Ryan Zavodnick | December 26, 2022 | Car Accidents
The term “vehophobia” refers to a fear of vehicles and driving. It’s common for people to develop this condition in the aftermath of a severe or catastrophic traffic collision.
People with this specific phobia often experience significant symptoms. As such, their fear may negatively impact their daily lives and ability to travel.
For instance, people with vehophobia typically have difficulty getting behind the wheel of their vehicles. They may also experience challenging emotions when riding in other vehicles or using rideshare services.
If you’re experiencing vehophobia due to a car accident someone else caused, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. It’s important to speak with a qualified lawyer about your options in the wake of a crash.
What Are the Typical Causes of Vehophobia?
Vehophobia is often the result of a traumatic event related to a motor vehicle accident or mishap. This condition manifests in a wide range of symptoms for different people.
While some sufferers may feel unable to operate a vehicle at all, others may only avoid high-speed driving situations. Some can still ride with other drivers, while others experience anxiety just sitting in a vehicle.
This phobia is not the same as experiencing a little fear after a traffic accident. Vehophobia victims are usually unable to engage in normal daily behavior. They may go to great lengths to avoid passenger cars and trucks.
Some of the most common causes of this phobia are:
- Fear of death following a severe traffic accident
- Witnessing a catastrophic collision
- Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident
- Driving in extreme weather, such as snow or hail
- Being the target of another motorist’s road rage
Any of these events can cause a person to become deeply afraid of driving or riding in motor vehicles.
Common Symptoms for Vehophobia Victims
Vehophobia can produce many different symptoms. In fact, there’s no uniform set of effects for people living with vehophobia.
With that being said, some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
- Panic attacks
- Excessive and persistent fear
- Inability to relax
- Chest pain
- Sweating palms
- Increased heart rate
- Inconvenient changes in schedule to avoid vehicles
- Nausea
- Tense muscles, including those in the neck, back, or shoulders
- Shallow breathing
These symptoms may only happen while the victim is in or near a passenger vehicle. However, it’s possible that even thoughts of driving or riding in an automobile could trigger severe symptoms.
Possible Vehophobia Treatment Options
If you’re suffering from vehophobia due to a car accident, it’s important to understand your treatment options. There are many methods by which victims can overcome the worst consequences of their phobia.
Some of these treatment methods include:
- Courses on defensive driving techniques
- Talk therapy and counseling
- Therapy involving controlled exposure to motor vehicles
- Anxiety or panic medication
- Vehophobia support groups
Many of these treatments can result in high costs for patients. If another person has caused you to develop this phobia as a result of a collision, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Compensation is Available in Philadelphia Car Accident Cases?
Motor vehicle accident victims have the right to pursue financial recovery for their losses. If a negligent party has caused you harm, make sure you consult a seasoned legal professional.
A skilled attorney can help you determine whether you’re eligible to receive damages to cover the following:
- Medical costs and losses
- Property damage and vehicular repairs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including vehophobia and similar conditions
- Lost income and wages
Don’t settle for less than the total value of your motor vehicle accident claim. An experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney can help you pursue every dime you’re rightfully due.
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney If You Have Questions or Need Assistance
You need a lawyer you can trust to be your advocate in and out of court. Contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer for help with your personal injury claim or if you have questions regarding the timeline of your case.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.