Being involved in a car accident can result in all types of injuries, including psychological ones. After a traumatic incident, it’s not uncommon for people to develop a persistent fear of anything related to the event. For crash victims, that can mean fearing cars and driving. This is called vehophobia.
Understanding Vehophobia
Vehophobia is an intense, persistent, and irrational fear of driving a car.
As with other types of phobias, there are numerous symptoms you could experience, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Trembling or sweating
- Panic attacks
You may find yourself avoiding anything related to cars, with some people experiencing discomfort even when traveling as a passenger. Typically, people who suffer from this type of phobia know that it is irrational, but can’t control their reactions.
Whether you sustained a minor or catastrophic injury, you could still develop this type of fear. Even people who were only witnesses to a crash may struggle with vehophobia.
Treating Vehophobia
Treating vehophobia usually starts with getting therapy. One of the most trusted types of therapy for phobias is exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing you to the source of your fear in a controlled environment so that you learn to manage your reactions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also helpful. It can teach you how to view and deal with your fears in healthier ways.
How Vehophobia Can Impact a Personal Injury Claim
In Colorado, if you were in a car accident because of another party’s misconduct and you sustained injuries, including psychological ones, you can file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. Treating a condition like vehophobia can take time and require paying for therapy sessions. You may miss work as you deal with your fear as well. These are all impactful losses.
As with any other type of personal injury claim, you will need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent or wrongful in their conduct. Collecting as much evidence as possible of how the accident occurred and the distress it has caused you is essential.
Vitally, you also need to meet the Colorado statute of limitations for car accidents. You have three years from the date of the accident to file, in most cases. If you don’t do so before the deadline, you can be barred from recovering any compensation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim After Dealing With Vehophobia
To have the best possible chance to obtain fair compensation for what you’ve experienced, it’s important to ensure you receive a formal diagnosis. This is a common error people make. They assume that they can simply explain the symptoms they have to insurers, but having concrete evidence like a medical diagnosis of vehophobia is crucial.
Another potential mistake to avoid is posting anything related to the accident on social media. It’s always best to stay off these platforms until the claim is done, as insurers will be searching for anything you post or share that contradicts your claims.
Additionally, you also want to make sure you don’t forget to maintain daily records of your condition. This can offer details as to how vehophobia impacts your life.
Perhaps the most essential mistake to avoid, however, is failing to hire an attorney. Trying to file these claims alone could mean walking away with less than you deserve.
Contact a Boulder Car Accident Lawyer at Ferrell Injury Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been struggling with vehophobia after being in or witnessing a car accident, it’s time to take action. This condition can impact every aspect of your life. With assistance from a dedicated personal injury lawyer, you can seek the compensation you need to move forward.
If you’ve been injured in Boulder, CO, call Ferrell Injury Law for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve clients in Boulder and surrounding Colorado communities.
Ferrell Injury Law
2060 Broadway # 360, Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 687-2795
