A car accident presents a significant safety risk for pregnant women, especially in the later stages of the pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that between 1-3 percent of infants who make it to birth are exposed to motor-vehicle accidents in utero, and that car accident injuries are a leading cause of death and injuries among pregnant women.
You need to see a doctor immediately if you have been injured in a car accident in Colorado while pregnant. It is also essential to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident if someone else was to blame for the crash. The Wilhite Law Firm has helped many people injured in car accidents recover compensation for their injuries. You can learn more today by calling our office for a free consultation.
What Are Some Car Accident Health Risks During Pregnancy?
During the first trimester of pregnancy (roughly the first 12 weeks), the potential health risks if you are involved in a car accident are less severe than when you are further along. Because the baby has not grown that much, they are reasonably well protected in the event of an accident.
As your pregnancy progresses, the potential complications if you are involved in an accident increase significantly. The more the baby has developed, the less protected it is from the force of a car crash. Some of the potential complications from being involved in a car accident while pregnant include:
- Early labor
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Severe internal or external bleeding
Maternal shock occurs when a mother loses enough blood in an accident that their heart cannot function correctly. This can cause the mother’s body to redirect blood and nutrients from the fetus to the mother, jeopardizing the baby’s health.
Contrecoup injuries occur when the body is violently pushed in one direction before being snapped back in the opposite direction. This abrupt change in momentum can put intense stress on a mother and her baby.
Placental disruption occurs when the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall. Placental disruption can be fatal to both a child and a mother if it is not treated quickly.
Uterine rupture occurs when a car accident causes the uterus to tear. Uterine ruptures are fatal to a baby in utero in most instances.
What Are Symptoms to Watch for After a Car Accident While Pregnant?
If you have been involved in a car accident while pregnant, see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness during or after the crash
- Pain in your pelvic area
- Blood or other fluid discharging from your vagina
- Intense headaches
- Fever or chills
- Swelling of the face
- Pain in your abdominal area
- Vomiting that does not seem related to morning sickness
- Any changes in your baby’s movements, especially if movement stops altogether
What To Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Here is what you need to do if you are involved in a car accident during your pregnancy:
- Seek medical attention right away – Even if you feel fine and do not appear to have suffered any significant injuries, it can be difficult to tell if a baby in utero has been injured in a crash. Get to a hospital or emergency room immediately after the collision and contact your obstetrician.
- Document the accident scene – After you have called 911 and notified the authorities that an accident has occurred, use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to any vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you have sustained.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – You must do everything you can to protect yourself and your baby. Ignoring your doctor’s insurrections could put you both at risk. Deviating from your prescribed treatment plan could also make it harder for you to claim compensation for your injuries.
- Save your medical records and receipts – These documents are proof of your injuries and financial losses related to the accident. They will be crucial if you pursue a personal injury case after the crash.
- Start a pain journal – Making a record of the pain from your injuries and how they affect your day-to-day life can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering.
- Do not give any statements to insurance companies – Wait until you have spoken to a lawyer before giving any statements to insurance companies, as you do not want to provide an insurer any information to use against you.
- Talk to a car accident attorney – You have a limited window to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. You want to give your lawyer as much time as possible to build your case. Speaking to an attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries more quickly.
What Are Some Ways You Can Protect Yourself in a Car While Pregnant?
For most pregnant women, not driving for the better part of nine months is not feasible or practical. But there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your baby if you are in a car while pregnant, such as:
- Avoid driving if possible – Many pregnant women who are involved in accidents get hurt by becoming pinned between their seats and the steering wheel. If you must go somewhere in a car, see if you can get a friend or family member to drive you.
- Be careful about how you wear your seat belt – Ensure the lap belt rests under your abdomen and above your hips to prevent the belt from squeezing your baby in an accident. You also want to make sure the shoulder belt rests across your chest and above your abdomen.
- Move your seat away from the steering wheel – If you have to drive, you want to avoid being crushed between your seat and the steering wheel in an accident, so move the driver’s seat as far back as possible if you drive yourself somewhere.
What Compensation is Available for Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident While Pregnant?
If you or your child have been hurt in a car accident while you were pregnant, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Your pain and suffering
- Your child’s pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress, especially if your child was injured or killed in the accident
- Adverse effects on your child’s development related to the accident
Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or your child was injured in a car accident during pregnancy, know that you have the right to seek answers and justice if someone else’s negligence caused your crash. At The Wilhite Law Firm, our Denver car accident lawyers have handled cases like these and will be ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. Call us or contact us online to discuss your legal options during a free case evaluation.
