Can a Car Accident Cause a Miscarriage?

Car accidents are among the leading causes of trauma in the United States. When a pregnant woman is involved in a collision, the consequences can be devastating—not only to her health but also to the health and survival of her unborn child. One of the most tragic outcomes of a car crash during pregnancy is a miscarriage.

But can a car accident really cause a miscarriage? The unfortunate answer is yes. In fact, even seemingly minor crashes can lead to serious complications, including pregnancy loss. In this blog, we’ll explore how car accidents can cause miscarriages, what symptoms to watch for, how liability may be established, and what legal rights may be available to families dealing with such a loss.

The Link Between Car Accidents and Pregnancy Trauma

Miscarriage—defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation—can be caused by many factors, including trauma. Blunt abdominal trauma from a car accident is one of the most common traumatic causes of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of injury-related maternal death in the United States and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, placental abruption, and fetal death.

Even low-speed collisions can pose risks. A pregnant woman’s body changes significantly during pregnancy, and the uterus becomes more vulnerable as it expands. This is especially true in the second and third trimesters, when the uterus is larger and less protected by the pelvis.

Statistics on Car Accidents During Pregnancy

• An estimated 92,500 pregnant women are involved in a motor vehicle crash each year in the U.S.
• According to a report published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Pregnant drivers involved in crashes are more than two times as likely to experience adverse fetal outcomes than passengers.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that trauma is responsible for 1 in 12 fetal deaths in the U.S., with the majority due to motor vehicle accidents.
• A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (2008) found that placental abruption, a serious condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall, occurs in about 1.5% of minor crashes but up to 5% of major crashes involving pregnant women.

These statistics highlight just how real and prevalent the risk of miscarriage after a car accident is. The physical forces involved in a car crash—such as rapid deceleration, airbag deployment, and seat belt pressure—can cause injuries to both the mother and the fetus.

How a Car Accident Can Lead to a Miscarriage

There are several ways that a car accident can directly or indirectly cause a miscarriage:

1. Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is one of the most common pregnancy complications resulting from trauma. It occurs when the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterus before delivery. This condition cuts off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients and can lead to fetal death.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns that placental abruption is a leading cause of fetal loss following trauma. Even a minor impact can cause micro-tears or detachment, particularly if the trauma is directed at the abdomen.

2. Uterine Rupture

While less common, especially in women without prior cesarean deliveries, uterine rupture can occur during a serious car accident. This is a life-threatening condition for both the mother and the baby and almost always leads to fetal death.

3. Maternal Shock or Internal Bleeding

Car crashes can lead to significant maternal blood loss or hypovolemic shock, especially in cases involving fractures, internal injuries, or lacerations. If the mother’s blood pressure drops significantly, it can compromise blood flow to the fetus, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

4. Direct Fetal Injury

In high-impact crashes, the fetus may suffer direct trauma. Though the uterus and amniotic fluid offer some protection, they cannot always absorb the force of a major collision. This is more likely later in pregnancy when the baby is larger and less cushioned by fluid.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy Complications After a Car Accident

Pregnant women involved in a car accident—regardless of how minor it seems—should always seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms that could indicate a problem include:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Decreased fetal movement (if in the second or third trimester)
• Contractions or uterine tightening
• Dizziness or fainting
• Leakage of fluid from the vagina (which could indicate ruptured membranes)

Prompt medical evaluation, including ultrasound and fetal monitoring, is critical for detecting and managing complications early.

Legal Rights and Liability in Pregnancy-Related Car Accident Injuries

If a negligent driver causes a crash that leads to a miscarriage or pregnancy complication, the mother may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Illinois.

1. Compensation for Pregnancy-Related Damages

The expectant mother may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (including emergency care, hospitalization, and follow-up)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost income or future earning capacity
• Loss of pregnancy or unborn child (in some cases)

2. Wrongful Death of a Fetus in Illinois

Illinois law does allow certain claims for the wrongful death of a fetus. Under 740 ILCS 180/1 of the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, courts have permitted claims for fetal death if the fetus was viable (able to survive outside the womb) and died due to negligence or wrongful acts.

While the law in Illinois does not always allow a wrongful death claim for a miscarriage before viability, compensation for emotional trauma and other damages may still be available through a personal injury claim.

3. Negligence and Causation

To succeed in a claim, the mother must show that the other party was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving) and that their actions caused the accident and resulting miscarriage. Medical documentation is critical in proving that the accident directly led to the pregnancy loss.

Seat Belt Safety During Pregnancy

Some women worry that seat belts might harm the baby during a crash. However, not wearing a seat belt greatly increases the risk of both maternal and fetal injury.

According to the CDC, proper seat belt use reduces the risk of injury or death by 50%. Pregnant women should wear the lap belt below the belly, snug across the hips and pelvic bone, and the shoulder belt should go between the breasts and to the side of the belly.

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2008) found that up to 370 fetal deaths could be prevented each year in the U.S. if all pregnant women involved in car crashes used seat belts properly.

What to Do If You’re Pregnant and Involved in a Car Accident

If you are pregnant and involved in any kind of car crash—whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian—take the following steps:

1. Call 911 immediately and report the accident.
2. Get checked by medical professionals, even if you feel fine.
3. Document all medical visits and treatments, including ultrasounds, fetal monitoring, and diagnoses.
4. Notify your OB-GYN and follow up with any recommended testing or care.
5. Avoid making statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
6. Speak with an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer to understand your rights.

Why Legal Support Matters After Pregnancy-Related Trauma

Losing a pregnancy after a car accident is a deeply traumatic event. No amount of money can replace the loss, but pursuing compensation can help a mother and her family recover financially, emotionally, and physically.

A skilled Illinois personal injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Work with medical experts to link the miscarriage to the accident
• Help file insurance claims or lawsuits within the applicable statute of limitations
• Fight for full compensation for both physical and emotional losses

Real Case Result Where a Rear-End Collision Resulted in Pregnancy Loss

In one of our firm’s recent cases, a devastating rear-end collision in DuPage County tragically resulted in the loss of an unborn child. Our client, a pregnant woman, sustained serious injuries in the crash. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, she suffered a placental injury that led to the miscarriage of her baby.

Our Naperville car accident attorneys worked diligently to establish the link between the accident and the pregnancy loss. We utilized comprehensive medical records and expert testimony to clearly demonstrate that the force of the impact caused trauma to the uterus and placenta, ultimately resulting in the fetal demise.

We were able to secure a policy-limit settlement on behalf of our client. The compensation addressed not only her medical expenses and psychological trauma but also provided for future recovery care. Importantly, damages were also awarded in recognition of the profound loss of the unborn child.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Pregnancy Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

While not every crash leads to such a tragedy, the risk is significant enough to warrant serious concern, especially for women in the later stages of pregnancy. Even a minor fender-bender can result in complications like placental abruption or preterm labor.

If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage or other pregnancy complication due to a car accident in Illinois, our top-rated Illinois personal injury firm is here to help. We understand the emotional and legal complexities of these cases and will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation.