Were you or was your partner involved in a motor vehicle collision while pregnant? That can be extremely stressful and frightening. Immediate medical attention is a must to protect the health, safety, and well-being of both the expecting mother and the fetus. Here, our Marietta car accident lawyer explains what you should do if you were involved in a crash while pregnant in Georgia.
Know the Stats: Car Accident While Pregnant
Alarmingly, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of trauma during pregnancy. In fact, the official data shows that crashes account for a significant share of injury-related hospitalizations among pregnant women. Even low-speed collisions can transmit force to the uterus and placenta. According to data from Safe Ride 4 Kids, nearly 1 in 250 women who get pregnant will be involved in a reportable collision during the course of their pregnancy. For reference, that means that there are approximately 14,400 pregnant women who are involved in car wrecks nationwide each year.
Steps to Take If You Are Involved in a Car Accident While Pregnant in Georgia
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Call the Police
You should also stop your vehicle and remain at the scene of a motor vehicle collision unless there is a medical emergency. If you are involved in a car accident while pregnant in Georgia, stop your vehicle immediately and remain at the scene if it is safe to do so. You should call 911 and request law enforcement and emergency medical assistance. A police report creates an official record of how the crash occurred, the parties involved, and any observed injuries. It is a document that will be very important for any car accident injury claim that you may have.
Step #2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Always seek medical care after a crash during pregnancy, even if you feel fine. Trauma can trigger placental abruption, fetal distress, or preterm labor without immediate symptoms. Emergency providers can monitor fetal heart rate, uterine activity, and maternal vitals. The health of the pregnant woman and the child is the top priority after a car crash in Georgia. Professional medical attention is a must. Notably, medical records will be required to support any legal claim.
Step #3: Document the Scene of the Crash
If your condition allows, document the accident scene before leaving. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Among other things, you should collect the names and contact information of witnesses. Beyond that, you should also write down what happened while the details are fresh, including the time, location, and direction of travel.
Step #4: Consult With Your OBGYN and/or Pregnancy Team
The simple reality is that pregnant women face additional health and safety risks. For that reason, it is important to follow up with your OBGYN or pregnancy care team as soon as possible after the crash. Emergency care addresses immediate risks, but your provider understands your pregnancy history and baseline status. Ongoing monitoring may be necessary to detect delayed complications. Your care team can also document whether the crash caused changes in fetal development, pregnancy symptoms, or delivery planning.
Step #5: Notify Your Own Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible after a crash. You should do so even if the other driver appears at fault for the crash. Georgia policies often require timely notice. Stick to basic facts and avoid speculation about injuries or fault. Do not give a recorded statement without understanding the consequences. Your insurer may provide medical payments or other benefits that apply regardless of fault.
Step #6: Seek Professional Legal Representation
Car accident claims involving pregnancy carry heightened medical and financial exposure. Future care, delivery complications, and neonatal outcomes may all be at issue. An experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer can coordinate medical evidence, address insurer tactics, and calculate full damages. A top-rated Marietta, GA car accident attorney can help you determine the best path forward. It is best to work with a lawyer who has experience representing pregnant victims.
Pregnant Women in Car Accidents Need Full and Fair Compensation
In Georgia, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. Do not rely on any defendant or insurance company to look out for your best interests after a bad crash. Insurers want to settle claims for less, potentially even for mere pennies on the dollar. Our Marietta, GA auto accident lawyer is committed to helping pregnant car accident victims secure the maximum compensation, including for:
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Pregnancy complications;
- Harm to a fetus;
- Loss of wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability/disfigurement;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of a fetus; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Car Accident Victims Trust The Persons Law Firm
Dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash is stressful, especially if you or your loved one was pregnant at the time of the crash. At The Persons Firm, LLC, we are a boutique law firm that puts injured victims first. A proactive approach is the best approach to personal injury claims. With more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts, our case results tell the story best. Your initial consultation with our Marietta car accident attorney for pregnant women is free and confidential.
Contact Our Marietta Car Accident Lawyer for Pregnant Women Today
At The Persons Firm, LLC, our Marietta auto accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle pregnancy crash claims. If you or your loved one is a pregnant woman who was hurt in a traffic collision, we can help. Contact us now for a no cost, no obligation initial case review. With a law office in the 30060 zip code of Marietta, we represent pregnant women in car accident cases throughout the region, including in 30065, 30066, 30067, and 30068.