Car accidents can be extremely scary. No matter who you are, your level of experience, or your length of time behind the wheel, you can be involved in one. But while anyone and everyone is susceptible to a car accident, some groups of people are at greater risk of injury than others: pregnant women. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, when you are in a car accident while pregnant, it’s very important to understand your legal rights, potential insurance claims, and that which is best for you and your unborn child.
The Increased Danger of Risk for Pregnant Car Accident Victims
Car accidents can cause sudden movements and serious bodily injury due to the force often involved. However, serious injury is not exclusive to serious accidents. People can be seriously injured in a car accident that didn’t seem “that bad.” Compounding the situation is the fact that sometime injuries do not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident. Because of this, many people refrain from seeking medical attention right away. But that’s why anyone involved in an accident should receive medical care – regardless of how minor they may believe it to have been.
Pregnant women and their unborn children are at an increased risk of suffering serious or even life-threatening injuries after a car accident. Such injuries include:
- Pre-term labor
- Beginning of high-risk pregnancy
- Internal bleeding
- Miscarriage
- Placental abruption
- Birth defects
Because of this, pregnant women will likely be transported via ambulance to the nearest emergency department. Unfortunately, this does not mean that she will be seen by an obstetrician. Regardless of how she feels, a pregnant woman should always receive a complete exam after an accident. This care would likely include fetal monitoring and additional appointments with specialists. This is so important, as finding complications earlier can be extremely helpful in saving the lives of the mother and baby.
While you can’t always prevent a car accident, there are a few things that you can do to protect your rights and the rights of your unborn child after one:
- Obtain adequate Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage
- Always seek medical care (even if you feel “ok”–just to be safe)
- Immediately notify your insurance company of the accident and file a no-fault claim to cover any medical bills incurred (and other benefits if you are seriously injured).
The Attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should not have to be bear the burden alone. When you are already dealing with so much, the last thing that you want to do is to have to worry about tackling the legalities of your situation.
The Michigan personal injury attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. can help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. We understand the seriousness of an injury to you and your unborn child, as well as the emotional, and financial hardships that you have endured (and will continue to endure). We will gather the necessary evidence and build a case to help you receive the most optimal outcome. We’ll help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!