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When a car accident involves an expectant mother, the stakes are higher. You’re not just thinking about your own injuries—you’re worried about your baby, too. At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve helped Georgia families through some of the most difficult times of their lives, and we understand the medical urgency and legal complexity of car crashes during pregnancy.
This guide walks you through what to do immediately, potential medical complications, and how Georgia law treats these sensitive cases.
Even in what seems like a “minor” crash, the safest choice is to seek medical attention right away. Trauma during pregnancy can have delayed effects on both mother and child.
What to do at the scene:
Call 911 if there’s pain, bleeding, dizziness, abdominal tenderness, contractions, fluid leakage, or reduced fetal movement.
Inform responders and medical staff that you’re pregnant and how far along you are.
Bring your OB’s contact information and your medication list.
Diagnostic testing is often necessary and safe. Modern X-rays and CT scans, when indicated, are performed with shielding to minimize fetal exposure. Ultrasounds are standard for assessing fetal well-being, and a trauma-focused ultrasound may also check for internal bleeding.
Rh factor matters. If you are Rh-negative, ER staff should administer Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) to prevent serious complications in future pregnancies.
Even if you’re discharged quickly, follow your OB’s instructions closely and watch for symptoms such as bleeding, cramping, fluid leakage, headaches, or decreased fetal movement.
Car accidents can lead to medical complications unique to pregnancy, including:
Placental abruption – Partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterus, which can cause bleeding, pain, contractions, and fetal distress.
Preterm labor – Contractions can start after trauma, even without immediate symptoms.
Fetomaternal hemorrhage – Fetal blood entering maternal circulation; tested via a Kleihauer–Betke test.
Uterine rupture (rare) – More likely with prior C-section scars or high-speed impacts.
Blood pressure changes – Injury and stress may worsen conditions like preeclampsia.
Seat belt-related trauma – Proper belt placement (lap belt low over hips, shoulder strap between breasts) significantly reduces risks.
Hospitals typically monitor pregnant patients for several hours after a crash, but some complications appear later—making follow-up essential.
Under Georgia law, if another driver’s negligence causes a collision, they can be held responsible for all resulting harm to both mother and baby.
Negligence & Duty: O.C.G.A. §§ 51-1-2 and 51-1-6
Damages: O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4 (general & special damages), § 51-12-5.1 (punitive damages in cases like DUI)
Traffic violations proving fault: O.C.G.A. Title 40
Statute of Limitations: O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 – generally 2 years from the accident, with special tolling rules for minors (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90)
Maternal injuries – ER and OB bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care.
Fetal or infant injuries – Medical treatment for injuries related to the crash, including long-term care needs if the baby is born prematurely or with complications.
Georgia law may allow wrongful death claims for the loss of an unborn child, depending on gestational age and specific facts. These are among the most sensitive cases we handle at Kevin Patrick Law.
Strong documentation is the backbone of a successful claim. At Kevin Patrick Law, we often help clients collect:
Medical records: ER reports, OB follow-ups, fetal monitoring strips, ultrasounds, labs.
Symptom diaries: Pain, contractions, headaches, or reduced fetal movement.
Crash evidence: Police report, photos, dashcam footage, witness statements.
Employment records: Missed work and any pregnancy-related job accommodations.
Insurance correspondence: Communications with auto, health, and disability carriers.
Liability coverage – Pays your damages up to the at-fault driver’s limits.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) – Helps with immediate bills regardless of fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Critical if the at-fault driver has little or no coverage.
Health insurance – Still primary for most medical treatment, but may seek reimbursement from any settlement.
Always err on the side of caution—get checked even if symptoms are mild or absent.
Follow all OB instructions and keep every appointment.
Document seat belt position in the crash if possible.
Avoid recorded statements to insurance until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
If Rh-negative, confirm RhoGAM administration is in your records.
Pregnancy-related crash cases require both medical insight and legal skill. We coordinate with maternal-fetal medicine specialists, calculate the true lifetime costs of neonatal and maternal care, and fight for full accountability under Georgia law.
When you trust Kevin Patrick Law:
You work with a Georgia trial lawyer experienced in complex injury claims.
We build a case that covers both immediate and long-term needs.
You get compassionate guidance during a deeply personal and stressful time.
Bottom line: If you or someone you love is pregnant and injured in a Georgia car accident, your first step is urgent medical care. Your second should be calling a law firm that understands both the legal and medical sides of these cases.
📞 Call Kevin Patrick Law at (404) 566-5880 or visit www.patricktriallaw.com for a free, confidential consultation.
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