What Should I Do If I'm Injured While Pregnant?
Involvement in a car accident is a scary enough as is, but being involved in an accident while pregnant is an absolute nightmare. How you respond to being involved in a wreck as an expectant mother can end up making a huge difference when it comes to the safety and well-being of you and your baby.
This article will provide some guidance with respect to what a pregnant mother should do after being involved in a car accident. Being proactive and taking the necessary steps are critical, not only for receiving proper medical attention, but also for putting yourself in a position to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash while pregnant, call Sneed|Mitchell at (713) 800-6676 for a free case evaluation with our car accident attorneys.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Physical injuries, stress, and even emotional trauma associated with car accidents can all negatively affect the health of both you and your baby. Therefore, it is critical to be proactive and seek treatment as soon as possible after being involved in a car crash.
Even if you were involved in a minor fender bender, it is always wise to contact your personal physician, your OB/GYN, or emergency medical services after being involved in a crash while pregnant, regardless of how far along you are.
Women who are in the third trimester or latter portion of the second trimester should keep a close eye on potential symptoms that can occur immediately after a car accident. The presence of any symptoms often means that something is wrong. Symptoms may include:
Loss of consciousness
Hemorrhaging
Vaginal bleeding
Premature birth
Miscarriage
Other concerning symptoms can arise days or even weeks after being involved in a car crash. The presence of any of these symptoms should also be taken seriously and should be evaluated by a medical professional. These symptoms include:
Difficulty urinating
Swelling of the face or hands
Abdominal pain
Recurring and severe headaches
Dizziness and vomiting unrelated to pregnancy
Although these represent just some of the most noticeable and worrisome symptoms, it is important to note that medical attention should be sought if you are felling unwell for any reason. Erring on the side of caution is always a good choice when it comes to protecting the health of both you and your baby.
Taking Legal Action
Several types of lawsuits can arise from being involved in a car crash as a pregnant mother. If you believe the car collision was caused by the other driver, you can file a claim or take legal action against the other driver’s insurance company.
If the policy limits of the insurance coverage are inadequate to cover the losses and expenses that you incurred as a result of the car accident, then it is possible to take legal action against the other driver in a personal capacity. Doing so may allow you to recover the remainder of your losses and damages.
Wrongful death suits may also be an option in cases where the car crash led to the death of the fetus. These types of lawsuits allow the surviving family members to sue for things such as loss of companionship, loss of wages, and funeral expenses.
Getting Legal Advice
It is a good idea to consider discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney before taking any legal action. An attorney who has handled car crash cases involving pregnant mothers will be able to provide you with valuable resources and important information intended to increase your chances at receiving fair compensation for your injuries and troubles.
For instance, an attorney will be able to conduct investigations and gather critical evidence that can be used against the at-fault driver or party. An attorney will also be able to tell you when the time is right to take legal action.
Finally, an attorney can prevent big insurance companies from taking advantage of inexperienced claimants when it comes to settling claims out of court.
Our Injury Lawyers Will Fight on Your Behalf
At Sneed|Mitchell, our car accident attorneys have plenty of experience handling car accident cases. We have helped pregnant mothers and expecting families seek fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our firm also believes that an injury victim should never have to worry about being able to afford legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations and why you pay nothing unless we win your case. That's our No Fee Guarantee.
If you would like to discuss the details of your case with an injury lawyer, or if you would like to learn more about what options are available to you after being involved in a car crash, call Sneed|Mitchell at (713) 800-6676 to receive your free case evaluation.
Meetings with attorneys are by appointment only.