A car accident during pregnancy can cause placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, or in rare cases stillbirth, and the risk rises after a second crash. Oklahoma law also lets a parent bring a wrongful death claim for an unborn child under 12 O.S. § 1053, and injured mothers can seek compensation for their own injuries.
Preparing to bring a baby into the world is exciting, but when a pregnant mother is hurt in an Oklahoma City-area crash, the effects on the developing fetus can be serious and, in rare cases, fatal.
Pregnancy Complications From a Car Accident
Medical research has looked closely at how car accidents affect pregnant women and their unborn babies. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine tracked three serious complications after a crash:
Placental abruption: the placenta detaches from the uterus, threatening the fetus. The study found this rate rose from about 5 to 6.7 cases per 100,000 pregnancy days after one crash, and to 16.7 per 100,000 after a second.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): the amniotic sac breaks early, raising the risk of preterm delivery. Rates climbed from 16.9 to 22.1 per 100,000 pregnancy days after one crash, and to 31.8 per 100,000 after a second.
Preterm birth: delivery before 37 weeks is a leading cause of infant complications. Rates rose from 97.8 to 121.6 per 100,000 pregnancy days after one crash, and to 157.5 after a second.
How these complications affect a claim is part of what a personal injury case may be worth.
Internal Bleeding, Stillbirth, and Wrongful Death Claims
Internal bleeding after a crash can put an unborn baby at risk of fetal distress or miscarriage, so a pregnant woman involved in any collision should get medical care right away. Beyond internal bleeding, a crash can cause injuries commonly diagnosed after car wrecks, including placental abruption or uterine rupture. Quick evaluation lets a doctor monitor the baby’s heart rate and catch problems early.
The same research also found a higher stillbirth risk after a crash, especially a second one and among mothers who were not wearing a seatbelt or riding in a car without airbags. The overall risk is low, appearing in less than 1% of the pregnancies studied, but it rose from about 4.7 per 100,000 pregnancy days with no crash to 21.2 per 100,000 after a second crash, more than four times higher. NHTSA has estimated that maternal involvement in car crashes contributes to between 1,500 and 5,000 fetal losses each year in the United States.
Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute (12 O.S. § 1053) extends to the death of an unborn child, so a parent may be able to bring a claim in the rare case a crash causes a stillbirth. This type of claim generally must be filed within two years.
Protecting Yourself and Your Baby After a Crash
Get checked by a doctor after any crash, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, including soft-tissue strains and sprains, do not show symptoms right away, and a doctor can also monitor your baby’s movement and heart rate. Proper seatbelt use matters too: the lap belt should sit low across the hips and thighs, and the shoulder belt should run between the breasts and to the side of the belly, never across it. Adjusting your seat to keep distance from the steering wheel and airbag, and choosing safer routes when possible, can also help. The physical and emotional toll of a crash, from fractures to anxiety, can complicate a pregnancy, so ongoing support matters as much as the first visit to the emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress from a car accident affect my pregnancy?
Yes. Emotional stress after a crash can contribute to preterm labor, so pregnant women involved in an accident should seek both medical and psychological support, not just a physical exam.
Can a car accident cause long-term health issues for my baby?
It can. Complications such as preterm birth are linked to lasting health issues for the child, including developmental delays and respiratory problems, which is one reason continued monitoring after a crash matters.
Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a car accident during pregnancy?
If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be able to claim compensation for emotional distress in addition to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
What are my legal options if I’m pregnant and hurt in a crash someone else caused?
Oklahoma law allows people injured by another’s negligence, including pregnant women, to seek compensation for their injuries. Oklahoma’s Insurance Department also publishes consumer guidance that can help you understand how insurers evaluate claims. An attorney can review your case and explain whether a separate claim applies if your baby is later diagnosed with an injury from the crash.
Get Legal Help After a Pregnancy-Related Car Accident
Car accidents during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby, but awareness and prompt medical care reduce the risk. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash while pregnant, Hasbrook & Hasbrook can review what happened and help you understand your legal options.
