Introduction
Traffic accidents can be highly traumatic under normal circumstances. But, encountering a car accident during pregnancy can prove to be a stressful event for the mother as well as the child. Expectant mothers should be informed about what step to take post-accident as even the minutes of collisions can be problematic due to the impact. This article aims to elaborate on what steps to take post car accident during pregnancy, the medical risks that might arise, and the role of medical record services in legal claim support.
Understanding the Risks of Car Accidents during Pregnancy
Medical Risks and Complications
Pregnancy increases the severity of the risks incurred from car accidents. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that motor vehicular accidents rank highly as a source of trauma deaths for pregnant women, with roughly 3,000 pregnancies being lost each year from car crashes.
Common Injuries and Complications
• Placental Abruption – This occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus, possibly cutting off the baby’s oxygen supply.
• Uterine Rupture – This life threatening condition involves tearing of the uterus endangering both the mother and the child.
• Fetal Trauma – Involves injury to the fetus’s brain or internal organs.
• Amniotic Rupture: Early breaking of the “water” that may cause labor before the due date.
• Internal Bleeding: Usually unnoticed, it can have dangerous outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that even low-speed accidents can result in serious complications. Delayed symptoms, such as decreased fetal movement or abdominal pain, should never be ignored.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident While Pregnant
Safety First
• Check for Injuries: Self assess and then any passengers for injuries.
• Move Yourself to Safety: Try to pull your car over to minimize chances of other, further crashes happening.
Call Emergency Services
• Report the Accident: Dial the police to tell them of the auto accident and if you need medical assistance.
• Take Pictures: Of the damaged vehicles, accident scene, and all, including visible injures to the body.
Seek Medical Attention
• Self Evaluation: Whether you feel fine or not, seek medical care because some complications come with no visible symptoms.
• Still there: Make sure to make follow on appointments to check up on your health and the baby’s health.
Look for Any Sign of Trouble
Remain alert for warning signs like the following:
• Vaginal bleeding
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or Loss of consciousness
• Reduced movement from the fetus
• Contractions
If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
Legal Considerations after a Car Accident during Pregnancy
Can You File a Legal Claim?
Pregnant women have the right to file a personal injury claim for any medical expenses, emotional distress, and pregnancy complications caused by a car accident. If a pregnancy is lost due to a crash, parents may file a wrongful death claim for the unborn child under state laws.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
• Medical Expenses: The cost of treating the mother and fetus’ injuries and further clinical needs.
• Emotional Distress: Damage suffered from the psychological pain inflicted to the parents.
• Loss of Companionship: Damage those results from the emotional pain of losing the fetus.
• Future Medical Costs: Financial resources required to attend to the baby in cases where complications arise in the child.
The Role of Medical Records Review
Importance for Attorneys
Medical records review services are crucial for attorneys handling cases involving car accidents during pregnancy. These services help:
• Injury Severity Assessment: The thorough medical records contain important proof of the injuries sustained during the accident which is crucial for the case.
• Proving The Claim: The injuries received can be directly connected with the car accident, which makes the claim of negligence stronger.
• Justifying Damages: Medical claims have to be compensated, and there have to be well articulated medical documents justifying the payment needed to be claimed, including other essentials.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Minor Collision with Major Consequences
Overview: A pregnant woman was involved in a minor collision where a car hit the rear end of her car while it was stationary as a result of traffic lights above her turning red.
Challenges: Initially, she felt completely well and did not look for medical attention at that point. However, a few days following the incident her abdominal pains were extremely severe, and the fetal movement was much lower than it had been previously.
Solutions: After bringing herself to the emergency room, the doctors informed her that she needed complete bed rest because of the placental abruption. Medical documents showed there must have been a surgical procedure done to guarantee the maximum welfare for both mother and child.
Case Study 2: Side Impact Collision
Overview: A woman who is pregnant was hit by a car on her side after it overshot a red light.
Challenges: She sustained a significant injury with a fractured rib and internal bleeding which made her pregnancy challenging. At first, the insurance company rejected the claim, contending that the injuries were too superficial to be compensated.
Solutions: A review of the medical records showed her injuries were severe, and there were risks to her baby. This was necessary to prove how the accident affected her health.
Protecting Your Rights after a Car Accident While Pregnant
Steps to Take
- Prioritize Your Health: Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel fine.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and any symptoms experienced post-accident.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the complexities of filing a claim.
When to Hire Legal Help
For pregnant women who suffer complications from a car accident, seeing a legal expert is helpful. You will be able to recover your financial losses and suffering from medical care and treatment.
Conclusion
Car accidents are unfortunate occurrences even at the best of times, but sustaining them during pregnancy is particularly challenging. It is important to gain an appreciation of the possible outcomes, self-advocate, and be aware of one’s legal options to ensure the protection of the mother and developing child. In these cases, the review of medical records is essential for attorneys so that the patients are compensated for their injuries in the proper manner.
