Being pregnant comes with risks, and one that often gets overlooked is car accidents. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, car accidents are the top cause of fetal injury and mortality. About 200,000 pregnant women are injured in car accidents every year.
When an expectant mother is driving and gets into an accident, it does not have to be serious to cause life-changing injuries. Although there are debates about how safe it is for pregnant women to wear seat belts, many experts feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.
If the fetus is injured, it could result in cognitive problems and other birth defects; premature births also come with a much higher risk of disability. If the expectant mother’s abdomen is impacted, if could cause a placental abruption; this is when the placenta gets detached from the uterine wall, possibly leading to uncontrolled bleeding, miscarriage, or early delivery. Unexpected blood loss can also cause oxygen deprivation for the baby.
How Can Pregnant Women Stay Safe While Driving?
A seat belt should be worn, with the lap belt above the hips and under the abdomen. The shoulder belt should rest across the chest and above the abdomen. The seat should also be moved as far back from the steering wheel as possible.
Expectant mothers should also put their cellphones on Do Not Disturb mode, plan out their routes in advance, and keep water and snacks in the car when driving. If there are passengers in the vehicle, distractions should be kept to a minimum. When an expectant mother’s young children are fighting or causing other problems, the wisest move is to pull over in a safe location and calm everyone down.
What Should a Pregnant Woman Do After an Accident?
Pregnant women should get a copy of their accident report and save all of their medical records, invoices, receipts, and any other documentation pertaining to their treatment. It is vital to follow the doctor’s orders too, otherwise the insurance company can fight a claim.
Keeping a detailed journal about the accident and what transpired afterwards is also a good idea. It is easy to forget important details that could be pertinent to your case.
If your claim has been challenged, you may want to reach out to a qualified car accident lawyer.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Injured Pregnant Drivers and Their Babies
A car accident can cause injury to a pregnant woman and her child. One of our experienced Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help if you have been injured in a collision. For an initial consultation, call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.