Being in a car accident can be an extremely stressful and scary experience, and that experience can be amplified if you happen to be pregnant at the time. The number one concern on your mind will be the baby’s well-being, and clearly you want to take all the right steps immediately following the accident, and in the days/weeks/months to follow should recovery be necessary. But what are the right steps to take?
Here’s a look at the basic steps you’ll want to take should you find yourself in a car accident that is no fault of your own while pregnant.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
The very first step will be to seek medical care immediately. Even if the accident isn’t particularly bad, you seem okay, and figure it’s no big deal, now isn’t the time to take chances or make assumptions about your health and the health of your baby. It’s best to contact emergency services after the accident has occurred so they can come out and assess your situation immediately and take you to the hospital if needed.
Contact the Police After the Accident Happens
By calling emergency services, the police may automatically be contacted as well, as they need to be alerted to the accident. At the very least, it will be important for them to come out, write a report and get the other driver’s details (name, address, phone number, and insurance details). An accident report will be vital if you plan on filing a claim against the driver who was at fault.
Connect with an Attorney Once Stabilized
Once your medical needs have been taken care of and your situation is stable, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. You want to speak to an attorney that deals with personal injury claims, and talk to them while the incident is still fresh in your mind so you don’t forget any details. For those looking for a personal injury attorney, Horst Shewmaker can be a good option.
Here are a few things to expect once you contact an attorney:
- They will ask you to recount the entire ordeal
- They will want to see your medical diagnosis and treatment in order to figure out what you should ask for in terms of compensation
- They will need to see the official police report
- They will talk to you about what you can expect outcome-wise.
The great thing about hiring an attorney is that they will be doing all the work, including filing the claim and fighting on your behalf, so it takes all that stress and pressure off you.
Focus on Your Recovery
The final step is to focus on your recovery. For some, that could mean a hospital stay, bed rest, working with a physiotherapist, and more. It will depend on the extent of your injuries.
Following the right steps after a car accident while pregnant will be essential for your baby’s and your health in that moment and moving forward.
