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Pregnancy is an exciting time. Yet, the anticipation of a new baby’s arrival is often coupled with a genuine concern about your unborn child’s health. You may approach ordinary activities such as driving with hesitation, and for good reason
Studies reveal a statistical risk that nearly 1 in 50 pregnant women will be involved in a car crash. This trend is particularly worrisome to New Jersey personal injury attorneys representing clients involved in car accidents while pregnant.
Health complications after a car crash can be significant, and knowing what to do if you’re involved in a car accident while pregnant is critical.
5 Things You Should Do if You’re in a Car Accident While Pregnant
After a car accident, worry and overwhelm quickly take hold. For pregnant mothers, these feelings are amplified as they consider the accident’s impact on their unborn baby.
Injuries sustained by you and your baby in a car crash could have significant immediate and long-term ramifications. It’s essential you remain calm and take these immediate measures following the accident:
1. Call 911
Calling emergency response to the scene of an accident is vital. A dispatcher will record your call and send first responders to contain the situation and render emergency medical treatment.
Mild-fender benders warrant police reports, too, particularly when pregnant drivers or passengers are involved. Injuries aren’t always evident immediately following an accident, especially those to an unborn fetus.
If you or your fetus suffer injury from an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation from an at-fault party.
Police reports are valuable evidence when proving negligence and fault in personal injury insurance lawsuits.
2. Ask for Emergency Medical Help on Scene
Elevated adrenaline levels often mask pain and non-visible injuries after a traumatic accident. Emergency medical responders will assess the risks of injury to you and your child even if you don’t feel any pain or show visible signs of harm following the accident.
Be sure to relay that you are pregnant. Emergency responders need to know as many details as possible when arriving on the scene to ensure proper on-scene treatment and response.
3. Collect Information and Evidence
If you are able, and without delaying medical care, use your cell phone to photograph the accident scene and record any vital information you can gather.
Necessary information includes:
- Name and contact information of the other driver(s)
- Insurance information
- Witness names, contact information, and statements
4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents are almost always caused by someone’s willful or negligent acts If you are pregnant and have experienced injury or loss due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses and suffering.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you prepare a claim against an at-fault party and negotiate or litigate for financial damages. Protect your rights to compensation by partnering with an attorney seasoned in car accident injury claims.
5. Follow Up with Your Doctor
It is not uncommon for medical problems to arise in the weeks following a car accident. Expectant mothers should follow any emergency treatment from a car accident with thorough medical exams by their primary care physician and OB-GYN.
Your primary care physician and OB-GYN know your health and pregnancy history and can advise you regarding symptoms that may indicate internal injury to you or your unborn baby.
Always communicate to your doctors any change to your health following a car accident. Ask your doctor to document changes in your medical file.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney Today
Personal injury attorneys understand the burden of suffering experienced by pregnant mothers after a car accident. The last thing you need after an accident is the additional stress of navigating an injury claim without help.
Reach out to our office today to speak with a highly qualified New Jersey personal injury attorney. Specializing in car accident injury cases, we are prepared to guide you through the injury claims process and advocate for damages on your behalf.
While you focus on healing and recovery for yourself and your unborn baby, our well-qualified legal team will work diligently to hold the at-fault party accountable. Contact us today.