Worrying about auto accidents is not irrational. In fact, people say you have a higher chance of being killed in an auto accident than in a plane crash. Motor vehicle collisions remain a significant public safety issue. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that 277,160 people were injured in car crashes in the state in the most recent year, for which comprehensive data is available.
Everyone should take proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of an accident. Advances in technology have reduced the number of injuries resulting from car accidents but technology cannot prevent all injuries.
Fear of a car accident can sometimes go beyond the ordinary and become a debilitating psychological impairment. Often, this happens to people who were previously injured in a crash. In this blog post, our Los Angeles car accidents attorneys discuss the overwhelming fear of collisions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The fear of car Accidents: Vehophobia
Did you know that mental health experts use an official term to describe an overwhelming fear of car accidents? It is called “vehophobia.”
As explained by Accelerated Resolution Therapy | ART International, vehophobia, also known as the fear of driving, is a genuine and prevalent issue many people experience after suffering a serious car accident. You may have vehophobia if you were involved in a crash and you are:
- Constantly in fear that another accident will occur
- Suffering from severe anxiety when you have to drive
- Enduring panic attacks related to driving
- You are avoiding cars altogether because you are too afraid of crashes
Vehophobia is essentially a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a challenging, sometimes debilitating mental health condition that requires professional attention and support. If you are dealing with an overwhelming fear of car accidents after being involved in a crash, there are resources available. You do not have to go through this alone.
Get compensation for PTSD after a car crash in California
Broadly defined, post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs after a person has gone through a traumatic event. PTSD is frequently reported by military veterans, abuse victims, and people involved in serious car accidents. Do not feel any shame about experiencing symptoms of PTSD after a car crash. It is far more common than you realize.
If you suffered PTSD after a car accident in California, you must be able to access the full and fair financial compensation you deserve. Among other things, compensation should be granted so that you can get the professional mental health support you need and get financial support for any disruption or impairment to your day-to-day life.
Speak to our Los Angeles auto accident attorneys for a free consultation
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have a strong passion for justice. We are laser-focused on protecting your rights and maximizing your financial compensation after a crash.
With an office in Los Angeles, our law firm represents injured victims throughout the area, including in Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Glendale, and Santa Clarita. Don’t be afraid to get into a car your whole life, contact us today to set up a no-fee or no-obligation by calling us at 213-985-1120 to review your case.