Tips for Handling Car Accidents During Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes a whole lot of stress for many women, and when a car accident happens, that just adds to it. To reduce the risk of injury to you and your baby, you should always wear a seatbelt while in a car during your pregnancy, and you should always obey all traffic laws. If you do happen to get in a car accident during your pregnancy, the following are some tips to keep in mind.
Request the Paramedics
In some accidents, they are so minor, the paramedics don’t show up. A police officer may arrive to make a report, but that may not be good enough if you are pregnant. While on the line with a 911 dispatcher, request the paramedics come. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to the life and health of your unborn child, so get checked out at the scene and take a ride in an ambulance to get a deeper exam in the emergency room.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Just like any other car accident, it’s important you collect evidence that can help you with a case against the at-fault party. Take photos of the accident and the surrounding areas, including what the weather looks like, where the traffic lights were located, etc. Collect witness statements, which is something the police officer may do for you, and ask for contact information for all witnesses and other drivers.
Don’t Panic
It’s understandable you’ll be worried about yourself and your baby, but panicking won’t do anyone any good. Stay as calm as you can so the paramedics can conduct an exam and ask all the questions they need to ask. You don’t want to add high blood pressure to your list of issues the car accident caused.
Call Someone You Trust
During pregnancy and labor, it’s nice to have someone by your side who you trust to reassure you and just be there for you. If you end up going into early labor or have to undergo surgery, you’ll want someone there for support. This may be a spouse, a friend, a sibling or anyone who helps you feel comfortable and secure.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer
Chances are, you’ll be filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver, and possibly filing a lawsuit against that driver as well. It’s nice to have a lawyer by your side to help you get through these processes.