Intersection Collision on 41st Avenue Involves Near-Term Pregnant Woman
A three-vehicle intersection collision occurred on July 24 that reportedly resulted in an injury in Sacramento. It occurred at 41st Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard around 6:17 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), when a Mitsubishi SUV, Toyota, and another vehicle collided. One of the drivers was identified as eight months pregnant and allegedly injured in the crash. Which hospital the woman was transported to was not reported.
Intersection Collision Blocks Traffic
A traffic hazard was created by the accident, and the intersection was blocked until it was cleaned up. Tow trucks arrived to remove at least one of the vehicles. The CHP is investigating to determine what happened.
Car Accidents Involving Pregnant Women
Overall, pregnant women are in 170,000 car accidents every year, according to a major university study, with roughly 116,000 of them resulting in injuries. Approximately 3,500 pregnant women go to the emergency room annually due to a car accident. Motor vehicle accidents are the major cause of injuries to pregnant women.
Fetal Injuries in a Car Accident
Fetal injuries can happen as a result of a car accident. This is frightening for the parents as they await the birth of their child. Because of such injuries, the list of damages the mother faces go beyond what others experience in a car crash.
A pregnant woman should be transported to the hospital immediately to determine the extent of her injuries as well as monitoring the fetus for injury. Here are some of the main injuries a fetus may have:
- Premature birth: Early birth or preterm delivery means that the fetus is born prior to the usual 37 weeks gestation. Injury and emotional stress due to a car accident can precipitate a premature birth. Problems vary depending on the length of gestation.
- Miscarriage: The fetus is protected within the amniotic sac. However, abdominal injury or cardiac issues secondary to the accident can cause a miscarriage. This is one reason the mother should be thoroughly checked by a medical professional after a car accident.
- Becoming high risk: Normally, some pregnancies are defined as high risk due to maternal conditions. After a car accident, a pregnant woman can also become high risk and require careful monitoring throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.
- Birth defects: An early pregnancy due to the trauma of a car accident can leave the fetus with birth defects after they are born. Generally, if a baby is born very early in the mother’s term or suffered a serious injury, the more likely it is they will develop a lifelong disability.
- Placental abruption: This occurs when the placenta, which carries nutrients and oxygen to the baby, is detached from the uterus. This can be a complete or partial detachment. Trauma from a motor vehicle car crash can lead to placenta abruption.
- Fetal demise: Approximately 82 percent of fetal deaths result from a car crash, including an intersection collision.
Investigating an Intersection Collision Involving a Pregnant Woman
Negligence has to be proven in order for an injured person to obtain compensation following a crash. The majority of the investigation centers on common elements of an intersection collision. Our investigators look for the reason the accident happened by using accident reconstruction techniques and obtaining videos of the crash. They interview witnesses and review police reports for mistakes.
However, when a pregnant woman is involved, the investigation expands to include fetal damage. We consult with our medical experts and review hospital records. As a law firm that has experience in this type of accident, we work tirelessly to protect your rights. As an attorney who understands a parent’s fear when a child might be injured, Ed displays the compassion that only another parent can feel. He’ll be there at your side throughout the process.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. An intersection collision can result in severe injuries. When the accident involves a pregnant woman, the injuries can threaten the life of the fetus. Phone me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 long-distance for my free and friendly advice. You are also welcome to contact me by filling out the easy online form.
I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 in obtaining compensation for intersection collisions, all types of traffic accidents, and in wrongful deaths, among others.
Look over the following links to find out more about my law firm:
I am a proud member of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/autumn-fall-maternity-nature-ocean-1850044/
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