Car accidents and pregnancy can both be intimidating, scary and give you so many unknown feelings. The good news is you can be prepared for the chance you are in an accident during your pregnancy. There are some important things you should remember for the chance you are in a car accident while pregnant.
Always Wear a Seatbelt
One of the best ways to prevent injury to both you and your baby is to wear a seatbelt. It may seem like a simple gesture, but it could save a life, possibly two. You should also follow all traffic laws and pay attention to the drivers around you to stay as safe as possible.
Seek Medical Help After an Accident
If you are involved in a car accident while you are pregnant, and you don’t feel any pain or injuries, you should still seek medical help. Even a minor bump can cause the placenta and uterus to become separated. Even with so much protection in the womb, nothing can protect against this type of separation. Some other issues that can occur include miscarriage, pre-term labor, internal bleeding, hemorrhaging and certain birth defects. To lessen the chances of these problems, you need to go straight to the emergency room.
Follow Up With Your Obstetrician
After you have seen emergency medical providers, you should contact your obstetrician. While emergency room doctors do know what they’re doing, it’s best you see someone who is familiar with you and your pregnancy thus far. There’s also a possibility you could experience complications at a later date, and if your doctor is already aware of your accident, he or she will be better prepared to handle the complications.
Don’t Neglect the Legalities
While your baby will be first on your priority list, don’t neglect the legalities that come with being in a car accident. You should call the authorities so they can make a report of the accident. You should also strive to collect evidence that shows what caused the accident. This could include witness statements and photographs. You can also collect contact information for both the other driver and any witnesses.
Remember to contact your insurance company to report your accident. You don’t have to file a claim right away, and you don’t even have to explain any of the details. Simply reporting the accident is good enough for now.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer
After a car accident in which you are pregnant, you should get in touch with a lawyer to help you take the necessary steps. When you and baby have been properly taken care of, you can focus on the case with the help of your attorney. Call a car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee from Patterson Bray, today to get started.