Pregnancy is a wonderful but sometimes anxious period in a woman's life, due to the expectations and uncertainty ahead. The last thing you're expecting and want to happen is to be involved in a car accident while expecting. If this happens, you're obviously concerned about both your own injuries and those of your child, but you also want to think about your rights.

After being involved in an auto accident while pregnant, understanding your legal options and the best way to proceed with a claim for damages is important. How do you do this? Consulting with a New Jersey car accident lawyer with experience in injury-related accidents will be beneficial.

The team at Brandon J. Broderick has been representing clients across the state of New Jersey for decades. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident While Pregnant

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Dialing 911 is the first thing you should do, especially if you are, or somebody else, is injured in a serious car accident. By calling 911, you can request emergency medical assistance, after which you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

Even if your injuries appear trivial, it is important to visit your doctor to confirm there isn't anything serious that may not be immediately apparent to you. Be sure to tell the physician about the car accident and report any form of injury or symptoms (physical or emotional) you are experiencing, even if it seems insignificant.

File a Police Report

In many states, including New Jersey, you are required to report an accident. If there's damages of more than $500, it must be reported by law.

When police arrive on the scene, they will take notes about the accident and interview any additional victims or witnesses in addition to getting statements from you. Try to provide the policeman as many specifics as you can about the collision and the car.

You may even want to request a second copy of the police report for your records and personal use.

Keep Track of You and Your Baby's Condition

Your OB-GYN should monitor your condition to ensure your baby is healthy and that the car accident hasn't affected the unborn child. You should also disclose any emotional issues you are going through as a result of the accident.

Even after the child is born, you should tell your pediatrician about the accident, so they can identify any health issues quickly.

Filing a Claim After Being Hurt in a Car Accident During Pregnancy

Delaying your claim until after the delivery and the first few months of your child's life may be something you want to think about doing. Some of the accident-related problems might not become evident until your baby is born or a few months old. You are giving yourself the best chance to receive compensation for the necessary medical treatments and therapies for your child by holding off on filing your claim until the doctor can offer a medical prognosis about your child.

If you file and settle a claim before this, you cannot open it again if you later find any medical problems with you or your baby. It is important that you decline an insurance company's initial settlement offer to ensure there's not any further costs associated with the accident.

Although you might choose to wait, you shouldn't wait to begin the process. The time limit for filing a claim in New Jersey is two years from the accident date. However, there are other deadlines to be aware of.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options and the length of time you should wait.

Contact The Law Office of Brandon J. Broderick for Help

To receive the compensation you are entitled to, retaining the services of a skilled car accident lawyer is recommended. The team of attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick can offer invaluable counsel and advice to get the most out of your claim.

Having dealt with insurance companies, law enforcement, doctors, and other parties before, our team can greatly speed up your investigation and recovery process. We also work on contingency, so you do not owe us a dollar until we get you compensation, either in settlement or through a trial verdict.

For a free consultation, call us today. We are confident that we can give you the best advice and legal help to win your case.