If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re pregnant, you need to take steps to protect the baby and get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. While it’s rare, car accidents can cause pregnancy issues—including the risk of miscarriage—in some cases.
Below we’ll cover the risks and the steps you need to take.
What effects does a car accident have on a pregnant woman?
In many cases a car accident will not affect a pregnancy at all. But there are exceptions. For example:
- Any direct injuries to the abdomen can affect the baby and the pregnancy immediately;
- Injuries to other parts of the body may not seem to affect the pregnancy at first, but can have an impact; and
- Even if you seem completely uninjured, the shock to your system can affect an unborn baby—and so can the force of being thrown forward when a car suddenly stops.
Specific risks in a car accident include:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor a.k.a. premature birth
- Complications with pregnancy
- Injuries to the fetus
It’s important to know that a car accident can cause injuries—including internal injuries—that may not lead to a miscarriage immediately, but could put you at risk of miscarriage if not treated. In other words, even if things seem fine immediately after the accident, a simple trip to the doctor could help protect your child’s life.
What should I do after the car accident as a pregnant woman?
There are three steps that are especially important to take:
- If you have any serious injuries, immediately call 911 or go to the emergency room.
- If you do not, immediately schedule an appointment with your Ob/Gyn. When you call, tell them you were in a car accident and want to be seen as soon as possible. Under these circumstances, it’s perfectly reasonable to request a same-day appointment or ask if there is someone else you can see immediately.
- If there are any unusual health conditions or side effects in the week after the accident, take them seriously. Going to the doctor because something is “different”—you feel faint, or there’s spotting, for example—is a smart choice.
In addition, take the normal steps you would take after a car accident, such as getting a lawyer involved. Any accident claim involving pregnancy will be an emotionally charged matter, and you should not be the one trying to talk to the insurance company.
Let Us Help You
Our legal team has worked with countless women and families whose pregnancy was affected by an unexpected car accident. We have seen firsthand how stressful and heartbreaking these situations can be. Let us help you. We will fight for you and negotiate the highest possible settlement—while keeping your stress to a minimum, so you can focus on your health and your family. Let us give you a free consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your FREE consultation today.
