Pregnant women face unique stresses when they are involved in car accidents. These victims often must deal with complex injuries that affect both themselves and their babies. They have understandable worries for the health of their unborn child. Plus, they have added expenses as their bodies recover from crash injuries while also progressing in their pregnancy.
If you have been hurt in a car accident while pregnant, talk to a knowledgeable attorney from Truitt Law Offices today. Our legal team has more than 40 years’ combined experience, and we have handled cases like yours before. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What Special Steps Should a Pregnant Woman Take After Being in a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the first priority is your health and the wellbeing of your baby. If someone calls 911 after your accident, it’s critical to tell the first responders that you are pregnant. This can help them choose the treatment methods that will best protect your life and your child’s safety.
If you didn’t receive medical attention immediately at the scene, visit a medical professional as soon as possible for a full evaluation of any injuries to you and your baby. Even if the collision seemed minor, it’s critical to see a physician after your accident because many injuries aren’t obvious. Your doctor can check you for these less noticeable injuries, help you get the treatment you need, and help reduce the chance of serious complications for you and your baby.
It’s also vital to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who understands the special complications that pregnant women face after car wrecks. Your attorney will document your damages and fight for the full compensation you and your child deserve.
What Types of Injuries to the Baby Can a Car Accident Cause for Pregnant Women?
Car wrecks are a leading cause of serious injuries to pregnant woman and fatalities of unborn babies. Some of the severe injuries that these collisions can inflict upon mothers and growing babies include:
- Increased risks during pregnancy. A car accident typically elevates a woman’s risk during pregnancy, requiring that she undergo special monitoring and treatment through her birth and beyond. With a high-risk pregnancy, the mother is more likely to develop additional medical conditions like preeclampsia and other complications that can threaten the mother’s life as well as her baby’s.
- Premature birth. Car wrecks put an unusual amount of stress on a pregnant woman’s body. This might send her into early labor – even if she’s been pregnant for much less than the typical 40-week gestation period.
- Head injuries. Even if a motor vehicle accident seems minor, crash victims can suffer serious head injuries. The impact of the wreck can shake a person’s head violently or cause the person to hit her head on a stationary object. When a victim is pregnant, both the woman and the baby in her womb might suffer these types of injuries.
- Placental abruption. When a pregnant woman is in a serious collision, this can force the placenta to completely or partially separate from her uterus, putting both the mother and fetus in serious danger. This condition can deprive the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Plus it can cause the mother to bleed heavily and might force her to deliver her baby early.
- Birth defects and other fetal trauma. The fetus might suffer a variety of injuries in the womb that can be deadly or can affect the child for the rest of his or her life. For example, the accident might cause the baby permanent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen or infection.
- Miscarriage. Whenever a pregnant woman undergoes significant trauma, it can result in miscarriage. With a car accident, the baby might die if something pierces the mother’s abdomen or the wreck causes a serious condition for the mother like cardiac arrest.
How Can Doctors Check to See If the Baby Has Been Injured?
A doctor can run tests right after a car wreck to see if the baby was injured. They can also increase monitoring of the woman and her baby throughout the rest of her pregnancy in case additional complications arise. Some of the methods the doctor might use include:
- Ultrasound
- Monitoring both the woman’s heart and the baby’s heart
- Lab tests
- Exam for vaginal bleeding or uterine tenderness
- Checking for early contractions
What Should You Do If the Baby Has Been Injured?
If your unborn baby was injured or killed in a car accident, it’s critical to speak with an attorney. Nothing can ever fully make up for the trauma that this tragedy has caused you and your family. However, Indiana law gives you a legal right to claim damages to cover some of the immediate losses and long-term costs of the collision. You might be able to recover compensation for things like the costs of current and future medical expenses related to the accident, as well as other damages like pain and suffering or funeral and burial expenses.
What Information About the Accident Needs to Be Gathered?
To best protect your rights after a car wreck, it’s vital to gather evidence as quickly as possible. If the police came to the scene of your accident, request a copy of the official accident report. Other critical pieces of evidence include:
- Names, license number, and contact information of other people involved in the crash
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Witnesses’ names and contact information
- Medical records
Our dedicated attorney will gather all the evidence necessary in your case. This includes working with experts who can assess your family’s losses both now and in the future.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were in a motor vehicle accident while pregnant, you need a respected car accident attorney on your side who will aggressively fight for your legal rights. An experienced lawyer from Truitt Law Offices can help relieve some of the burdens you’re facing by handling all aspects of your car accident claim. Our team can provide the support you need during this difficult time.
At Truitt Law Offices, we understand the added trauma and grief that these types of wrecks can cause. Our compassionate attorneys have the skills and resources to help you and your family get through this. Contact our law firm today for your free consultation.
