Car Accident Law Firm in Sarasota - Jodat Law Group
Pregnancy is accompanied by a vast array of changes in a woman’s life. As pregnancy progresses, common symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and distraction often make life more complicated for the expectant mother. A recent study done in Toronto shows that these physiological changes actually increase the statistical likelihood of being in a car accident. If you are pregnant, knowing and understanding these risks is as important as understanding the risk of drinking too much alcohol and consuming certain foods while pregnant, as your and your baby’s well-being may be dependent on it. For assistance, contact your Sarasota Car Accident Law Firm, Jodat Law Group.
Car Accidents and Pregnancy Statistics
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that a woman’s risk of being in a dangerous crash during the second trimester is 42 percent higher than the entire three years preceding the pregnancy. Interestingly, this percentage declines considerably once she enters her third trimester. Researchers believe that the physical side effects of pregnancy may affect a woman’s susceptibility to motor vehicle accidents. City drivers tend to have a slightly higher crash rate than rural drivers. Other factors, such as age, socioeconomic demographic, and times of year, had no effect on crash risk. The third trimester proved to be the safest, particularly the final month of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Risks involved with Car Accidents
In the United States, the leading cause of hospitalization, injury, and death of unborn children is vehicle crashes. Many complications may arise from even the slightest impact. Whether the accident in question is a fender bender or a more serious collision, the hazards to pregnant women can result in tragic outcomes.
Crashes can trigger preterm labor. Labor that begins before a woman’s 37th week of gestation is considered pre-term and may cause severe complications.
The risk of placenta abruption is another possibility. The placenta is vital to the health of the baby, as it provides all nourishment. If the placenta separates from the fetus, risks include premature labor, low birth weight, vital blood loss, oxygen and nourishment loss, and death.
Internal hemorrhaging occurs when internal blood vessels rupture. This can cause serious blood and oxygen depletion for both the fetus and the mother. It may also overwhelm internal organs, preventing proper functioning.
The trauma caused by an accident may cause more subtle conditions of anxiety and emotional strain. These psychological reactions can be detrimental to the health of the fetus over time, causing delayed complications.
Symptoms to Be Aware of
It is exceedingly important to be seen by a doctor after any car accident if you are pregnant. Something as simple as an abrupt stop can affect the fetus. Delayed signs and symptoms may also occur after a significant amount of time has passed. If you experience any of the following, call your physician immediately:
Dizziness, vertigo, or faintness
Vaginal bleeding
Swelling of your face or fingers
Consistent headaches
Abdominal pain
Fever or chills
Painful, constant urination
Consistent vomiting (separate from morning sickness)
Change in fetal movement (frequency or strength)
Jodat Law Group - Sarasota Car Accident Law Firm
Pregnancy and delivery complications from a car accident can be devastating. If you’ve been involved in a car accident while pregnant, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional stress. At Jodat Law Group, we understand the unique concerns surrounding auto accident cases involving a pregnant woman. Our compassionate team of experienced, highly skilled attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, and the rights of your unborn child. If you reside in the Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Pinellas or Hillsborough Counties or the surrounding areas, contact your Sarasota Car Accident Law Firm today for a free consultation.