What to Do If Involved in a Car Accident While Pregnant
Being involved in a car accident is a terrifying experience, but it can be even worse if you’re pregnant. Even a minor fender bender can put your baby at risk.
Do not make a mistake and assume if you’re in a car accident and pregnant that you don’t need to seek medical treatment. If you are injured, pursuing a claim can be complicated.
Consider meeting with an experienced Florida car accident attorney who can explain what to expect and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why a Car Accident During Pregnancy Is Serious
The potential blunt force of the impact and jolting motions can cause complications in your pregnancy. There is also the emotional stress that goes along with a car accident when pregnant.
That added stress could also put your baby’s health at risk, which is why it’s imperative to try to stay calm.
Many women don’t wear their seat belts correctly in an accident, which can increase the risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a helpful infographic that shows you the right and wrong ways to wear a seat belt.
You should not wear your lap belt over the top of your belly. It should be secured below your stomach, fitting snugly across your hips and pelvic bone.
Your fetus can suffer damage even in situations where there is no physical contact. For example, a sudden stop creates a jarring motion that could result in fetal injuries, such a concussion.
What to Do If You’re Pregnant and in a Car Accident
Even if you don’t believe you’re injured, it’s imperative to see a doctor. There could be internal injuries that you can’t see or necessarily feel. Potential symptoms to watch for include:
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding;
- Increased vaginal discharge or leaking fluids;
- Pain in your abdomen;
- Fever or chills;
- Severe and constant headaches;
- Dizziness or fainting;
- Increased vomiting that isn’t attributed to morning sickness;
- Changes to your baby’s movements, both strength and frequency; and
- Painful or urgent need to urinate.
You should call the police after a car accident during your pregnancy. Let the police know that you are pregnant and were just involved in an accident. If there is something seriously wrong, you will have emergency responders who are equipped to handle these situations.
Statistics on Pregnancy and Car Accidents
Driving while pregnant carries a unique set of risks. Researchers in Canada determined that there is a 42% increased risk to a pregnant woman in a car accident starting with the second trimester.
According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, 170,000 auto accidents in the United States each year involve pregnant women.
If you’re in a 16-miles-per-hour frontal crash at 28 weeks, they estimate the risk of fetal injuries is 26% for drivers wearing their seat belt and 70% for drivers who are not. On average, 2.9% of pregnant women report suffering injuries in a car accident.
Safe Ride 4 Kids compiled data from multiple studies and estimates there are anywhere from 300 to 5,000 fetal deaths from car accidents every year.
Risks to a Baby If You’re in a Car Accident When Pregnant
If you’re in a car accident and pregnant, there are numerous risks to your baby. Possible complications include:
- Hemorrhaging,
- Internal bleeding,
- Pre-term labor,
- Miscarriage,
- Uterine rupture,
- Coup and contrecoup injuries, and
- Birth defects.
Your womb creates crucial protection for your baby. However, it can’t prevent all injuries. One of the biggest risks of a car accident is a placental abruption.
This condition occurs when the placenta separates from your uterus. It deprives your baby of necessary nutrients, which could lead to problems with growth development.
How We Will Help with Your Case
Hiring a Florida car accident lawyer if you suffered injuries in a car accident when pregnant is imperative. You deserve someone on your side who can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
You should be monitoring your stress levels, not arguing with an insurance adjuster over the value of your claim.
When you retain Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we will be there for you every step of the way. Our primary goal is to help you get the compensation you deserve from the responsible party in a car accident.
If someone else’s negligence resulted in harm to your unborn baby, let us help you hold them accountable.
We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather all relevant evidence, and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company. If necessary, we will also retain industry experts who can testify about liability or your injuries.
We have over 30 years of experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. To learn more about how we can help, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to schedule an initial consultation.
Get Your Car Accident Questions Answered
Pursuing a claim if you’re pregnant and in a car accident can be challenging. Understandably, prospective clients have a lot of questions about how the claims process works.
What Types of Compensation Are Available If You’re Pregnant and in a Car Accident?
The compensation you could receive for your claim will depend on your damages. You could receive reimbursement for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, property damages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Retain an Attorney?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you won’t pay an hourly billing rate or any fees or costs up front.
Should I Hire an Attorney Right After the Accident?
Hiring an attorney immediately following the accident is the best course of action. The sooner you retain an attorney, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability against the other party.