What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident While Pregnant in Chicago? 

What is the average settlement for a car accident while pregnant is, unfortunately, a question that our nationally recognized Chicago personal injury attorneys receive on a regular basis. While pregnant women may receive higher car accident settlements, especially if they suffered injuries that endangered their child, the specific compensation they may receive depends on the accident circumstances.

Contact our Chicago car accident lawyers today to schedule a free legal consultation. All sensitive information you share with us will be kept confidential through the attorney-client relationship.

Average Car Accident Settlements for Pregnant Women 

Because every car accident claim is a little different, there is no average settlement for a car crash during pregnancy. Many factors determine how much compensation the pregnant woman may be entitled to, including:

• The severity of the injury
• Delivery-related costs
• Mother’s age, employment status, and pre-existing conditions 
• Pregnancy complications, such as early delivery 
• If the child passed away due to their injuries

However, it’s possible to identify some potential settlement amounts based on previous cases. These include $14,300,000 for a St. Johns County, Florida, woman who was eight months pregnant with twins lost both her children, along with her brother, after a drunk driver struck her vehicle. 

In another case, a woman in Charlottesville, Virginia, lost her baby at seven months pregnant due to a severe car accident. She was awarded $1,700,000.

Because every case is a little different, it’s essential that you speak to a lawyer about what you may be entitled to. Schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers to learn how we can hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries. 

The Serious Risks Pregnant Women Face in Car Accidents 

Both the mother and fetus may suffer severe injuries in a car accident. While the uterus offers some protection to the unborn baby, it is not designed to withstand severe jolts and forces, such as what happens during a car accident. As such, the mother and child can experience serious complications after the accident. These can include the following. 

• Premature labor: A mother’s injuries can result in delivery before the baby is fully developed. Premature childbirth is defined as birth occurring before thirty-seven weeks of fetal development.
• Birth defects: If an injury has caused premature childbirth, the child may suffer from birth defects. These permanent injuries can include underdeveloped lungs, jaundice, anemia, heart defects, an underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract, hearing problems, or blindness.
• Emergency C-section: If the mother has been involved in a car accident, she might require a C-section to deliver the child. A C-section is a major surgery that carries significant risks for both mother and child. 
• Internal injuries: The child might suffer from internal bleeding, perforated organs, or other fetal injuries caused by the accident or due to premature childbirth. The most serious of these is hemorrhaging, as it directly threatens the unborn child’s health.
• Seat Belt Syndrome: The shoulder belt syndrome is another form of direct trauma inflicted on a child during a car accident. It occurs when the shoulder belt crossing the mother’s abdomen puts too much pressure on the fetus, and it is suspected to be the cause of half of fetal deaths during motor vehicle crashes. 
• Miscarriage: The amniotic fluid protects unborn children in the womb, but this protection is minimal. If the unborn child strikes an object such as the steering wheel or dashboard, or if the mother suffers severe trauma, the baby might die. It is always important to wear a seat belt with a shoulder belt and a lap belt.
• Placental abruption: The placenta carries all the nutrients that the child needs to survive through the uterine wall and into the child’s blood through the umbilical cord. The placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall due to trauma suffered in an accident, which places the child in grave danger.

As insurance companies want to avoid responsibility for your medical bills and other expenses, they may claim that you had a high-risk pregnancy before the accident and, therefore, you may have suffered these complications anyway. Our law firm will use your medical records and expert testimony to prove that these tragic events would not have occurred if you weren’t in a motor vehicle crash. 

Long-Term Impact of Injuries to the Unborn

In addition to threatening the life of an unborn child, injuries sustained in car and truck accidents can forever impact the child’s physical and mental development. One consequence is disability due to internal organ injuries, such as diminished lung or kidney function. This can require surgeries or ongoing medical treatment. 

Even if the baby was mostly unharmed, they may still suffer from issues because of the accident. For example, if you were forced to deliver before the child was full term, this can lead to lifelong issues. 

Preemie babies often suffer from lifelong educational and social setbacks, such as chronic absenteeism when they reach school age, even if they don’t suffer from issues like jaundice or underdeveloped lungs. Emergency C-sections can also increase the risk of asthma later in life. 

If your child suffered injuries during a car crash or you were forced to deliver early due to complications, our attorneys will consult with experts who can discuss how these injuries may impact the child later in life. We will ensure that your settlement covers these difficulties, including future medical expenses, behavioral therapy, and other accommodations. 

Seat Belts’ Role in Car Accidents 

Wearing a seat belt is mandatory in Illinois for all drivers and passengers, except for children who are in a car seat (625 ILCS §5/12-603.1). However, some people may find them uncomfortable during pregnancy or worry that the seat belt will cause more harm to the child during an accident.

