Prgnant Woman Driving a Car

If you have been in a car accident while pregnant, you and your unborn fetus may be at high risk for serious or fatal injury. Knowing what to do following the accident can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Contact an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights and possible recovery after being in an accident while pregnant.

Risks of Being in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Being in a car accident can result in many types of injuries from minor to severe or even life-threatening. Being pregnant while in a car accident can also lead to complications for both you and your unborn child. A routine pregnancy may turn high risk after a car accident and may require close monitoring by your doctor or midwife.

Some risks associated with being in a car accident while pregnant are:

  • Miscarriage
  • Pre-term labor
  • Premature birth or stillbirth
  • Hemorrhaging or internal bleeding
  • Placement abruption or detachment
  • Birth defects or neurological damage in the unborn child
  • Direct physical trauma to the fetus
  • Death of mother or unborn child

What to Do After an Accident

If you are involved in a car accident while pregnant, there are certain things to do after the accident that can protect your legal rights. It is important to do the following:

  • Seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
  • Contact your regular doctor or midwife and alert them that you have been in an accident.
  • File a police report.
  • Contact your insurance company about the accident.
  • Gather any evidence from the accident scene, if possible, including the names and contact information of any witnesses and the other parties involved.
  • Contact a car accident attorney.
  • Do not speak to or settle a claim with any insurance adjusters.

Since there can be pregnancy complications from an accident, if you experience any of the following symptoms after the accident, do not ignore them and seek help immediately:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness or headache
  • Changes in fetal movement
  • Sudden vaginal bleeding
  • Severe belly or pelvis pain
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Leaking or gushing fluid from your vagina

Even if you do not require emergency medical care, you should always see a doctor after being involved in a car accident while pregnant. Both you and your baby may have sustained injuries that may not be obvious at first. After initial examinations, be sure to follow up on your baby’s health throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Recovering Damages While Pregnant

If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages that incurred as a result of the accident. Damages that you may be entitled to receive include:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering

Contacting an experienced Des Moines car accident attorney immediately after your accident can help you get the recovery you deserve. Since you will need to prove that another party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries, having an attorney to help with your case is essential. An attorney will gather the evidence needed for your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and be ready if your case goes to court.

How to Stay Safe When Driving While Pregnant

One of the most important things to do to protect your unborn child while driving or being in a car is to wear your seat belt. Many car accidents are not avoidable and to minimize the risk of potential injury or harm in the event of an accident is to wear a seatbelt. Contrary to many concerns, a seat belt will not harm the unborn baby but will reduce the likelihood of any injury and the severity of the injury.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you are pregnant and were injured in a car accident or suffered the loss of an unborn child as a result of the accident, contact our Des Moines car accident attorney at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. today. We can provide a free consultation to evaluate your case. To set up a confidential appointment, fill out our convenient contact form online or call us at 1-800-800-5678.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.