What to Know About Being in a Car Accident While Pregnant

What’s frightening about car accidents is that not only are they common (more than 6 million occur in the United States every year), but they also can happen to anyone, anywhere, and they can cause serious injuries. Some of these injuries, including burns, spinal cord injuries, and brain trauma, can be debilitating and change the way a person lives their life.

Drivers and passengers who are pregnant, however, face even greater risks of injury when they’re involved in a car accident, and both their life and their unborn child’s life are at stake. According to a report from Reuters, pregnant women are 42% more likely to be involved in an auto accident that sent them to the emergency room, compared to when they weren’t carrying a baby.

It’s important to be aware of the dangers of pregnancy injuries and general car safety tips so you can do what you can to avoid being seriously injured in a car accident.

Common injuries that pregnant car accident victims sustain include:

• High-risk pregnancies: When there are complications with the baby or the parent that require treatment and monitoring, these pregnancies are categorized as “high risk.” When someone is injured in a car accident while pregnant, they may require extensive medical treatment so a doctor can ensure the child hasn’t been impacted.
• Placental abruption: When someone sustains abdominal trauma in a car accident while pregnant, this can increase their chances of placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus before the baby is born. This can prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the baby and is extremely dangerous.
• Premature birth: Studies have shown that there are elevated rates of preterm labor among car accident victims. Premature birth can lead to disabilities in children, death, or require extensive medical treatment and observation.
• Miscarriage: In serious car accidents, babies may not be able to survive the trauma. While unborn babies are protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid, and more, a hard blow or jolt is enough to cause damage. Individuals who have lost their baby in a miscarriage can file a personal injury claim for pain and suffering.
• Uterine injury: The uterus can be easily injured due to it being enlarged during pregnancy, and abdominal injuries caused by a car accident can even cause uterine rupture. Uterine injuries can result in internal bleeding that threatens both the parent and the child.

How to Wear Your Seat Belt

Many pregnant individuals wonder if it’s truly safe to wear their seat belt normally when riding in a vehicle. While it’s important for people to wear seat belts, including pregnant people, it’s even more crucial that you know how to wear it correctly.

If you’re pregnant, the lap belt should be secure under your stomach, touching your thighs. You should never strap the belt over or across your stomach, and you should always have the shoulder strap rest between your breasts. If the belt goes over your belly button, it’s too high. If you’re driving, it’s best to be aware of keeping your stomach a safe distance from the airbag.

Your Family’s Safety is Our Priority

At the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser, our car accident attorney has more than 25 years of experience helping injured clients recover from their injuries. Recognized among peers and throughout the state, our law firm can be trusted to handle your case with professionalism and care. We’re well-versed on traffic safety laws, state regulations, and comparative negligence laws, all of which give us the competitive edge needed to strengthen your claim and ensure that negligent drivers don’t get away with their wrongful actions.

Car accident injuries can be expensive to treat and result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, as well as property damage and lost wages. We aim to recover all of this and more so your health and future remain secure.

Contact the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser online or by phone at (661) 441-3446 today for a free consultation after a car accident. Our team can offer compassionate care during this painful and emotionally challenging experience.