Anyone can be seriously injured in a car accident, but the stakes are much higher for pregnant women. If you’re a pregnant woman who has suffered a serious injury in a Hollywood car crash, you can contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Let our family-based legal team review your situation and explain whether you have a claim.
Common Injuries to Pregnant Women in Car Crashes
The force and impact of a side-swipe accident, head-on crash, or any collision can be a serious danger to both a mother and her unborn baby. Even worse, studies have shown that pregnant women have a higher risk of being in a car collision when compared with the same individuals three years before they become pregnant. The risk appears to be highest in the second trimester. Researchers believe that the physical changes of pregnancy can account for this increased risk.
When accidents do affect someone who is pregnant, there are several dangers:
- High-risk pregnancy. One of the most common outcomes of a car accident is that a pregnancy will be designated high-risk after the crash. This may mean that doctors anticipate a higher risk of complications and may recommend more monitoring, medications, ultrasounds, and doctor’s visits to keep the patient and baby safe. Theis extra care can add to the worry a pregnant mother feels and can add substantially to the medical costs of the pregnancy, too.
- Preterm labor and premature birth. This refers to a baby born before 37 weeks, which puts the child at risk of complications, such as low birth weight. Babies who are born too prematurely may not be able to survive or may suffer permanent injuries.
- Uterine injury. In a car accident, the uterus can be impacted if the abdomen is hit, and this can lead to a rupturing of the uterus or internal bleeding. The uterus is enlarged during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of injury to this organ during a car crash. Any serious injury to this part of the body can threaten the life of the child and mother.
- Miscarriage. One of the most frightening injuries for anyone who is pregnant is a pregnancy loss. The trauma of a car accident can impact the structure of the uterus and the baby itself. If the injuries are too severe, a miscarriage can be the tragic outcome.
- Placental Injury. During a car accident, the abdomen can be crushed or hit by the steering wheel. This can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus, which can put the baby at risk.
Due to the higher risk, if you’re pregnant and in a car crash, treat the situation as an emergency. Call 911 or get to an urgent care center or emergency room at once to make sure you and the baby are OK. Even if you get the all-clear, continue to monitor your symptoms. If you notice any spotting, pain, or any unusual symptoms, follow up immediately.
If you do suffer an injury, find out how to protect your rights. Contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our father-son attorney team and family-based law firm understand the importance of family and we work to help our clients feel comfortable with our compassionate approach. At the same time, our team has more than 60 years of combined experience in the court room and at the negotiation table. We work tirelessly to pursue fair compensation for our clients and are always willing to take a claim to court if that’s the best way to get compensation. If you’ve been injured, reach out for a free accident consultation with a member of our team.