According to a car accident lawyer Philadelphia trusts to litigate high value cases, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to injury during a car accident. Car accidents are the single largest cause of traumatic fetal injury and death. In the US, nearly 200,000 pregnant women are involved in car accidents annually and up to 5,000 of those accidents result in loss of the fetus. In this article, a car accident lawyer Philadelphia relies on for pregnancy associated car accidents will answer some common questions injuries from car accidents while pregnant and present your legal options.
What are Common Pregnancy Injuries from a Car Accident?
Pregnant women and their unborn children are at high risk of injury during a car accident. Injuries that occur can have an adverse outcome on the pregnancy and harm the fetus. The following are some injuries that pregnant women can sustain during a car accident that can cause injury to their unborn child.
Fetal Trauma – fetal trauma is when the fetus suffers a physical injury directly from the accident. Examples of fetal trauma includes when the fetus is struct by an airbag or seatbelt and suffers a head injury.
Maternal Shock – A pregnant woman who is severely hurt during a car accident suffer from hypovolemic shock that occurs from blood loss. In this situation, the mother’s body reserves the remaining blood for essential organs and there is grave risk of fetal loss.
Placental Abruption – This injury occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prior to birth. This injury can restrict blood flow and the baby’s supply of oxygen. This injury is the most common serious car accident injury for pregnant women, occurring in up to 50% of high impact accidents.
Uterine Rupture – this emergency occurs when the pregnant woman’s uterus tears or ruptures. It has a high fetal mortality rate because the fetus is not able to obtain oxygen. Without immediate action to deliver the baby, permanent injury or death may occur.
Seeking Medical Care
A car accident lawyer Philadelphia counts on advises that pregnant women seek medical care after any time of car accident. A physician or medical provider can determine if the car accident resulted in pregnancy complications. Depending on the severity of your injuries, labor may need to be induced. Or, the physician may refer to you to a high risk specialist for the duration of your pregnancy.
Can a Car Crash Cause a Miscarriage?
Car accidents are traumatic events that can put a pregnant woman at risk for a miscarriage. Pressure from the seat belt or the force of an airbag is sometimes enough trauma to result in fetal loss.
Can I Sue If a Car Accident Hurt My Fetus or Caused a Miscarriage?
It may be possible to sue if a car accident result in fetal injury or death. You may be able to sue for:
- Medical expenses suffered because of the accident
- Lost income or earning capacity if your unborn child was disabled because of the car accident
- Lost income of mother
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Wrongful death of a viable fetus
The Wieand Law Firm is known for the experienced car accident lawyers Philadelphia relies on for these types of claims. Our legal team fervently advocates for accident victims and seeks compensation for their injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
Call the Wieand Law Firm, LLC Today!
Contact the Wieand Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation regarding personal injuries suffered during a car accident. Our lawyers take the time to understand your situation, provide a thorough investigation of the facts surrounding your case, and seek the highest compensation possible for your injuries. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only earn a fee if we win money for you. Call 215-666-7777 or send us a message via the online form to speak directly with an attorney.
