A car accident during pregnancy can be a traumatic experience for both the expectant mother.
Being involved in a vehicle collision while pregnant can be emotionally and physically draining, especially if you are injured. Additionally, the stress of worrying about your unborn baby’s health can be overwhelming.
It is thus important to understand your rights and options following such an incident. This blog post provides information on your legal rights after a car accident while pregnant, as well as advice on what you need to do to protect yourself, your unborn baby, and your family. We will also explain the role of insurance companies in these types of cases and how an experienced Austin car accident lawyer can help you.
The Special Considerations of Car Accidents While Pregnant
If you are pregnant and are involved in a car accident, there are certain considerations that you should keep in mind. First, you should be aware that any injury to the abdomen can be especially detrimental to both mother and baby.
Second, some medical conditions that may develop as a result of an accident during pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose or may require specialized medical care. Third, depending on the severity of the accident, there may be long-term effects on the mother’s physical and emotional health. Finally, any medical bills you accrue related to the accident must be addressed in a timely manner.
It is important to seek out experienced legal representation if you have been involved in a car accident while pregnant. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that any claims are properly handled. They can also help ensure that you get proper coverage for your medical bills and other damages resulting from the accident.
Recognizing the Signs of Trauma Following an Accident
If you were in an automobile accident while pregnant, it is important to understand the potential trauma you and your unborn baby may experience. Trauma can take many forms, both physically and emotionally. Signs of trauma may include:
- Physical* Signs. While some physical signs—such as muscle aches, whiplash or concussion—may be immediate following the accident, they can also manifest over time, such as chronic back pain or headaches due to neck strain.
- Mental Health Symptoms. Trauma can also manifest in anxiety and/or depression, including feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, irritability and more.
- Self-Neglect. In some cases, accident victims may cope with their emotions by avoiding medical care or attending routine prenatal appointments for the sake of their unborn child’s health.
By understanding the potential signs of trauma from an automobile accident while pregnant, you can better recognize when it’s time to seek medical help or legal guidance from an experienced car accident injury lawyer.
Preventing Fetal Injuries in Car Accidents
No matter how careful you are, car accidents are still a risk. Still, you can take special precautions when driving while pregnant.
Seatbelt Positioning
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that pregnant women wear a lap and shoulder belt and keep the lap belt as low on the hips as possible across your pelvic bones - never over your belly. That way, the shoulder belt will fit correctly over your shoulder, across your chest and under your growing belly.
Airbag Placement
Airbags provide an additional layer of protection when driving, however it is important to adjust where they sit on the seat. The NHTSA suggests moving the vehicle's seat backward, so that at least 10 inches of room exists between you and the airbag module - with airbags that close to you during an accident, it can put excessive force on your baby. It is also important to keep in mind that children should not ride in front-seat positions as long as an active airbag is installed in a vehicle.
By taking these measures to protect yourself and your baby during a car accident, you can minimize any potential for fetal injuries: something that no one wants to have to worry about when driving while pregnant.
Current Laws and Regulations in Singapore Pertaining to Pregnant Drivers
In Singapore, pregnant drivers are legally allowed to drive their vehicles. However, they must be aware of the laws and regulations that apply while they are carrying a passenger under the age of 12 or if they are alone in the vehicle and visibly pregnant. Pregnant drivers must take extra precautions when driving to ensure the safety of both themselves and their unborn child.
The Singapore Traffic Police has laid out several laws and regulations for pregnant drivers:
- If you are alone in the car and visibly pregnant, you must always wear a seatbelt.
- When carrying children aged twelve or younger as passengers, you must install a suitable car seat to ensure their safety.
- You should avoid making long journeys while pregnant, as fatigue may impair your ability to drive safely.
- You should always inform your doctor if you plan on driving while pregnant, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any other medical condition that could affect your driving ability.
- Lastly, you should take frequent breaks during long drives to ensure that you remain alert and focused on the road ahead.
Understanding Compensatory Damages Related to a Car Accident While Pregnant
If you have experienced a car accident while pregnant, you may be eligible for compensatory damages to cover your medical expenses, emotional distress and more. Compensatory damages are designed to provide financial compensation for losses due to an incident or injury.
Depending on your circumstances, compensatory damages may cover:
- Medical bills: Costs associated with the treatment of any injury related to the car accident, such as hospital bills and doctor’s visits.
- Lost wages: Any money you lost due to missed work due to your injury from the car accident.
- Pain and suffering: Usually figured by multiplying medical costs by a set amount, this award is meant to compensate physical pain, emotional anguish or other forms of suffering resulting from the car accident while pregnant.
- Property damage: Damages related to the property damage caused by the car accident while pregnant can also be reimbursed through compensatory damages awards.
Seeking Medical and Legal Advice After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident while pregnant, it is highly recommended to seek medical and legal advice as soon as possible. While it may seem overwhelming or intimidating, seeking experienced counsel can help protect you and your unborn child's rights after such a traumatic experience.
Medical Advice
First and foremost, receiving medical care should be your priority. You may have visible injuries such as cuts or bruises, or you may be experiencing internal injuries that are not obvious right away. Typically, physicians will monitor the baby’s heart rate and movement after the incident to ensure that the baby is safe and healthy.
Legal Advice
Once your health is taken care of, it is important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in car accidents involving pregnant women. Seeking legal advice will protect your rights and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages caused by the accident. A lawyer can also help construct your case by gathering evidence from police reports, witness statements, photo documentation and more.
Reach Out To Fletcher Law For Help With A Car Accident Case
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident during pregnancy, you need the help of an experienced car accident attorney. At Fletcher Law, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal services for those who have been injured in a car accident. Our team is dedicated to serving those in our community who require legal counsel and representation for car accidents related to pregnancy.
When you contact Fletcher Law, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Our attorneys will review your case and advise on the best course of action. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the fair compensation that is rightfully owed to you.
We understand how daunting it can be to put your trust into an unknown lawyer, so we make sure to provide the highest quality of service and advice. Our attorneys have decades of experience successfully defending individuals and families in car accident cases involving pregnancies. We will guide you every step of the way, making sure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.
We invite you to contact Fletcher Law today if you require assistance with a car accident while pregnant case. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your case and will ensure that your legal rights are properly represented in court proceedings.