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Pregnancy and Infant Loss in Vehicle Crashes

Not everything happens for a reason. And that applies especially to infant loss.

In August 2018, a San Marcos woman lost her husband and unborn child when her vehicle was hit head-on by a drunk driver.

Nothing will ever replace her growing family or explain why the drunk driver hit her vehicle that day. Hundreds have responded to this young woman’s tragedy by donating to her GoFundMe page and rallying the community to prevent drunk driving in San Marcos, TX. Even with a strong community, there is no explaining the loss of a loved one and baby.

Learn more about how prevention of drunk driving crashes saves lives, prevents injuries.

If you or someone you love has experienced the loss of a pregnancy, experts recommend:

  • Give the grieving couple permission and space to feel what they need to feel without judgment or advice.
  • Acknowledge their loss.
  • Be present.
  • Use the baby’s name.
  • Support their decisions.
  • Avoid minimizing their emotions. Allow them to fully feel their pain and don’t try to find a silver lining by using language such as “It would have been even worse if..” or “Now you have an angel.”
  • Most importantly – let them know you are there for them and able to listen.

Car Accident, Pregnancy, and the Unborn Baby

As many as 3% of infants are exposed in-utero to a vehicle crash. While not all crashes are serious, a motor vehicle accident while pregnant can change the outcome of the pregnancy. If you were in a car accident while pregnant, read on to find out what to do next.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of traumatic fetal deaths.

Unfortunately motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for pregnant women, and the #1 leading cause of death among women of reproductive age (15-44 years of age.)

Studies show that between 1% and 3% of live-born infants are exposed in utero to a motor vehicle crash. If you are pregnant, and have been in a car crash – you aren’t alone.

Pregnant During Car Crash? Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Important

You may be wondering if it is really necessary to hire a lawyer after a car crash. If you are pregnant during a car accident, your medical bills, damages, and compensation are all likely to be higher. Because of the risks associated with car crashes and pregnancy, a doctor will need to closely monitor the pregnancy. These extra, and very important visits to the doctor will have added costs.

An insurance company’s primary goal is to make money. An insurance adjuster will attempt to give you the lowest amount of settlement. The amount offered may not cover hospital expenses, doctor’s visits, or loss of work. Only hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer will help you get the lawful compensation you and your baby deserve.

Pregnancy Car Accident Settlement

A great risk is put on the mother and unborn child in the event of a car accident. Emotional stress entitles you to compensations from your insurance company or the insurance company of the defendant. That stress and anxiety can follow you for weeks, especially if you have a premature birth, and it’s important that you get the money you need. We know how important is for parents to do everything in their power to ensure a healthy baby.

If you experience premature birth, you might have to file suit on behalf of your baby for medical and hospital bills, past, present and future incurred by the accident. These are the special circumstances surrounding your personal injury case.

Unfortunately there are some situations in which an auto crash can result in fetal fatality. An attorney can help demonstrate to insurance adjusters the long term pain and suffering caused as a result of the loss.

At McMinn Law Firm, we handle traumatic cases with the utmost respect and compassion for our clients in such hard circumstances. We want to ensure you get back to your life, can put the trauma behind you, and look forward to building a family.

Car Accident During Pregnancy: What to Do First

A mother’s actions immediately following an accident are critical to finding good treatment, care and overall outcome for the mother and her unborn child. We recommend that all women who have been in a car accident, no matter the severity, see their doctor or OB/GYN after the accident.

Car Accident in Early Pregnancy

Car crashes no matter the size, present a unique risk to pregnant women. Pregnancy can already be a stressful and overwhelming time for a couple. Between eating right, and getting ready for a new addition to the family there is plenty to worry about. Being in a car accident only makes the situation more overwhelming.
Minor Car Accident in Early Pregnancy is still reason to see the doctor and go to the emergency room. No matter how far you are along in your pregnancy or the severity of the accident, you should be examined as soon as possible. Health providers recommend that pregnant women should be examined if they ever receive a blow to the abdomen during their pregnancy.

Car accidents, no matter the size, can cause unique complications for an expecting mother.

Mental anguish and stress from a crash must not be ignored. Talk to your doctor about stress you are feeling from the crash. Document the types of stress you are feeling. Severe mental anguish from an accident can be an important part of a personal injury case.

Car Accident in Late Pregnancy

Experts advise that while the womb does offer some protection for the growing fetus and placenta during a sudden impact, slamming on the brakes can potentially cause a placental abruption. This serious problem is when the placenta separates from the uterus. It can lead to other issues such as:

  • Hemorrhage
  • Miscarriage
  • Premature delivery

However even with an abruption, experts say the pregnant women may not notice any obvious symptoms. Doctors at the hospital will be able to ensure that the woman is in stable condition, and conduct a thorough obstetric exam. After she receives the OK to go home, experts advise to watch for any symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, contractions or other abdominal pain.

Prevent Injury During a Car Crash While Pregnant

Remember to always wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car. It is dangerous not to wear a seat belt, or to wear the seat belt improperly. Secure the belt under the belly, low and snug on the hipbones. Never wear the seatbelt across belly or above. Be sure to always wear a seatbelt that has a shoulder belt in addition to a lap belt. It should fit snugly between the breasts and to the side of the belly. Do not place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.

Recent Personal Injury Case Results

The McMinn Law Firm has helped injured Austinites for fifteen years, winning over 100 million dollars in settlements to date.

Uninsured Motorist Accident

$350,000

Drunk Driver Accident

$1,300,000

Truck Accident Victim

$1,200,000

Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Waiting To Help You

We specialise representing clients in the following areas, we are waiting to help you on your personal injury case.

Personal Injury Lawyer

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Austin Car Accident

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Motorcycle Accident

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Ride Share Accident

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Truck Accident Lawyer

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18 Wheeler Accident

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Employment Accident

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Catastrophic Injuries

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Our Awards

Better Business Bureau (BBB) bases its ratings on information provided by the business, and on public data sources. McMinn Law Firm's A+ rating is the highest available.
In the years 2013-2014 and 2016-2019, Justin McMinn has been selected each year as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service. Jason McMinn has been selected as a Super Lawyer in 2020.
Expertise.com, a company that evaluates and recommends local service professionals, placed McMinn Law Firm on their list of 20 recommended car accident attorneys in Austin.

What Past Clients Are Saying

"Jason, Justin, and their entire support team represented me in an accident involving an 18 wheeler. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, and maybe as importantly, the service along the way was something you would want as a client, their entire team was amazing! I can with great confidence recommend them to friends, family, and to anyone who happens to read this. Thank you McMinn Law Firm for a job well done!"

- Charles

"The McMinns were amazing. Within two days of my accident – and still barely able to move – I received a visit to my house for personal consultation (on a Saturday). All the initial feedback about my potential case turned out to be 100% accurate, and when it finally came time to settle they didn’t back off an inch. …If you’re hurt, make the call."

- Harry

"I was rear ended by a large truck. Am thankful for Justin and Jason and their team and all the hard work they put into resolving my case! I highly recommend that you contact them if you’re injured in a wreck!"

- Lori M.

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