Car accidents are a harrowing experience for anyone, but when you’re pregnant, the stakes are even higher. Not only do you have to worry about your health and safety, but also that of your unborn child.
Understanding the potential risks and how to reduce them can make a significant difference. Additionally, working with a Texas car accident legal team can help you navigate the legal process.
As a Texas car accident attorney, Stephen Stewart offers legal guidance and hope, ensuring you and your baby’s rights are protected and advocating for the peace of mind you deserve.
The Risks of Car Accidents During Pregnancy in Texas
The stress and trauma of being involved in a car crash or accident can have long-lasting effects on the mental health of the mother and the overall health of the baby in the womb. Even issues that may seem minor, like soft tissue damage, can still lead to severe consequences.
The primary and most serious risks associated with car accidents during pregnancy include the following:
1. Preterm Birth
Preterm birth, defined as the delivery of a baby before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, can result in significant health issues or, in extreme cases, the loss of the baby. In Texas, approximately 10% of babies are born preterm, a figure that escalates substantially for pregnant women involved in car accidents. However, timely medical intervention can sometimes prevent these outcomes.
2. Placental Abruption
This condition involves the detachment of the placenta from the uterus before childbirth, a scenario that dramatically increases the likelihood of fetal demise. A car accident’s force can inflict abdominal injuries on a pregnant woman, potentially leading to this condition.
3. High-Risk Pregnancy
Following a car accident, a pregnant woman may require extensive monitoring due to the elevated risks associated with her pregnancy, similar to those faced by women with preexisting medical conditions. The accident’s impact can lead to increased medical expenses and complications during pregnancy.
4. Uterine Injury
Pregnancy enlarges the uterus, making it more susceptible to damage from the forceful impacts of a car crash. Such trauma can endanger the lives of both the fetus and the mother. For example, a uterine rupture nearly always results in fetal death, and there is a significant mortality risk for the mother as well.
5. Miscarriage
While the amniotic fluid protects the fetus, severe abdominal trauma from a car accident can be fatal and can induce a miscarriage.
Consulting with a qualified attorney promptly to discuss the details of your situation is the most advisable step to understand your legal options.
How to Reduce Your Risk of a Car Crash While Pregnant
- Always wear your seatbelt properly, positioning the lap belt under your belly and across your hips and the shoulder belt across your chest between your breasts.
- Ensure you use both a lap belt and a shoulder strap when securing your seatbelt — avoid placing the lap belt over your midsection.
- Adjust the lap belt to sit beneath your belly, laying it across your upper thighs.
- Align the shoulder strap to cross the middle of your chest, allowing it to secure you firmly yet comfortably against the seat.
- Maintain a distance of at least ten inches between yourself and the dashboard or steering wheel to minimize the risk of injury.
- Avoid driving during peak traffic hours or adverse weather conditions to enhance safety.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, with up-to-date safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone or eating, to keep your full attention on the road.
Types of Compensation Available for Pregnant Women in Texas
If you are pregnant and have been involved in an accident in Texas, you might qualify for various forms of compensation, including the following:
- Coverage for medical expenses
- Compensation for lost earnings
- Damages for pain and suffering
Coverage for medical expenses can help with the costs of your prenatal care and any treatments needed due to the accident.
It is essential to understand that to receive compensation for your injuries, you need to establish the fault of another party in the accident. This emphasizes the importance of holding negligent drivers responsible.
What are My Options if the Car Accident Caused Me to Miscarry?
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage as a result of injuries from a car accident, you may have the grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Seeking assistance from a car accident attorney in Texas with experience in cases involving pregnant victims can enable you to take legal action against the responsible party.
How a Texas Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Finding the right attorney for your case is critical for maximizing your compensation, especially in situations involving pregnant victims of car accidents in Texas.
It’s essential to seek a lawyer with specific experience and a proven history of handling similar cases. The ideal attorney should be well-versed in the complexities of the legal landscape as it pertains to car accidents impacting pregnant individuals.
When scouting for a Texas car accident attorney skilled in representing pregnant victims, prioritize assessing their success rate and experience in such matters. Opt for an attorney who possesses a thorough understanding of the medical considerations required for a pregnant woman post-accident, along with an adept knowledge of insurance company practices regarding victim compensation.
Feel free to inquire about their past experiences and credentials. This will guide you toward choosing an attorney who aligns with your needs and best interests.
Contact Us at The Stewart Law Firm Today!
Being involved in a car accident while pregnant in Texas can be an incredibly frightening experience. Contact us today at The Stewart Law Firm to discover how we can guide you through the legal process and assist in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
