Being in a car accident is scary for anyone. But for pregnant women, a car crash brings added risks and concerns. If you’re pregnant and have been in an auto accident in Arizona, you need to understand your rights and know what to do next. This guide covers key issues related to car accidents involving expecting moms in AZ.
Potential Injuries for Pregnant Accident Victims
When a pregnant woman is involved in a car accident, both she and her unborn baby are at risk for serious injuries. Some potential injuries include:
- Placental abruption – This is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall. It can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, and lead to premature birth or stillbirth.
- Preterm labor and delivery – The stress of an accident can cause a pregnant woman to go into early labor. Babies born too soon may have underdeveloped lungs, brain bleeding, infections, and other problems.
- Broken bones – Car crashes can easily break bones in pregnant women. Fractured hips, ribs, and other bones can be especially dangerous.
- Blunt abdominal trauma – Direct hits to the abdomen can damage organs and cause internal bleeding. This can harm both the mother and fetus.
- Spinal cord injuries – Whiplash and other spinal trauma from a crash may occur. This can result in paralysis below the site of the injury.
Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
If you’re pregnant and have been in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical care right away. Always call 911 after a major crash. Even if you don’t have obvious injuries, you need an evaluation to check on your baby.
Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor to get thoroughly examined. You may need tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays, and bloodwork to check for internal damage. Ongoing monitoring for several hours is often necessary to ensure you and your baby are stable.
Document All Injuries After an Accident
Make sure to document all of your injuries after an auto accident. This includes obvious things like cuts and bruises. But also document less noticeable issues like headaches, abdominal pain, muscle soreness, and emotional distress. Having a written record can help prove damages later.
Photograph any visible injuries too. Over the next days and weeks, take regular pictures as you recover. This shows how the injuries change over time.
See a High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist
After an accident, ask your OB-GYN for a referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. These high-risk pregnancy doctors can provide specialized care to you and your baby. They may recommend things like:
- Daily fetal movement counts and nonstress tests to check the baby’s health.
- Regular ultrasounds to monitor the fetus and placenta.
- Pelvic rest to avoid contractions and early labor.
- Medications to stop preterm contractions.
- Extra growth scans to ensure the baby is developing normally after trauma.
- Early delivery if the fetus shows signs of distress.
These experts can help promote the best possible outcome for both you and your child.
How Car Accidents Can Impact Your Pregnancy
Car crashes can have both short and long-term effects on pregnant accident victims. Some potential consequences include:
- Hospitalization for mothers and babies who suffer severe injuries
- Bed rest and inability to work if recovering from injuries
- Early delivery or emergency C-section
- Physical therapy and rehab for broken bones, head/brain injuries, and other trauma
- Extended NICU stay for premature infants to treat breathing problems, low birth weight, infections, and other complications
- Lifelong disabilities in children with brain damage, cerebral palsy, or other permanent conditions
Pregnancy-related car accident injuries can disrupt families financially and emotionally. They also have the potential to affect a child’s entire life.
Recovering Damages After a Car Accident While Pregnant
If you’re pregnant and injured in an auto accident caused by another driver, you have legal rights to recover damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses for care during and after pregnancy
- Loss of income from missed work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering damages
- Compensation for a child’s lifelong disabilities if the accident caused impairment
To receive a financial settlement, work with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help determine fault and negligence in the crash. An attorney can also manage negotiations with insurance companies and pursue compensation through a lawsuit if needed.
Many law firms provide free case reviews and won’t collect fees unless they win damages for you. So, don’t delay in contacting one for help after an accident.
Protect Your Rights
Don’t let an at-fault driver get away with harming you or your baby. Know your legal options and don’t settle for less than you deserve. Arizona accident victims have every right to hold negligent motorists fully accountable.
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident in Arizona, call Monge & Associates today for your free consultation at (888) 477-0597. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you and your family recover the maximum compensation available in your case. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Arizona, Alabama, and Florida, we have helped thousands of accident victims across the country get justice. Contact us today to schedule your free case review.