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Your Legal Rights If You’re in a Car Accident While Pregnant

PUBLISHED ON: June 1, 2023    LAST MODIFIED ON: August 21, 2023

Pregnancy and Car Accidents in Houston, TX

Know Your Rights When in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Car accidents don’t discriminate—no matter who you are and regardless of your personal circumstances, you could find yourself in a collision. Among the most vulnerable in a car accident are pregnant people. In addition to looking after themselves, they’re also responsible for protecting their unborn child. If you’ve been in a car accident while pregnant, you have certain rights under Texas law. Let the team at Nava Law Group help you through this difficult, often traumatic, situation. We have years of experience helping clients in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, TX.

Your Legal Rights If You're in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Medical Attention Should Be Your First Priority

Before you do anything else, get medical attention. This should always be your first priority and is even more important for pregnant people in car accidents. Even minor collisions with insignificant property damage can cause internal injuries to you and your unborn child. Never wait to seek medical treatment, and always accept the help of first responders on the scene.

Get Familiar With Potential Pregnancy Complications

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the potential pregnancy complications that can be triggered by a car accident. These complications depend on the severity of the accident and the phase of pregnancy. After an auto accident, pregnant people can experience miscarriages, early labor, internal bleeding, and uterine ruptures. Babies may also be at a higher risk of being born with disabilities. Monitor yourself for these warning signs and see a doctor immediately:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swollen feet, hands, or face
  • Neck pain
  • Urinary issues
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Back pain
  • Chills or fever
  • Vomiting
  • Bruising on the chest or abdominal area
  • Abrupt changes in fetal movement patterns
  • Loss of consciousness

File a Claim for Compensation

At-fault drivers can be held liable for injuries in a car accident—even those sustained by a fetus. If a child is born with a disability caused by an auto accident while pregnant, parents can bring a claim on the child’s behalf once it’s born. It’s well within your rights to file a claim for compensation and start getting your life back. An experienced attorney from Nava Law Group can help you explore avenues for getting the following types of compensation:

  • Hospital bills
  • Future medical expenses (i.e., surgeries, physical therapy)
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

What to Do in the Case of a Miscarriage

Sadly, having a car accident while pregnant can lead to a miscarriage or stillbirth. While no one wants to picture themselves in this heartbreaking scenario, it’s crucial to know your rights should this occur. After a miscarriage, parents may be able to file a wrongful death claim under Texas law. However, be sure to keep track of time, as these claims have a three-month statute of limitations. If you’re unsure whether your situation warrants a wrongful death case, talk to our compassionate attorneys. We know three months is a very short time to grieve for a lost child, but seeking compensation can be a step toward normalcy.

H3: Request Personalized Legal Counsel From Nava Law Group

Being pregnant is incredibly stressful, and the emotional and physical trauma of an auto accident only makes this time more difficult. Thankfully, the team at Nava Law Group is here for you. Over the years, we’ve served clients throughout Texas with exceptional legal counsel. We’ll listen to your circumstances and come up with a personalized approach to gaining compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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