Motor vehicle crashes can be overwhelming, regardless of their severity. When an expecting mother ends up in a crash, the potential trauma increases greatly. Based on data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of fatalities as well as injuries for pregnant women. Crashes of this kind are also the most common cause of traumatic fetal death. In reality, motor vehicle crashes present some unique challenges for expecting mothers as well as their babies. Being cognizant of these risks in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can help pregnant people protect themselves, their unborn children, and their potential claim to compensation.
Car Crashes are Dangerous for Unborn Babies
While a mother’s womb provides some protection for a baby during a sudden collision, the resulting force from slamming on the brakes can lead to separation of the placenta from the uterus or placental abruption. Even in cases involving abruption, a person might not notice any symptoms. Some of the other injuries that can occur if a person is in a car accident while pregnant include:
- Car accidents can cause a woman to go into labor early. Babies born before the 37th week of gestation are viewed as premature because these babies have not had sufficient time to develop.
- Premature births can lead to various complications including birth defects that the child must face for the rest of his or her life. Some common defects impact the heart, eyes, or ears.
- If a mother is seriously hurt, the child could end up facing life-threatening injuries including perforated organs as well as trauma to the head.
- If the crash leads to the introduction of foreign objects into the womb, the baby can end up facing an infection. If the infection is not promptly detected, dangerous bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
- Crashes that result in violent impacts can lead to extreme blood loss as well as organ failure. Expectant mothers who are injured in this way may suffer miscarriages.
Make Sure Emergency Workers Know You Pregnant After a Crash
You should likely call 911 after a car accident. Emergency workers can then be sent to the scene of your crash. Law enforcement will assess the situation and assign any fault for negligent operation of a motor vehicle to the parties responsible.
Whether it is to a dispatcher, a police officer, an ambulance worker, or someone else, you should make sure to disclose that you are pregnant. Emergency personnel follows different guidelines to make sure that health and safety goals for expecting mothers and babies are met.
Speak With an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is in a car accident, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in car accidents. We can help you deal with insurance carriers and pursue the compensation that you deserve for your losses. Contact House Law LLC today for assistance.
Tags: auto accident, car accident, personal injury
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