Many car accident injuries are obvious, but some are more subtle, potentially only emerging hours or even days later. Of all these soft-tissue injuries, one of the most dangerous is whiplash. This injury is often associated with rear-end collisions but can happen in almost any kind of accident. The outcome of these injuries can be extreme, limiting your ability to work and requiring long-term, expensive treatment.

When your body comes to a sudden stop, your head keeps traveling until it, too, comes to a sudden stop, with a whip-like action that can seriously damage your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Unfortunately, when these types of injuries occur, your body will often release adrenaline and cortisol, which can effectively mask the symptoms in the short term. However, when these hormones wear off, a variety of symptoms can emerge, such as:

• Neck & Shoulder Pain
• Stiffness in the Jaw
• Dizziness, Nausea, & Vomiting
• Blurred Vision & Ringing in the Ears
• Back Pain

Because they don't initially feel any discomfort, many auto accident victims initially refuse medical treatment, a decision which could negatively impact your ability to file an injury claim. If you wait until the next day to seek medical attention, the insurer may dispute liability for your injury, and might even deny your claim. Medical professionals understand these risks, and will often order CT or MRI scans for accident victims, which might reveal the full extent of your injuries even before symptoms develop.

If you're suffering from whiplash injuries, a skilled personal injury attorney can help ensure that you're fairly compensated for your injuries. For many years, Personal Injury Attorneys of Alaska has been fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout the Anchorage area. See their full list of legal services online today, or call (907) 770-0777 to schedule a free consultation.