Fetal Death Caused by Car Accidents in Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking forward to the birth of a newborn is an exciting time for expectant parents, but it can also be worrisome. The mother or the baby could be injured in an accident at any time, and car accidents are especially hazardous for pregnant women. The force involved in a car accident can cause severe injuries to both the mother and her unborn child.

When another person or business’s negligence causes the car accident that results in the fetus’ injury or death, the surviving family members have a right to bring a lawsuit. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our lawyers have successfully represented clients who have lost loved ones due to car accidents. While nothing can bring back your beloved child, you can hold those responsible accountable for your child’s death and recover compensation for your pain and suffering.

The Charlotte area car accident lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, is able to represent families throughout North Carolina who have lost a loved one in a car accident. Our legal team has successfully handled many vehicle accident cases in the Charlotte-area. Drunk or negligent drivers are responsible for many car accidents. Other car accidents involve seat belt injuries, faulty airbags, or other malfunctioning auto parts.

Our trial-ready personal injury lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with auto insurance companies. We understand all of the ways auto insurance companies take advantage of injured parties with legitimate claims. We advocate strongly for our clients so they can obtain the financial compensation they deserve, whether through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit.

Car accidents are always dangerous, but they are particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses. Car accidents can cause a wide variety of dangerous conditions for pregnant women, such as placental abruption, uterine laceration or rupture, and direct fetal injury. It is difficult to know how many miscarriages are caused by car accidents, especially because miscarriage happens in 10% to 20% of pregnancies in the first trimester. Nonetheless, researchers have estimated that between 1,500 and 5,000 fetal miscarriages happen every year in the United States due to automotive collisions.

Any direct trauma to a pregnant woman's body will increase the risk of miscarriage. The sudden impact in a car accident can cause the airbags to deploy forcefully into a pregnant woman's abdomen. The deployment of airbags can cause the death or injury of the mother as well as her fetus. In other cases, objects inside the car puncture the mother’s abdomen, leading to serious injury or death.

Even when a fetus survives the car accident, he or she is at risk of other complications such as premature birth, low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome. The more prematurely the fetus is born, the greater the risk of serious developmental diagnosis, including cerebral palsy.

Some people assume that minor car accidents, such as fender benders, cannot cause miscarriages or other types of fatal injuries. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even minor car accidents can lead to fetal trauma. Any jolt to the mother can cause her to become pressed against her seat belt, resulting in fetal distress.

Even when the mother receives emergency treatment and is taken quickly to a hospital, it can be too late for the fetus to survive. In other cases, the fetus experiences a lack of oxygen to the brain that can result in long-term developmental problems.

Many fatal car accidents involve injuries caused by crushing. The upper body and thorax are particularly at risk of crushing injuries when a car rolls or flips. In severe accidents, passengers and drivers are at risk of suffering fractured ribs, internal organ damage, lung damage, brain hemorrhaging, and crushing injuries. Severe car accidents cause a substantial amount of force to be placed on the victim. This level of force can result in ruptured internal organs, including the heart and spleen. Pregnant women are uniquely at risk because any pressure placed on their abdomens can cause trauma to unborn fetuses.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, speaking to a personal injury lawyer can be helpful. It is important to know your legal options and whether you are entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation by calling 855.370.2828.