Pregnant Victims Of Car Accidents

Car accidents are often stressful and intimidating experiences, especially for the driver who is not at fault. However, being involved in a car crash can be even more terrifying for pregnant women. In addition to worrying about their own health, pregnant victims of car accidents also worry about possible injuries to their unborn babies. There are many types of medical conditions and injuries that expectant mothers can suffer when involved in a motor vehicle accident. Pregnant women who have been in a car accident should seek immediate medical attention, even if they feel fine. Receiving medical care is important to ensure the safety of the fetus. When a car accident occurs because of another party's negligence, a pregnant victim may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm caused to her own health and to the health of their baby. At Labrum Law, our knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorneys in Tennessee fight on behalf of pregnant victims who suffer birth complications, the loss of a baby, or other types of harm resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Consider calling (615) 338-9500 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Possible Injuries and Complications for Pregnant Victims of Car Accidents

Despite the long list of obstetric complications that could arise during pregnancy, motor vehicle accidents are one of the biggest threats to the health of a fetus. According to a study published in the United States National Library of Medicine, car crashes are the most common cause of traumatic injury to the fetus. Some of the most common types of injuries and complications that may be the result of a car accident include:

• Miscarriage—Miscarriage is a term used to describe the death of a baby in the mother's womb before the 20th week of pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, a non-profit organization that supports the health of mothers and babies, up to 15 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Any sudden trauma, including a car crash, increases the risk of miscarriage.
• Premature birth—Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, affects one in every ten infants born in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Premature birth is any birth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. The risk of premature birth increases due to the stress that is put on the mother's body during a car accident or another traumatic event.
• Birth defects—Birth defects can be caused by direct trauma to the fetus or by preterm birth. Defects may not be apparent until after the mother gives birth, which is why seeking immediate medical attention is critical for pregnant victims of car accidents.
• Uterine injuries—When a pregnant woman suffers abdominal trauma in a car accident or another traumatic event, uterine injuries, including rupture, can occur. When an expectant mother suffers uterine rupture, there is a high risk of fetal mortality and life-threatening health complications for the mother, including internal bleeding.
• Placental abruption—This type of pregnancy-related injury occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born. Abdominal trauma sustained in a car accident can put a pregnant woman at a heightened risk of placental abruption.
• Fetal trauma—Injuries suffered by expectant mothers in car accidents increase the risk of fetal trauma, which can result in long-term consequences. A common cause of fetal trauma is when the pregnant woman sustains a blow to the abdominal area.

Regardless of the type of injury to the expectant mother or her baby, pregnant victims of car accidents may be entitled to compensation for the medical expenses, emotional trauma, physical pain, and other damages and losses. At Labrum Law, we assist pregnant women who have been victims of car accidents and help them to hold negligent parties accountable and to secure fair compensation for the trauma and suffering they have sustained as a result of someone else's negligence.

Signs of Pregnancy Complications After a Car Accident

When a pregnant woman is involved in a car crash, she should visit an emergency room to get a full medical check-up as soon as possible after the accident to diagnose any medical conditions, including pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, some complications or injuries may not be diagnosed immediately after the accident, which is why pregnant victims of car accidents should watch out for the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Vaginal pain or bleeding
• Swelling
• Fever
• Severe nausea
• Contractions
• Loss of consciousness
• Changes in the baby's movements
• Persistent urge to pee
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Vomiting

Some of these symptoms may take some time to manifest after an accident. When an expectant mother notices any of these signs of complications following a car crash or other traumatic event, she should go to a hospital or emergency room as soon as possible to prevent miscarriage or permanent fetal trauma.

Safety Precautions for Pregnant Women Traveling by Car

A few safety tips that pregnant women should follow when driving a vehicle or riding as passengers can help to minimize the risk of fetal trauma or pregnancy complications in the event of car accidents. They include:

• Keeping the steering wheel ten or more inches away from the chest and abdomen
• Sitting in the back seat when riding as a passenger
• Wearing a seatbelt at all times when in the vehicle
• Moving the seat as far back as possible to reduce the risk of abdominal trauma
• Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident, including a minor fender-bender

While pregnant women can take the abovementioned precautions when traveling by car, they have no control over the actions of other motorists on the road. When a car accident occurs due to negligence on the part of another driver, a pregnant accident victim may be entitled to financial compensation.

Attorneys at Labrum Law Represent Pregnant Victims of Car Accidents

Pregnant victims of car accidents may be able to recover compensation for pregnancy complications, miscarriage, or other types of fetal trauma when caused by a collision that is the result of someone else's negligent driving behavior. At Labrum Law, we help pregnant women and other victims of car accidents pursue fair compensation for the costs of medical care, loss of income, physical pain, emotional distress, suffering, and other damages and losses. Our car accident attorneys have the experience and resources to work diligently to help injured victims and their families obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. Consider calling (615) 338-9500 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your unique case.