a pregnant woman sits in the back of an uber

Uber accident leading to miscarriage

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

In the fleeting moments that follow a car accident, the immediate concerns are often physical injuries and the immediate aftermath. Yet, for some, the consequences extend far beyond the visible, touching the very fabric of future hopes and dreams. Among the most heart-wrenching of these outcomes is experiencing a miscarriage as a result of a car accident. It’s a profound loss that leaves would-be parents navigating a sea of grief, compounded by the complexities of legal and medical battles that often ensue.

At J&Y Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA, we understand the unique and sensitive nature of these cases. With a compassionate approach grounded in years of expertise, we’ve dedicated ourselves to standing by families during what can be one of the most challenging times of their lives. Our commitment is not only to secure the compensation our clients rightfully deserve for their medical bills and the profound impact on their quality of life but also to offer a source of support and understanding throughout the legal process.

This blog post aims to provide insight and guidance for those who have endured such a devastating loss. It is our hope that by sharing information on the legal avenues available and stories of resilience and recovery, we can offer a measure of comfort and a path forward. As a trusted personal injury firm in California, the J&Y Law Firm is here to protect and champion the rights of victims, ensuring that your voice is heard and that justice is pursued with the utmost respect and sensitivity for your situation.

The loss of a pregnancy through miscarriage is an emotionally shattering event. When such a loss is the result of another’s negligence, the pain can feel even more overwhelming, adding layers of injustice to the grief. If you’ve suffered a miscarriage due to a car accident or a slip and fall incident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you might be wondering about your legal options for addressing this profound loss.

Understanding California’s Stance

In the state of California, the law does not permit the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of an unborn fetus. However, the bereaved mother may pursue a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress. This type of claim focuses on the emotional and psychological suffering the mother endures due to the loss of her pregnancy. It seeks to establish that the miscarriage would likely not have occurred but for the accident.

The essence of such claims revolves around the emotional turmoil suffered by the mother as a direct result of losing her unborn child. The challenge lies in demonstrating the linkage between the accident and the miscarriage, emphasizing the significant emotional distress that ensues.

Facing the “Causation Challenge”

The path to linking a miscarriage to an accident is fraught with challenges, particularly when facing skeptical insurance companies. These entities may scrutinize various factors, including the timing of the miscarriage post-accident, the mother’s age, previous miscarriages, the stage of pregnancy, and even personal life choices, to dispute the claim.

Anticipate that insurers might question:

  • The pregnancy’s gestational age, suggesting early-stage miscarriages could occur independently of an accident.
  • The accident’s severity, arguing a minor incident is unlikely to cause a miscarriage.
  • Personal circumstances or medical history that they believe could have influenced the pregnancy’s outcome.

Securing a medical expert who can attest to the miscarriage’s causation by the accident is crucial. This involves proving that the accident significantly increased the likelihood of a miscarriage and that, had the accident not occurred, the baby might have been born healthy.

Given the complexities of such cases, partnering with a lawyer who possesses a deep understanding of miscarriage-related legal proceedings is vital. An experienced attorney can navigate the intricate legal landscape, connect with medical professionals able to provide pivotal causation testimony, and champion your right to compensation for your emotional distress.

This journey requires sensitive, knowledgeable legal guidance to not only address the immediate legal challenges but also to honor the profound loss suffered. If you find yourself facing this painful situation, know that there are legal avenues available to seek redress and a measure of solace in the wake of such a tragic loss.

Infant dies following emergency C-section after crash involving stolen car kills pregnant mother

A hit-and-run collision in San Jose involving a stolen car killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child on Tuesday night, police said. 

A hit-and-run collision in San Jose involving a stolen car killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child on Tuesday night, police said. 

Doctors tried to save the baby with an emergency C section, but the child perished soon after the delivery, according to officials.

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner confirmed the child’s death late Wednesday. They also identified the woman killed as April Marie Zoglauer, 21. Family and friends said she was eight-months pregnant. Police said officers responded to the collision at around 8:42 p.m. 

The pregnant woman was driving a 2008 black Nissan sedan. She was headed eastbound on Blossom Hill Road when she collided with a 2013 white Hyundai sedan, traveling southbound on Winefield Boulevard. Immediately after the crash, two men who occupied the Hyundai fled the scene on foot, according to San Jose Police Department. 

Investigators said the Hyundai was an unreported-stolen vehicle. The woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. She was later pronounced dead. There was no word on the whereabouts of the two men who were in the allegedly stolen vehicle. 

KTVU has learned the victim was a preschool teacher, known to students and their families as Ms. April. Family, friends and former students brought flowers, candles, and balloons to the scene of the crash during a vigil on Wednesday. Photos provided by a friend showed a recent birthday celebration at the school where she taught. 

“We are devastated to hear about yet another fatal collision in the City of San José, especially one that leaves a newborn child without their mother. Our team at California Walks is tirelessly working to support communities across the state in advocating for safe streets for all road users whether they be pedestrians, cyclists, transit users or drivers.”

A man at the gas station was solemn when he heard about the tragedy. “I don’t know if they would have stopped, if it would have made a difference for that lady or not, but I’m mean that is extremely sad news,” said Anthony Cha. The baby was reported to have internal bleeding.  

Neighbors said speed was likely a factor in the deadly collision as cars constantly race through the area. “People passing me on the roads doing 50 and I’m in a 40 zone doing 42 and they’re just flying on down the road,” said Pat Chapman. “I just feel really sorry for the family that that happened to them. That’s just not a good thing.”

A cash reward is available from the Silicon Valley Crime stoppers Program for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest. Police said this marks the city’s 42nd fatal collision and the 43rd traffic death of 2023. (source)

The J&Y Legal Team

Call A California Personal Injury Attorney Now

Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident that leads to a miscarriage is an unimaginably difficult journey, filled with emotional pain and complex legal challenges. As we’ve explored in this blog, understanding your rights and the legal pathways available is crucial in such heartrending circumstances. It’s about seeking justice, closure, and the support needed to heal and move forward.

At J&Y Law Firm, our hearts go out to those who have endured such profound losses. Our dedicated team, armed with compassion and expertise, is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of those impacted by such devastating events. We understand the delicate nature of these cases and the importance of having a supportive, knowledgeable legal team by your side.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Uber accident, leading to a miscarriage or any other serious injury, please remember that you are not alone. J&Y Law Firm stands ready to assist, guide, and support you through the legal process to ensure that justice is served and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (323) 202-2305. Let us help you take the first step towards healing and recovery by securing the justice and support you need in these challenging times.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.