Seat belts are important for everyone, including pregnant women, and that they can reduce the risk of serious injury or death when worn properly. To protect both yourself and your unborn baby, follow these seat belt safety tips:

• Wear the lap belt across the hips, below the belly, and against the thighs.
• The shoulder belt should be in the center of the chest and across the shoulder.
• Never wear the shoulder belt across your belly. 
• Do not place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
• Keep your breastbone at least 10 inches from the steering wheel, and move the seat back later in pregnancy to keep your belly away from airbags.

Seeking Medical Treatment Following an Accident 

Pregnant accident victims must care about both their own health and their child’s safety. Seek immediate medical attention from the closest emergency room to your location. 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is right next door to Ann & Robert H Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. Lurie Children’s has one of the best NICUs in the country, making it a good option for those who suffer pregnancy complications due to motor vehicle crashes. 

After getting emergency treatment, follow up with your primary care physician and obstetrician to ensure that you are not suffering any complications. 

Damages Awarded to Pregnant Women Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes

You may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. These include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future medical expenses for you and your child
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Illinois Supreme Court decisions like Thomas v. Khoury affirm that the Illinois Wrongful Death Act includes fetuses (740 ILCS §180/2.2). This means that if your unborn baby passes away due to the accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This would include elements like funeral expenses, burial expenses, and grief. 

Punitive damages may be provided if the responsible party’s actions went beyond simple negligence, such as if they were driving drunk. 

The Time Limit to Take Legal Action 

In Illinois, car crash victims have two years to file a lawsuit (735 ILCS §5/13-202). While you should consult with us as soon as possible, pregnancy may mean that we must approach your case slightly differently. 

Similar to how we may not start negotiations until a person reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), we may wait until your baby is born and thoroughly assessed before evaluating damages. 

Minors who are injured in a car crash can have the statute of limitations tolled, or paused, until they turn 18. This may be a viable option if it is not immediately clear how complications from the car accident may impact your child’s life and overall development.

When you reach out to us for a case review, we will determine the best way to seek compensation for you and your child based on the accident circumstances and what future medical care you may need. We’ll also start investigating the accident as soon as possible so that we ensure we do not miss the deadline to file a lawsuit. 

FAQs

Can Car Accidents Affect an Unborn Child?

The sudden impact and jostling of a severe car crash could lead to premature childbirth, stillbirth, or miscarriage. A direct impact on the mother’s abdominal wall that affects the fetus could cause the child to be born prematurely, leading to a preventable disability. The child might be born with organ failure, brain damage, or underdeveloped organs. 

Even if the child is not harmed, the car crash can still cause issues for them after birth. Stress during pregnancy can lead to a variety of illnesses for infants, and the effect is especially pronounced during the later stages of pregnancy. A car crash and the subsequent legal issues can be incredibly stressful, potentially risking the child’s future well-being. 

Can a Car Accident Cause a Miscarriage?

The forceful trauma of a collision impact could place a pregnant woman in danger of experiencing a miscarriage. The car wreck could cause a sudden stop, airbag deployment, or back, front, or side impact, resulting in a serious injury to the mother or baby.

A sudden impact will force the seat belt against the woman’s abdominal wall, which could cause placental abruption or another life-threatening condition for the fetus.

What Should I Do If I Get in a Car Accident During Pregnancy?

If you are involved in a car accident, seek medical attention at the emergency room or an urgent care center for any injury. Many pregnant accident victims have sustained injuries that are not apparent at the accident scene, meaning it is crucial to get a thorough evaluation as soon as possible. 

You should have the emergency room doctor contact your obstetrician so that you can receive ongoing prenatal care related to the accident. 

Can a Hard Jolt Cause Miscarriage?

Yes. Any low-impact or high-impact force during a car crash is similar to shaken baby syndrome and could lead to a miscarriage, premature birth, or pregnancy loss. Expectant mothers should exercise caution to avoid sudden jolts and use a seat belt to protect themselves.

Can a Fender Bender Hurt the Baby?

Even low-impact trauma could cause a miscarriage or premature childbirth. The stress can also cause a woman to go into early labor. Thus, it is essential to see the doctor immediately at the emergency room or an urgent care center.

A diagnostician can identify any serious problems, including bruising, placental abruption, or other life-threatening conditions. Seek medical care for changes in the baby’s movement, vaginal bleeding, or abdominal pain.

What Week Is the Highest Risk of Miscarriage?

Approximately 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester, with the majority occurring within the first 10 weeks. Around the 20th week, the risk of miscarriage is less than 0.5%. However, severe trauma, such as a car crash, can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth during pregnancy, making it crucial to get medical help even after a minor crash. 

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Near You! 

A car wreck can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but it is especially terrifying for pregnant women. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process and ensure you get a fair settlement that covers both you and your unborn baby’s needs. We work on a contingency basis, so we will never accept attorneys’ fees upfront.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 or through the contact form to schedule a free legal consultation.

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.