It's scary when you're involved in a car accident, but if you or a loved one is pregnant, it can be quite dangerous. Whether it is a high- and low-impact collision, there is the potential to injure a fetus. Car accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic fetal injury or death.

Getting into an accident while pregnant can cause you anxiety and worry, but there are steps to take and we will outline these in the following article.

However, if you've been injured in a New York car accident and need legal assistance, our NY personal injury lawyers can provide you with the support you need. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has the experience and expertise to help.

Typical Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents While Pregnant

Although the womb is designed to protect a developing child, it can only do so much in the event of a car accident. It happens a lot more than you may think. There are around 200,000 pregnant women involved in car accidents each year. Injuries can happen to both the mother and unborn child.

If you are pregnant and were hurt in a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. This applies even if you don't believe you were hurt. Injuries sustained in low-impact accidents may go unnoticed and affect a mother or child for the rest of their lives. Common injuries suffered by a woman that is pregnant, includes:

Placental Abruption 

After a car accident, one of the most common causes of fetal losses is placental abruption, which happens in 1 to 5% of low-impact accidents and in 20 to 50% of severe ones. Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.

Car accidents can cause sudden force on a person's body, which can result in the fetus to suddenly detach from the uterus, either fully or partially. The abruption may also be brought on by the pressure of an airbag, steering wheel, or seatbelt during a collision. This is a medical emergency that can require intensive care, including an emergency c-section if the baby is in distress, regardless of the mother's stage of pregnancy.

Uterine Rupture

Uterine ruptures are rare but can occur when a pregnant woman's uterus tears or ruptures in a car accident. The high fetal death rate associated with this condition stems from the baby's lack of oxygen in the womb when there is a tear. This makes the condition very dangerous. If this occurs, doctors and emergency response teams must act swiftly to deliver a baby.

Trauma to the Fetus

If an object, such as a seat belt or steering wheel, strikes the fetus directly while it is still inside the mother, immediate trauma could occur. For instance, your child may be at risk for brain damage or other birth abnormalities following the collision if their head was in close proximity to the steering wheel during the crash and they had head trauma.

Miscarriage

Sometimes, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus experiences severe trauma that causes a miscarriage. When a pregnant woman is involved in a car accident, there are warning indications that she may miscarry, such as:

  • Vaginal hemorrhage or spotting
  • Cramping in abdomen or lower back
  • Unusual fluid emerging from the vagina
  • Loss of pregnancy symptoms in the days after the accident.

You could be able to sue them for negligence if you think your miscarriage was caused by the car accident.

After a NY Car Accident: What Do You Do?

Being pregnant and being involved in a car accident is scary. While there are some important steps to take after an accident, medical attention should be the very first thing you do if you are pregnant. Expecting mothers want to ensure they or their unborn child is not hurt.

Here are six steps to take to strengthen your case, regardless of how serious the accident is:

Regardless of how serious the accident was, it is much more crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Notifying your doctor of any medical emergencies will enable you to receive the attention you and your child require.

Lose A Pregnancy in an NY Car Accident? Our Lawyers Can Help

The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at law are here to assist you, regardless of whether you suffered injuries in a car accident or your unborn child suffered injuries or worse. Our NY car accident lawyers will help you every step of the way. We have years of expertise in litigating claims involving personal injury in NY and NJ.

For a free consultation and further information, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Posted by: Brandon J. Bro…
Date: Thu, 04/11/2024 - 16:47

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