In a Car Accident While Pregnant

CALL (800) 863-5312 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED LAS CRUCES CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Being involved in an accident while pregnant can be a nightmare.  Understanding what to do and how to respond to being involved in a wreck as an expecting mother can end up making a huge difference when it comes to the safety and well-being of you and your baby.  Understanding your rights may also help ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash while pregnant and would like to seek a settlement, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free case evaluation with our experienced Las Cruces injury attorneys.

WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT

1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

The first and most important step after being involved in a car accident is to seek appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible.  Even if the car accident was a “minor” one, it may still be in your best interests to call paramedics or visit the emergency room after a crash.  This is because even minor physical injuries, stress, and emotional trauma associated can 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.

Women who are in the third trimester or latter portion of the second trimester should also be sure to keep a close eye on potential symptoms that can occur immediately after a car accident.  The presence of any or a combination of these symptoms often means that something may be wrong. The symptoms to keep a lookout for include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Hemorrhaging
• Premature birth
• Vaginal bleeding
• Miscarriage

Other symptoms may arise hours, days, or even weeks after being involved in a car crash.  The presence of any or a combination of these symptoms should also be taken very seriously and should prompt you to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.  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 some of the most noticeable and concerning symptoms, it is important to remember to seek medical attention if you are feeling 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.

2. Document the Accident

Another important, yet often overlooked step in the process is to document the accident.  Documenting the accident means keeping an organized and running record of all files relating to the accident. This personal record of your accident may include:

• Copies of any police reports or accident reports
• Photographs of the vehicles and resulting damage
• Photographs of your injuries as a result of the accident
• Photographs of the scene of the accident
• Witness statements, if any
• Medical bills
• Pharmacy bills
• Rehabilitation bills
• Car repair estimates

By keeping a running record of these documents from the time of the accident until settlement or trial, you can strengthen the value of your claim.  This means putting yourself in a better position to prove the extent of your injuries and damages.  In contrast, failure to keep such a record may make it difficult to prove the extent of your injuries and damages, thereby damaging your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses. 

3. Contact a Car Accident Attorney

A car crash involving a pregnant woman may give rise to several causes of action which can form the basis of a lawsuit against the at-fault party.  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.  Wrongful death suits may also be an option in cases where the car crash led to the death of a viable fetus.  These types of lawsuits allow the surviving family members to sue for loss of companionship, loss of wages, and funeral expenses.

The third and final step should be to contact a car accident or personal injury attorney.  The attorney may speak with you in person or over the phone to gather information relating to the facts and circumstances of your accident and resulting injuries.  From there, the lawyer may be able to provide helpful legal advice regarding your available options.