Car Accident While Pregnant: What You Should Do

If you’ve been in a car accident while pregnant, it is imperative that you get the care you need to protect your health and that of your unborn child. In nearly all situations, mothers-to-be face increased risks of complications, premature birth, and miscarriage when involved in a car accident. When someone else is at fault, it is essential to get the financial compensation owed to you to help you overcome your losses. Our personal injury attorneys at Siler & Ingber, LLP are available to discuss your case with you today.

Know the Risks to You and Your Child

In every situation, even minor car accidents, the very first step you should take if you are in a car accident while pregnant is to go to the emergency room. Even if you feel okay, this is an essential step. Then, file a police report about the incident.

The risks to the mother and unborn child are significant in even minor car accidents. A study reported by CMAJ found that women in their second trimester were at a 42 percent greater risk of miscarriage after a car accident than they were prior. Thousands of women have experienced this heightened risk each year.

What You Should Do After an Accident

As noted, an emergency room visit is recommended for all women involved in any type of car accident while pregnant. From there, a police report is necessary to document the incident. We encourage you to involve our team in the process as quickly as possible.

Women involved in a car accident may be at a higher risk of requiring the use of more monitoring and screenings to prevent and detect complications throughout the remainder of their pregnancy. For this reason, you may wish to wait to file a settlement with the responsible driver until after all losses are fully understood. This is where our team can help you.

How Can a Car Accident Injure Your Unborn Child?

During pregnancy, your body is at a heightened level of risk. Complications are not uncommon in women who face a moderate to severe car accident. Consider a few of the most common injuries and losses you may have as a result of such an incident.

Miscarriage

Women are at a higher risk for suffering a miscarriage after a car accident because of damage to the stomach and uterus. Though rare, this is the most severe complication.

High-Risk Pregnancy

Many times, doctors will label and take steps throughout pregnancy after a car accident to minimize further risks. This can mean spending more time in the hospital, under bed rest, and facing more consistent monitoring.

Birth Defects

Depending on the type of accident, the child could suffer some level of injury as a result of the car accident. This may include developmental delays due to a lack of oxygen or damage to the amniotic fluid.

Premature Birth

Being born too early due to a car accident can place babies at a higher risk of health complications as well. Premature birth means the child is less developed especially in areas of the heart and lungs, creating potential long-term risks for that child.

Trauma

Several types of trauma can occur to an unborn child, just as it can impact you after a car accident. Placental abruption can occur, which means the placenta breaks away from the uterus. Fetal trauma such as damage to the child’s body or brain can occur.

Compensation for Accident While Pregnant

For mothers-to-be, the most important step is to get care, but that care may come at a significantly higher cost if your pregnancy is labeled high risk. You may need to spend more time in the hospital. You may need more extensive testing. If there are complications, this may mean surgeries or many additional medical costs after the child is born. Pain and suffering can be a concern for you, too.

This can be a very demanding time for you. However, with the help of a personal injury attorney, you can rest assured you can get the financial support you need. A simple collision can mean long-term consequences. Our team can work with you to understand if you’ve suffered any losses, what length of time those losses will occur, and what steps you can take to obtain the compensation owed to you. There’s also the emotional distress and turmoil you face throughout this process to consider.

Pursue Legal Action Against Those Who Put You at Risk: Call Your Personal Injury Attorney Today

At Siler & Ingber, LLP, our dedicated team of attorneys is ready to help you. With millions of dollars in settlements awarded to our clients, we are happy to listen to your case and provide you with insight. We have over 20 years of experience and a win rate of 98%. You can depend on us. Request a free case review by calling us or using our online form to request more information.

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