A car accident can be a scary time for anyone involved, but it can be even worse for women who are pregnant. Sometimes even a small impact (like the abdomen hitting the steering wheel) can cause trauma to the fetus. Pregnant women who get into car accidents may be more susceptible to complications that put them at higher risk after an accident. Knowing what to do after a car accident is something everyone should know, but it’s even more important for those who are pregnant.
Go to a Doctor
You may not think you are injured after an accident, especially if it was only a small rear-ending that seems like no big deal. What you might not realize is that your fetus may have sustained an injury. You should always go to the doctor within 72 hours after the accident to make sure no complications will arise later. If emergency personnel arrive on site, be sure to inform them that you are pregnant.
Take Photos
When you are still at the accident, take photos of the scene if you are able. These can be incredibly beneficial when you file a claim with your insurance. They can prove what happened, the damage sustained and any injuries you might have gotten.
Gather Witness Statements
Witnesses are one of the best ways police and insurance investigators can determine how an accident happened. You can interview witnesses, too. Take down statements of they saw. This can help you prove that an accident was not your fault.
Get the Police Report
You should always call police after an accident. The main reason is so that a police officer can take down statements from those involved and eventually turn it into an official report that declares liability. While insurance companies may not use this report to determine who was at fault, it can help your case. You can obtain a copy from the police office itself or ask your insurance if they have already pulled it.
Common Pregnancy Injuries
There are six common injuries a pregnant woman can get in a car accident. Miscarriages and premature births have both been linked to car accidents because of the stress and trauma. Birth defects and high-risk pregnancies, which result from injuries to the mother, may occur. In more serious cases, placental abruption and fetal trauma both directly impact the baby, sometimes causing death.
Getting in a car accident while pregnant is a serious situation that you should be compensated justly for. If you run into trouble with insurance, contact a car accident lawyer in Des Moines, IA, such as from Johnston Martineau, LLP, who deals with pregnancy cases specifically.