Injured in a Truck Accident While Pregnant? Here’s What to Do Next

Being in a truck accident while pregnant is a terrifying and traumatic experience. The sheer size and force of commercial trucks can result in devastating consequences—not only for the mother but also for the unborn child. Whether you are in your first trimester or nearing delivery, the physical and emotional aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming.

In this post, we’ll walk you through why truck accidents are especially dangerous during pregnancy, what to do immediately after a crash, how liability is determined, and how a truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and secure fair compensation.

Why Truck Accidents Are Especially Dangerous for Pregnant Women

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with a passenger vehicle, the impact can be catastrophic—especially for someone who is expecting.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes major changes that can make you more vulnerable in a collision. Even a low-speed accident can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and baby.

Medical Risks After a Truck Accident While Pregnant

Some of the most common—and serious—pregnancy-related injuries from truck crashes include:

• Placental abruption: One of the most serious risks. The placenta detaches from the uterus, potentially cutting off oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This can result in miscarriage, premature birth, or severe complications.
• Uterine rupture: High-impact crashes can cause the uterus to tear, which is life-threatening for both mother and child.
• Direct fetal trauma: The baby can suffer injuries from the force of the crash, even if the mother has only minor external injuries.
• Amniotic fluid loss or leakage: Can lead to preterm labor or fetal distress.
• Preterm labor or miscarriage: Stress, physical trauma, and placental damage can trigger labor far before the due date.

In addition to physical trauma, the emotional and psychological toll of such an accident can be immense, with anxiety about your baby’s health, depression, or post-traumatic stress affecting your well-being long after the crash.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident While Pregnant

Your actions following the accident can make a major difference in your health, your baby’s safety, and the strength of your legal claim.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Call 911 and ask for emergency medical assistance. Make sure the responders know you are pregnant. Go to the ER, even if you feel fine—placental abruption and internal bleeding can occur without obvious symptoms. Demand a full prenatal evaluation, including fetal heart monitoring and ultrasound.

If you are in your second or third trimester, you may be placed under observation to check for contractions or signs of fetal distress.

2. Report the Accident

File a police report on the scene. This documentation will be crucial in proving fault and preserving the facts of the incident. Be honest and thorough when describing what happened, but avoid speculating about injuries or fault.

3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

If you’re physically able or have someone with you:

• Take photos of all vehicles involved, the road, and visible injuries
• Get the name, license number, and insurance info of the truck driver
• Collect witness contact information
• Record notes about what happened, including time, weather, and road conditions

4. Notify Your OB/GYN

Your doctor will likely want to see you for follow-up testing. Keep all appointments and request detailed records—these will become essential evidence if complications arise.

5. Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims involve complex liability and often aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies. An experienced truck accident attorney will help you navigate this process, handle insurers, and fight for fair compensation.

Understanding Liability in a Truck Accident While Pregnant

Determining who is at fault in a truck crash is not always straightforward. In many cases, multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver – for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours-of-service rules
• The trucking company – for negligent hiring, training, or failure to inspect and maintain vehicles
• Parts manufacturers – if mechanical failure caused or worsened the crash
• Cargo loaders – if poorly secured or overloaded cargo led to instability

Pregnancy adds another layer to these claims, requiring your legal team to account for fetal injuries, long-term care, and emotional damages.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Truck Accident During Pregnancy

After such a traumatic event, you may be eligible for a wide range of damages. These include:

Economic Damages

• Emergency medical care
• Prenatal care and follow-up OB/GYN visits
• Specialist visits or fetal surgery
• Hospitalization for high-risk pregnancy
• Costs related to premature birth or NICU stays
• Lost wages and future earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Anxiety and depression related to pregnancy complications

Wrongful Death or Infant Injury

In heartbreaking cases where a baby does not survive the crash or is born with severe injuries, parents may also be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future care costs.

The Emotional Impact of a Truck Crash During Pregnancy

While legal and medical aspects are critical, it’s also important to recognize the emotional trauma that comes with this kind of accident.

Expecting mothers often experience:

• Heightened fear and anxiety about the baby’s health
• Guilt, anger, or grief if complications occur
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms, especially if the crash was violent or the pregnancy was threatened

These emotional experiences are valid and compensable as part of your injury claim. Be sure to document any mental health counseling, therapy, or medication you receive.

Why You Shouldn’t Settle Without a Lawyer

Trucking companies and insurance adjusters may offer lowball settlements to victims who may not understand the full value of their claim—especially when pregnancy is involved.

You may be entitled to more than just your ER visit. Your claim could include:

• Future pregnancy-related care
• Long-term emotional trauma
• Neonatal care or therapy for your child
• Lost opportunities due to a high-risk pregnancy

Get help from a qualified team who will calculate every aspect of your damages. Begin your free case evaluation with Zinda Law Group today.

Additional Resources

You may find helpful medical guidance and support from the March of Dimes, a national nonprofit that offers information on maternal health, premature birth, and pregnancy complications due to trauma.

Call Zinda Law Group If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident While Pregnant

At Zinda Law Group, we understand how frightening and confusing life can feel after a truck accident during pregnancy. You shouldn’t have to choose between protecting your baby’s health and seeking justice.

We’ll handle your case with the care, compassion, and strength it deserves—and you don’t pay anything unless we win.

Call us now at 800-863-5312 or request a 100% free case evaluation to discuss your legal options with a compassionate truck accident attorney.