Every adult woman knows that menstrual cycles can be unpredictable. While many women have a relatively “regular” monthly cycle, menstruation can get delayed by many factors, including stress, hormones, and birth control. Car accidents can also affect your period.
If you have been in a car accident and have not gotten your period since, this is normal. You shouldn’t necessarily worry. Depending on other symptoms and how long it’s been, you may want to see a doctor. However, in most cases, your menstrual cycle will return to normal over time.
Signs Your Car Accident Affected Your Period
If your period is more than two weeks late, it could be due to other factors, such as pregnancy. However, if you have no reason to suspect you are pregnant and you were recently in an accident, the accident is likely at fault. Women who have been in a car accident may experience:
- A period that is “late” by an entire month or more.
- A period that suddenly stops if you were already menstruating when the accident happens.
- If you’re aware of your ovulation, you may notice a delay before the next ovulation, or you may notice you ovulate more than once before your next period.
How Does a Car Accident Affect My Period?
There are three main ways a car accident can affect your period. On their own, any of these factors can affect your menstrual cycle. They include:
- Stress
- Physical Trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
An accident often causes two or more of them at once. In many ways, by refusing to menstruate, your body is putting your health first—allowing you to focus on healing or de-stressing first, before the next cycle of menstruation and fertility begins.
Is My Missed Period a Sign of Anything More Serious?
It’s rare, but missing a period can be a sign of something more serious. You should treat it as serious under these circumstances:
- If you have a seat belt bruise around your waist or abdomen
- If you have abdominal pain or stomach problems
- If your stomach or abdomen have swollen up or become hard
- If you are having trouble urinating, blood in your urine, or other bladder related problems
- If you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea
These can all be signs of more serious issues such as internal bleeding or damage to an internal organ. Additionally, you may want to consult your physician or OB/GYN if you go more than 90 days without your period returning or if you are trying to become pregnant.
What Should I Do If My Car Accident Affected My Period?
If you suspect that your car accident has caused you menstrual issues, you can file a claim to recover financial compensation for:
- Medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages while recovering
You can file a claim for virtually any damages you sustained due to your car accident. Don’t wait until the last minute to file a claim. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-1-6 states that if another party failed to provide a duty of care, you can sue them for a settlement that covers your damages.
The best thing to do is gather up all your medical records, police records, and finish any medical treatment you have. Then, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a case.
Is There a Statute of Limitations to File a Claim?
You only have two years to file a claim under the statute of limitations in Georgia. Two years can pass by very fast if you choose to procrastinate on filing your claim. Even though rushing to file a claim without preparation isn’t wise, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a head start.
You Do Not Have to Face Your Injury Alone
Roughly 4.4 million car accident victims face stress and uncertainty each year. Women can face an added layer of difficulty, especially when you’re left wondering why you haven’t gotten your period. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputable car accident attorney in your area to help you understand your legal options and what you can do to win a settlement for your injuries.
