What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident While Pregnant?

The average settlement for a car accident while pregnant is $445,566 with the typical settlement (median payout) is $100,000. Factors that strongly influence settlement amounts include severity of injuries, associated pregnancy-related risks, and any birth complications resulting from the accident.

Settlements for pregnant plaintiffs tend to be higher than settlements for non-pregnant individuals due to increased medical monitoring, emotional distress, and potential harm to the unborn child.

• Median settlement: $100,000 – The median settlement represents the middle value or central point in a data set. This is generally more representative of the typical or most common value in statistical studies because it is not suspectable to skewing like average settlement calculations.
• Average settlement: $445,566 – The average settlement amount is the sum of all settlement values for individuals who were pregnant and injured as a result of a car accident, which is then divided by the total number of settlement in the dataset.
• Lowest settlement: $24,614 – An individual was involved in an accident on an interstate in Alabama when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle, causing a collision with a third vehicle. The plaintiff, who was pregnant at the time, claimed that the drivers of the other vehicles were not paying attention and were following too closely. The plaintiff sustained severe and permanent injuries, including head, back, and neck injuries, and was placed on a high-risk pregnancy protocol due to the severity of the injuries. This resulted in complications during pregnancy, including a threatened miscarriage and significant health risks to the unborn child, who ultimately was stillborn. The individual subsequently settled claims related to the pregnancy complications.
• Highest settlement: $3,850,000 – An individual was driving a passenger car on a road in King County, Washington, accompanied by a pregnant individual and a minor. A dump truck towing a flatbed trailer, which was loaded with heavy equipment, lost control as the equipment shifted on the trailer. The equipment overturned and fell into the oncoming lane, leading to a head-on collision with the car. The pregnant individual and the unborn child suffered fatal injuries in the collision. The driver of the car sustained multiple severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, fractures to the spine, legs, arms, and ribs, and a liver laceration. The minor passenger sustained fractures to both legs, a spinal fracture, and a forehead laceration. The collision was attributed to the improper securing of the equipment on the trailer. Legal action was taken against multiple parties involved in the transport of the equipment, alleging negligence and improper hiring practices. Insurance companies initially contested liability and coverage limits, leading to legal disputes over the amount of insurance coverage available. Ultimately, the parties reached a $3.85 million settlement, with the proceeds divided equally between the injured driver and the estate of the deceased and the minor.

Note: Settlement data is based on a statistically low sample size of 22 cases recorded by Thomson Reuters between 2019 and 2024 due to the rarity of circumstances surrounding the case and the case being recorded/publicly available. Furthermore, this data is intended to be purely informational, and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed settlement amount for individuals who have suffered injuries in a car accident while pregnant. Settlement amounts can vary based on many factors, and payouts are likely to vary based on many case factors.

Pregnant Plaintiff Settlement Examples

• $26K settlement: An individual who was pregnant at the time was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Following the accident, the individual experienced preterm labor and required multiple visits to a medical center. The child was born prematurely and was immediately transported to another medical facility for neonatal care. Subsequently, a claim was filed against an insurance company seeking uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits.
• $75K settlement: A child was born prematurely at 31 weeks and required five weeks of treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit following an accident in which a rental vehicle, in which the child’s pregnant mother was a passenger, collided with a tractor-trailer at an intersection. The accident resulted in emotional distress, physical pain, suffering, and mental anguish for the minor. It was alleged that the driver of the rental vehicle was negligent, including driving under the influence, failing to yield the right-of-way when making a left turn, and failing to maintain a proper lookout. The defendant denied liability and disputed that any injuries sustained by the minor were due to their actions.
• $100K settlement: An individual was driving on an interstate when their vehicle became the middle car in a three-vehicle chain-reaction rear-end accident caused by another driver. The individual, who was pregnant at the time, sustained injuries to the back and neck, shoulders, and hip, along with headaches and anxiety.
• $125K settlement: An individual, who was eight months pregnant, was involved in an accident when their vehicle was struck from the rear by another vehicle while traveling on an interstate. The settlement involved payments from both a third-party insurance policy and an uninsured/underinsured motorist settlement. The primary injury claim stemmed from significant emotional distress and anxiety surrounding the child’s birth.
• $150K settlement: An individual was driving in Montana when a tire suddenly appeared in the path of their vehicle. While slowing down to avoid a collision with the tire, the individual’s vehicle was struck from the rear by another vehicle. The individual sustained neck and back injuries, including strains and whiplash, and experienced severe emotional distress due to concerns for their unborn child, as they were pregnant at the time of the accident. The other party admitted liability but disputed the severity of the injuries. Medical expenses resulting from the accident exceeded $15,000.
• $350K settlement: An individual, who was pregnant at the time, was involved in an automobile accident with another vehicle. The individual claimed that the accident resulted in the death of the unborn child due to injuries sustained in the collision. A wrongful death claim was brought by the parents, and the parties reached a settlement agreement.

Factors That Affect Settlement Value For Pregnant Plaintiffs

Several variables can affect the settlement amount for individuals who have been injured in a car accident while pregnant. These factors are often considered in both negotiations and court cases when determining the value of a settlement. Here are some key settlement variables:

1. Severity of Injuries: The extent of physical injuries sustained by the pregnant individual, such as spinal injuries, fractures, or other serious conditions, significantly impacts the settlement amount. More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements.

2. Pregnancy Complications: If the accident leads to complications in the pregnancy, such as preterm labor, miscarriage, or other high-risk pregnancy conditions, the settlement amount is likely to increase. The potential impact on both the mother and the unborn child is a critical consideration.

3. Fetal Injuries: Any injuries sustained by the fetus, including those leading to birth defects, long-term health issues, or stillbirth, can dramatically affect the settlement. The nature and severity of fetal injuries are heavily weighted in determining the settlement value.

4. Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment for both the pregnant individual and the unborn child, including hospital stays, surgeries, prenatal care, and any required long-term care, will directly influence the

Maximize Your Settlement After An Auto Accident

It’s important to understand that each injury claim is unique, and the amount you may receive from a car accident settlement that results in pregnancy-related injuries can vary based on many factors. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Getting started with your claim is easy. Just request a free case evaluation online, and a legal team in our network will reach out to you regarding your case. Our network of attorneys includes a team of over 250+ legal professionals throughout the United States with over $1 billion recovered for clients, including those who have suffered additional pregnancy risks and birth-related injuries as a result of an auto accident.

⚖️ All of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or costs — you only pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if a pregnant woman gets in a car accident?

A minor, low-impact auto accident is generally unlikely to cause a miscarriage, additional pregnancy risks, or harm to the fetus during pregnancy. However, more serious or high-impact collisions may result in serious injuries and higher settlements as a result.

Is there a settlement for a miscarriage after a car accident?

There is not standardized or guaranteed settlement amount for a car accident that results in a miscarriage. However, pregnant mothers who have suffered a miscarriage as a result of a car accident may be entitle to substantial compensation depending on the circumstances and facts of the case.

What to do if you’re pregnant on accident?

Call your primary care doctor or obstetrician/gynecologist to make an appointment. It’s important to see your doctor to determine if any pregnancy-related risks or injuries may have occurred as a result of the accident.