All car accidents, no matter who is involved and how slow the vehicles were moving, have the potential to cause serious injury. However, some people are at a higher risk of serious consequences than others. Case in point: Pregnant women. Of course, you know to tell the paramedics who arrive at the scene that you are pregnant so that they can give you the care you need but do you know the potential issues that can occur after a car accident when you are pregnant?
Keep reading to get the answers. If you have already been injured, and the accident was the fault of another party, then we invite you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We will do everything we can to assure your rights are upheld.
The Risks for Pregnant Women Involved in Car Accidents
A car accident injury can happen anytime a person is in a vehicle that abruptly and suddenly stops. This can be due to a car accident, of course, but it can also be due to braking hard to avoid an accident. This can cause not only strain on the mother’s body but on the body of the baby as well – especially when women are beyond their 12th week of pregnancy. Common injuries include:
- Premature birth
- Placental abruption
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Hemorrhaging
These are all serious issues that should of course be avoided at all costs.
How Pregnant Women Can Stay Safer in the Car
A pregnant woman should be very careful when she drives or rides in a vehicle. It is a common misconception that this includes avoiding airbags as airbags are dangerous for pregnant women’s babies. This is false. The National Highly Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a confirmation that a combination of seatbelts and airbags are the safest ways to protect pregnant women.
That said, women should be sure to wear their seatbelt correctly. This should be under the belly and across the hips. It is wise for pregnant women to sit back further when driving to prevent their belly from hitting the steering wheel. If possible, it is best to let someone else drive as the steering wheel does pose a threat if an accident were to occur.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident While Pregnant
The first thing to do is to get medical care. Make sure that anyone treating you knows that you’re pregnant. Even if you are very far along and it seems obvious, do not assume that they know. Follow all doctor’s instructions. Gather evidence about the accident if possible. Then contact a personal injury attorney to find out what your legal rights are.
You can reach The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 at any time. We are ready to listen to your case, decide what your options are, and provide you with a free case evaluation.
