From the moment a woman discovers she is pregnant, certain decisions are made to protect the health and well-being of the unborn baby. For many women, this means changing diet patterns and refraining from unhealthy activities. New studies indicate that women must also be more wary when they get into a vehicle. Whether a passenger or behind the wheel, a pregnant woman and fetus faces particular risks in the event of a car accident.
Car accidents can have an immediate and long-term impact on the life of a victim. Our
Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys are dedicated to raising awareness surrounding car crash injury and fatality. In addition to protecting the rights of victims in the event of an accident, we are also committed to staying on top of research and trends in motorist safety.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that motor vehicle crashes can be particular hazardous for pregnant women who are not wearing their seat belt at the time of an accident. Researchers found that car crashes are the primary cause of injury during pregnancy. In addition to immediate injuries caused by the accident, many women also suffered later complications.
To-date, this is the largest study looking at data from nearly 900,000 pregnant women in North Carolina between the ages of 16 and 46 who gave birth to a single child between 2001 and 2008. Investigators reviewed data to assess the relationship between car accidents and any adverse pregnancy outcomes. For purposes of the study, adverse pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth, a separation of the placental lining from the uterus, premature rupture of membranes and infant mortality.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 6,400 adults injured every year by a vehicle accident. The risk of serious injury and fatality is increased by 50% when victims are not wearing a seatbelt. Studies also show that while most people know the importance of wearing a seat belt, 1 in 7 adults do not wear their seat belt every time they get in to a vehicle.
It is well documented that trauma is a leading cause of material and fetal mortality. Researchers found that compared with women who were not in an auto accident, pregnant women were at a higher risk of all adverse pregnancy outcomes after a single crash.
The study highlights the reality that pregnant women and their unborn infants can suffer in the long-term because of a car accident. There was a three-fold risk of stillborn for mothers involved in an accident without a seatbelt. Women who were in a second or third accident also had elevated risk of all adverse pregnancy outcomes.
For most accident victims, injures are assessed immediately by a medical professional. If you were involved in a car accident while you were pregnant, it is even more important to consult with an advocate and have your case reviewed after birth. In the event that your fetus suffered an injury or trauma in an accident, you may be able to collect compensation.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, contact Freeman Injury Law at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
West Palm Beach Rollover Accident Sends 2 Children to Hospital, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, October 2, 2013
Child Passenger Safety Week to Protect Our Youngest Motorists, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, September 26, 2013