What To Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident While Pregnant
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be especially frightening for expectant mothers. These accidents can cause serious harm to both the mother and unborn baby. Even minor accidents can result in complications.
If you’re a pregnant mother and have been injured in a car accident, there are a few steps you want to take to protect your and your unborn baby’s health, along with protecting your legal rights.
First Step: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
In over 80% of fetus deaths, major trauma was the factor. Car accidents account for 20% of those cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.
When you are injured in an accident, you always want to seek medical attention right away.
Pregnant women should never take any chances, even if the incident was a minor fender bender. In many cases, the injuries may not be apparent but could develop into serious issues down the road.
While the emergency responders are on the scene, make sure to get checked out by them.
Even if you are cleared, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) as soon as possible. With that, you can make sure that you and your baby’s injuries are properly treated. Additionally, it can create a record of your injuries and treatment, which can help if you want to pursue a legal claim
After a medical check, you still want to be aware of certain symptoms that can indicate a problem. These can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Urinary problems
- Swelling
- Neck and back pain
- Changes in the baby’s movement
- Bruising in the stomach or chest area
A medical professional should immediately address these problems.
Pregnancy Complications from a Car Accident
These accidents can lead to several complications during pregnancy, such as:
- Preterm labor
- Internal bleeding
- Placental abruption
- Fetal skull injury
- Loss of amniotic fluid
- Miscarriage
Once again, you will want to seek immediate medical attention if you’re involved in a car accident while pregnant, even if it’s a minor one.
Costs of an Accident
When anyone is involved in an accident, there can be substantial medical costs and damages. However, when it comes to pregnant drivers, those expenses can rise significantly.
First, since there is another accident victim (the unborn child), there is a need for additional medical treatment. That can include emergency care, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments. Plus, there will be more medical exams and tests to ensure the health of the unborn baby.
Sometimes, the mother may be required to stay overnight in a hospital as a precaution to monitor the fetus.
If the accident is serious, it could lead to complications, even premature delivery. Don’t forget about additional medical appointments to address any other issues stemming from the incident.
Some mothers may have to take time off from work, which can lead to lost income. A doctor may order bed rest or limitations to physical activity to make sure the unborn baby’s health has not been compromised.
The pregnant mother could face emotional distress from the accident, as well. As a result, she may have to seek therapy or counseling to treat these issues.
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident
If you’re pregnant and you find yourself in a car accident, it can be a terrifying and stressful experience. The safety of both you and your baby is important. Here are some steps that you should follow in case of a car accident:
- Dial 911 and explain the situation to emergency services. Wait for the ambulance to arrive and make sure that you and your baby are safe.
- You also want to inform the police about the accident. Law enforcement needs to be at the scene of the accident so you can get a police report. The insurance company often requests a police report for your insurance claim.
- Even if you feel the accident was minor, get immediate medical attention. This is the safest option for both you and your baby. Once you are treated, follow your doctor’s orders. These professionals will provide you with the best advice on caring for yourself and your baby.
- You’ll also need to preserve evidence and keep a record of your medical records, bills, and pay stubs. If you are experiencing any pain, you can start a journal and monitor your daily pain levels.
- Finally, you will want to get legal help from a car accident attorney. They can advise you of your options and help you navigate the legal process.
No matter what, your health and your baby’s health are vital. In any case, you need to make sure you and your baby have not suffered injuries from the accident. And if you have suffered injuries, it could be time to contact a car accident lawyer in Lexington.
Take the Next Steps for Your Case
If you are pregnant and have been injured in a car accident, seek medical attention. After that, reach out to the Golden Law Office. Our team can help you take the next step in your case. We offer a free initial consultation.
Golden Law is a local, Kentucky Law Firm, attorneys/lawyers in Fayette County, Kentucky, working in the fields of personal injury, auto accidents, car and truck wrecks; medical malpractice: doctors, hospitals & nursing homes; senior living abuse: neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, dehydration, bedsores, catastrophic injuries, and broken bones. If you are considering a lawsuit, call us at 859.469.5000 for a free consultation. We are located at 771 Corporate Dr. Suite 800/ Lexington, Kentucky 40503. We handle cases all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have represented and trained people in major insurance companies & major trucking companies. We have first hand experience and know the ‘inside of the insurance business’ … that’s a distinction that no other law firm can make. We’re Your Advocate. Dale Golden, Laraclay Parker.
