Needless to say, the consequences of going through a car accident while pregnant can be severe. Even a minor motor vehicle accident can lead to serious consequences. Of course, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention.
Once you have been to the doctor to evaluate your injuries and any harm caused to your baby, you should then consider your legal rights and options. If you or your baby were injured, chances are that you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced personal injury attorney can answer your questions and begin preparing your case early on.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we understand that the last thing you want to deal with while pregnant is a lawsuit. As you focus on maintaining your health and preparing for the new arrival to your family, let us handle your case. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Are the Risks of Going Through a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Injuries sustained in car accidents can be extremely serious. Unsurprisingly, the consequences are even more serious when pregnant — both for the mother and their baby.
Pregnant mothers still in their first trimester usually recover from auto accidents without complications. Of course, this will vary depending on the severity of the accident and injuries. However, during the second trimester, the risk of injury to the pregnant mother and fetus increases significantly.
In all cases, pregnant women involved in an auto accident should seek immediate medical care. Among other things, suffering an auto accident while pregnant can lead to the following consequences:
- Placental abruption – A developing fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from its mother through the placenta. However, trauma from an auto accident could cause the placenta to detach from the lining of the uterus, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients. This is referred to as a placental abruption and can seriously endanger the life of the baby.
- Uterine abruption – While the placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, the uterus houses the fetus as it develops inside of its mother. A uterine rupture occurs when all three layers of the uterus separate. Though rare, this condition is extremely dangerous to the mother and fetus. It can be triggered by trauma sustained in a car accident and requires immediate medical attention.
- Preterm labor – Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks. Labor is considered preterm when it occurs between 20 and 37 weeks after gestation. The physical trauma and emotional stress of a car accident can induce preterm labor. The sooner a baby is born before its due date, the higher the risk to its fetal health and development.
- Direct fetal trauma – Of course, the trauma of an accident can directly impact a developing fetus. Because a baby is well-insulated from most blunt impacts within the womb, this kind of trauma is relatively rare. When it does occur, however, the baby’s head and neck are often most at risk.
- Miscarriage and stillbirth – Finally, a serious car accident can potentially result in the death of an unborn baby. A miscarriage occurs when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy. By contrast, a stillbirth occurs when a baby is delivered dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
What Are the Steps to Take after An Accident If You Are Pregnant?
Car accidents can be frightening experiences, and even more so if you are pregnant. No matter how minor the accident might seem, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself and your baby. If you were involved in a car accident while pregnant, take the following steps:
- Stay calm – The emotional and physical stress a mother suffers while pregnant directly affects the well-being of the baby growing in her womb. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident while pregnant, you should try your best to remain calm. Take a few slow, deep breaths to collect yourself. If you can stay calm and composed, you will be in a better state of mind to protect yourself and your baby.
- Call 911 – Call the police immediately after an accident and explain to them that you are pregnant. The 911 operator will dispatch police and emergency medical services to the accident scene. You should then be taken to the nearest emergency room to be evaluated. Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible to make sure your baby is not harmed.
- Call someone you trust – The aftermath of a car accident is not something you should handle alone while pregnant. Call your partner, another family member, or a close friend who can meet you at the scene or the emergency room. A trusted loved one can help you stay calm and monitor your condition.
- Contact your doctor – As soon as possible, contact your OB/GYN or another primary care provider to inform them that you have been in an accident. Tell them about any symptoms you have, no matter how minor they seem. If necessary, they can provide additional instructions to the emergency care team.
- Receive a complete examination – Once you are at the ER, you should receive a thorough examination. If the ER tries to discharge you before a full exam, let them know that you are pregnant and insist on a more comprehensive evaluation, including an obstetric exam and ultrasound. After an accident, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially when your adrenaline is high. A healthcare professional can properly diagnose any injuries before they become worse.
- Monitor your condition closely – After a thorough exam, you will probably need to stay at the ER for several hours so the doctors can monitor your situation and ensure that you and the baby are healthy. Once you are home, you should continue to monitor your condition closely and alert your OB/GYN if any new symptoms occur.
How Can a Lawyer Help After an Auto Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident while pregnant, the stress can be extremely detrimental to your health and your baby. Even if you are not injured, the experience can take a serious physical, psychological, and financial toll on you and your family.
During this challenging time, it is helpful to speak with an attorney who can give you some peace of mind by informing you of your legal options. Among other things, a lawyer can:
- Investigate the car accident to determine who is at fault
- Gather evidence to prove liability
- Evaluate and explain your legal options
- Calculate the economic and non-economic losses associated with the accident, including medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma
- Identify potential sources of compensation
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Take your case to court if settlement negotiations fail
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you are pregnant and were injured in a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. The first thing you should do is protect yourself and your baby by seeking medical attention as soon as possible. The second thing you should do is have an experienced attorney review your accident so that they may inform you of your legal rights and options.
The legal team at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., is here to answer your questions and handle your case. Contact our office for a free initial consultation to find out how our accident lawyers can help you. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
