If a woman who is involved in a car accident in Georgia is pregnant, there is cause for concern for both her unborn child and herself. You are entitled to hold the at-fault party accountable for any injuries you have sustained, as well as any damages to your unborn child in case you were pregnant when you were in a car crash. Along with pregnant mothers, Massey Law has years of experience in helping victims of car accidents.
As per the data reported by The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Georgia traffic deaths increased dramatically in 2015 after steadily decreasing since 2006, and went upward again in the following year. In 2016, the state of Georgia lost 1,554 lives to road accidents (an 8.5% increase from 2015).
Risks During the Initial Stages of Pregnancy:
At any point in your pregnancy, there are various risks associated with your health, which are somewhat mitigated during the early stages. Within the first twelve weeks of the pregnancy, traveling in a car is generally safer than when you are further along during the first trimester. The fetus is less susceptible to sudden jolts and stops and has greater protection from the effects of the crash if occurred during the first trimester.
You may sustain greater injuries yourself during the second trimester when the fetus is still fairly well protected from the effects of a crash. Such injuries could end up having an adverse impact on your unborn child if they are severe enough. Any car accident in which you are injured can have a negative impact on the mother as well as the unborn child, regardless of which trimester they are in.
Possible Pregnancy Complications After a Collision:
When being pregnant, some of the common health complications that may arise after being the victim of a Georgia car accident are as follows:
- Early labor
- Miscarriage
- Severe bleeding, both external and internal
- Birth defects
- The maternal shock that occurs when a large amount of blood is lost, and the heart cannot operate properly
- Placental disruption, which is when your placenta detaches itself from the wall of the uterus prematurely. This event may lead to the fetal death of the unborn child.
- Contrecoup injuries, which pressurizes your body by violently forcing it in one direction before abruptly snapping back in the other.
- Uterine rupture is extremely harmful to the unborn child as it spontaneously tears the uterus in the event of a collision.
Car Accident Symptoms to Look Out for When Pregnant:
Following are a few red flags to keep in check when you are injured in an impact:
- Pain in your pelvic region
- Any fluid discharging from the vagina
- Losing consciousness before or after the accident
- Severe headaches
- Bleeding vagina
- Chills and/or fever
- Swelling of your face
- Abdominal pain
- Any cessation or change in your baby’s movements
- Vomiting that seems to be unrelated to morning sickness
Any of these signs could be an indication of severe injuries to the baby or you. Contact your obstetrician if you experience any of these symptoms and seek urgent medical treatment right away.
Ways for Pregnant Drivers to Protect Themselves:
Ideally, it would be best if women avoid driving in the phase of their pregnancy. However, it would just not be feasible. Here are a few tips to note when you have to drive especially in the third trimester:
- Wear your seatbelt correctly. Place the lap belt above your hips and under your abdomen. Also, ensure that your shoulder belt is above your abdomen and across the chest
- Avoid getting behind the wheel if feasible. Being driven by a friend or family member minimizes the chances of you or the baby getting hurt
- Move your seat back while driving. You must do everything you can to prevent yourself from being pressed against the steering wheel
What to Do After the Crash?
- Save all your pay stubs, medical records, and bills. Such documentation assists in analyzing the nature of your injuries and keeps a record of the financial losses you have sustained.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Defying your doctor’s orders can provide ammunition to insurers to have you settled for a smaller payout, along with putting you or your unborn baby in danger.
- Keep track of your fluctuations in pain and how you suffered the injuries. Preserve documentation and pictures from the scene of impact and any other details you may be able to remember.
Consult an Attorney to Tackle Your Case of a Car Accident in Georgia:
We are here for you anytime if you need our help with something. Contact us immediately so that we may take care of your car accident in Georgia.