Car Accident While Pregnant in Chicago

Being involved in a car accident while pregnant is frightening and often traumatic. For expectant mothers, a crash can put both their health and the safety of their unborn child at risk, even in what may seem like a low-impact car accident. Injuries can range from mild discomfort to possible pregnancy complications like placental abruption or preterm labor.

These cases can involve unique medical and legal challenges. If you or a loved one has experienced a car crash during pregnancy, it’s essential to speak with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney who understands the potential for both maternal injuries and fetal harm, and who can help you protect your rights.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve represented many clients injured in car accidents and secured meaningful results. Our cases have included:

• $1,000,000 – Settlement secured for the family of a 23-year-old woman who tragically lost her life as a backseat passenger in a violent, high-speed rear-end crash involving a pickup truck.
• $385,000 – Recovered for a client who suffered a herniated disc in her lower back after being rear-ended by a speeding, intoxicated driver. The injury required ongoing treatment and significantly impacted her daily life.
• $350,000 – A hospital lab employee was hit by a taxicab while crossing the street after her shift. She suffered a fractured leg requiring surgery. The claim was resolved before filing a lawsuit.

The Attorney’s Role After a Car Crash

After a car accident while pregnant, having a lawyer can make a significant difference. Medical issues tied to pregnancy are often complex and can worsen rapidly. Many insurance companies try to downplay these serious complications or argue they were unrelated to the crash.

A lawyer who understands pregnancy-related injury claims can help build the evidence needed to show how the car crash directly caused pregnancy complications, birth defects, or severe complications for both the mother and child.

Legal representation is essential in situations where:

• The mother suffered internal injuries, required surgery, or was hospitalized;
• The accident led to premature birth, miscarriage, or preterm labor;
• The child was later diagnosed with brain damage, birth defects, or other permanent injuries linked to the crash.

Types of Cases We Handle for Women in Car Accidents While Pregnant

We represent pregnant women injured in a wide range of car accidents, including those caused by at-fault drivers such as commercial operators, rideshare drivers, and distracted motorists.

Placental Abruption

This serious condition can occur when a woman gets in a car accident while pregnant and experiences sudden trauma to the abdomen, causing the placenta to detach from the uterine wall.

We frequently see placental abruption in rear-end and side-impact collisions at busy Chicago intersections like Western & Peterson or Cicero & Madison, where drivers often run red lights. These crashes usually involve distracted delivery drivers or rideshare vehicles weaving through traffic.

Uterine Rupture

Though rare, uterine rupture can occur in high-impact crashes involving abdominal trauma, especially in rollovers or multi-vehicle pileups. These events are more likely on highways like the Dan Ryan Expressway or chain-reaction accidents triggered by large vehicles like CTA buses or city maintenance trucks.

High-Risk Pregnancy After a Crash

Even a minor car accident can shift a pregnancy into high-risk status, especially if the mother begins experiencing bleeding, contractions, or abnormal fetal movement in the days that follow.

We’ve represented many clients whose complications began after low-speed rear-end collisions near Chicago hospital zones such as Northwestern, Rush, or clinics in the Illinois Medical District.

Preterm Labor or Emergency Delivery

High-speed car accidents on major roadways like I-90/94 or Lake Shore Drive can trigger preterm labor or lead to an unplanned delivery. This is especially common in cases where expectant mothers are hit by speeding drivers, often late at night, such as rideshare operators or commercial drivers rushing between jobs.

Maternal Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage

Side-impact crashes with large trucks or SUVs can cause serious internal injuries to the mother. We’ve seen these injuries in collisions near downtown Chicago’s loading zones, often involving Amazon, FedEx, or grocery delivery drivers rushing to meet deadlines.

Pelvic Fractures or Orthopedic Trauma

Frontal car accidents while pregnant, especially in compact cars, can cause pelvic fractures, hip injuries, or other orthopedic damage. These are especially common in Lower Wacker Drive stop-and-go traffic or left-turn crashes at intersections like Ashland & Belmont, where rideshare and delivery drivers frequently misjudge traffic signals.

Miscarriage or Fetal DeathSevere crashes, such as head-on collisions or rollovers, can result in the heartbreaking loss of the child. These tragedies often happen in Chicago’s industrial zones—near Goose Island or the South Side’s warehouse corridors—where semi-trucks, work vans, and heavy-duty vehicles operate at high speeds or in low-visibility areas.

Local Laws That Affect Accident Claims Involving Pregnant Women

Illinois law allows women injured in car accidents while pregnant to pursue personal injury claims for themselves and their unborn child.

In cases of fetal loss, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed under certain circumstances (740 ILCS 180/1). These claims can be filed against the at-fault driver, an employer (if it was a work-related crash), or other parties involved.

The general statute of limitations for injury claims in Illinois is two years from the accident date (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, legal timelines can vary depending on the circumstances, especially if a wrongful death claim is involved.

The Value of Your Claim in Chicago

Each case is unique, but common forms of compensation may include:

Maternal medical bills (immediate medical attention, OB-GYN visits, hospitalization, surgery);

Costs related to fetal monitoring, NICU, or delivery complications;

Emotional distress related to fear, anxiety, or trauma during pregnancy;

Pain and suffering endured by the mother due to the crash and serious complications;

Future medical expenses tied to birth-related injuries or conditions

Lost wages due to missing work when seeking medical care;

Wrongful death damages in the tragic loss of a child or mother.

How Rosenfeld Injury Law Can Help

Our team understands that car accidents during pregnancy require close collaboration with medical experts, especially OB-GYNs and neonatologists. We gather complete records, document all medical treatment, and work with medical care providers to connect the crash to your pregnancy complications or injuries to your unborn baby.

We handle all contact with the insurance company, collect crash reports, and interview witnesses to build a strong case. If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We always aim to help families secure the financial compensation they need to move forward after a traumatic event.

FAQs About Car Accidents While Pregnant

Can getting in a low-impact car accident while pregnant cause a miscarriage?

Yes. Even a minor crash can lead to placental abruption, preterm labor, or miscarriage. Always seek prompt medical attention after any accident while pregnant.

Can I sue if my baby later develops symptoms of brain damage?

Yes. If a crash caused oxygen loss or trauma resulting in brain damage, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.

Who pays for medical bills related to delivery or NICU care?

If the accident caused pregnancy complications requiring NICU or delivery care, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be liable. A lawyer can also help recover costs through your own car insurance or medical payments coverage.

Consult an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Near You!

If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident while pregnant, don’t wait to get legal help. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand what’s at stake for both the mother and unborn baby. Our team has years of experience handling cases on behalf of women who have been in car accidents while pregnant across Chicago.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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“Johnathan was such an amazing assistance with my case, he was very professional and understanding, answered all my questions. I was referred by a friend. I involved in a car accident a few months ago and my case was settled quickly. Would definitely refer him to anyone I know.”

— Dymond Weathers

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.