to a wide variety of collisions and be accurate for most of them. Too many factors go into valuing this type of claim. You must look at your case individually to put an appropriate possible worth on it.
You could choose to work with a personal injury attorney who can handle this process for you, including valuing your damages and seeking a fair payout. Working with a lawyer is one of the best ways to understand how much your case may be worth. Many accident victims do not accurately value their claim and leave thousands of dollars on the negotiating table.
The Many Factors that Could Affect the Value of Your Car Accident Settlement
The injuries you and your baby suffer are the single greatest factor determining your case’s value. If you require medical care or inpatient observation, you will not only have medical bills but likely these related expenses and damages as well:
- Future medical needs and care costs for you
- Possible diagnostic and support expenses related to your child’s injuries
- Your time away from work, especially if on bed rest because of the crash
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
- Your psychological and emotional care costs
- Pain and suffering
There are additional factors that could affect your payout. For example, you might share fault in causing the crash, or the other driver may have acted intentionally or in a particularly malicious way.
You might opt to work with an attorney who can help you document your losses and value your claim. They will handle navigating this process for you, seeking compensation based on the calculated value of your accident case.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Complications and Injuries Are Common When Pregnant Women Are in a Crash
Pregnant women and their babies suffer serious injuries and complications after many collisions. These complications can include an increased risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Placental abruption is possible. Mother, baby, or both could suffer traumatic injuries.
According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), traffic accidents are the top cause of fetal death following maternal trauma. For those babies who suffer injuries but do not pass away, lasting deficits can occur from:
- A direct impact on the baby, such as an impact to the mother’s stomach
- The mother’s lack of oxygen
- Any concerns about blood flow to the baby
If you were pregnant when your crash occurred, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to check on your health and the safety of your baby. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department:
- Loss of consciousness or other signs of head trauma
- Pain or signs of trauma to your stomach or pelvis
- Vaginal fluid or bleeding
Long-Lasting Effects to Your Baby After a Car Accident
Brain injuries to a baby still in development can later contribute to significant physical, cognitive, emotional, or social concerns. The child may have neurological deficits due to the crash, but they may not become apparent until you notice the child’s development is not in line with their peers.
The Emotional Effect of Your Traumatic Experience
When a car accident puts your baby’s health at risk, you may experience symptoms of mental and emotional stress. This stress is not healthy for you or the baby. You may want to discuss this with your doctor and possibly seek counseling. Also, keep track of your healthcare bills and report them as related expenses on your claim.
When do I Need to File My Claim to Recover a Fair Settlement?
Your attorney helps you decide when to take legal action and what steps to take. In some cases, they may encourage you to wait until the birth of your child to learn as much as possible about how their injuries will affect the rest of their lives.
These deadlines are set by state law to file a personal injury lawsuit:
- One year in Louisiana (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492)
- Two years in Alabama (Ala. Code § 6-2-38)
- Three years in Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49)
- Three years in Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105)
However, exceptions could mean you have less time or additional time to sue the liable driver. Your attorney will ensure you meet the applicable timeline in your case.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Morris Bart, LLC Provides Complimentary Consultations
At the Morris Bart law firm, our team of car accident lawyers reviews cases for accident victims for free. If you or your baby suffered injuries in our service area (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, or Mississippi), we are here to help. Our case results show what our contingency fee firm can do for crash victims.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to speak to an attorney about your case for free.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
