Car Accident Lawyer

Getting in a car accident is serious enough on its own, but getting in one while pregnant can be substantially scarier because of concern for the delicate fetus. Ideally, minimizing your time in a car during pregnancy would be the safest option, but with today’s busy commuter world, this is something most women can’t afford do.

Following traffic laws and constantly being a defensive driver wary of hazards are important to ensuring your safety, but sometimes accidents can’t be avoided. If you find yourself in one, it’s important to know what to do following the accident. Here are some things to consider if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you think you haven’t been seriously injured, it’s important to have a doctor examine you. Some symptoms may not appear right away, and there could be a problem that hasn’t yet come to your attention. Even light bruising to your stomach could mean the fetus has suffered trauma that may result in fetal mortality or disabilities after birth.

Other injuries are more serious to the safety of both the mother and fetus. In the case of an accident, placental abruption is far more likely to occur, where the placenta becomes detached from the uterine wall. This cuts off the fetus’s life support from the mother and causes internal bleeding that could be life-threatening to her. In hemorrhaging cases, the woman may go into shock, and her body will divert blood away from areas it finds unessential, such as the uterus and limbs, to important life-sustaining organs. The chances of fetal mortality are greatly increased in these situations.

Watch out for Later Symptoms

Even if you’ve already been checked by a doctor following the accident, be on the lookout for unusual symptoms later. Dizziness, vomiting, pain in the abdomen or shoulder, fever, chills, aches, or a notable cease in fetal movement can all be indicators that an injury has gone unnoticed.

Consult with a Lawyer

No matter who is at fault, you should consult with a car accident lawyer to discuss your next steps. If you or your fetus were injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim to gain compensation for your extra medical expenses and suffering. Since pregnant women are likely to spend even more time seeking medical consultation and aid, they may be entitled to greater compensation than the insurance company is willing to admit.

You do your best to ensure the health of yourself and your baby, but an accident may be unavoidable. Ensuring the financial wellbeing of your future family is essential, so never hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer in Lakeland, FL if you feel something is amiss or that you might deserve greater compensation.

Thanks to David & Philpot, P.L. for their insight into personal injury claims and car accidents when pregnant.