In a motorcycle accident, all that stands between a rider and the ground is what he is wearing. Riders do not have the four walls of a vehicle to protect them from the elements and often end up hitting the ground at high speeds with little to protect their skin from the ground. The resulting wounds, abrasions and burns, known as road rash from a motorcycle accident, can vary greatly in severity, but often include severe pain and the potential for infection.
What are the degrees of road rash and their symptoms?
Road rash treatment uses three degrees in measuring severity, like burns:
- First-degree road rash is superficial cuts and abrasions on the surface of skin, which, while painful, do not usually require medical treatment other than basic first aid.
- Second-degree road rash is more serious and involves penetration into the skin. With second-degree road rash, more extensive medical aid is necessary.
- Third degree road rash, the most serious type, involves injuries penetrating deep into the skin and possibly exposing subcutaneous fat and muscle as well as potentially opening the body for infection. This type of injury can be life threatening and may require surgical interventions or skin grafts.
How can I prevent road rash?
Road rash occurs when a rider falls from his motorcycle and makes contact with the pavement, usually while he is still moving. Riders can prevent road rash or, at the very least, lessen its severity by wearing protective gear such as a leather jacket, durable pants, and gloves.
What are the effects of road rash?
Road rash, in addition to being physically painful no matter what degree, can also damage victims mentally and emotionally. Depending on the physical recovery and location of the injury, there can be scarring, multiple surgeries, extensive recoveries, and rehabilitation required.
Anyone suffering significant road rash is also at risk for infection, can have embedded road debris and embarrassing as well as expensive long-term needs for care, and may even need reconstructive surgeries. All of these are potentially traumatic as well. A victim’s self-image and self-esteem may suffer harm. In some cases, the scars may affect the victim’s current job or future job prospects.
Can I receive compensation for my road rash?
Victims of road rash may be able to recover compensation, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish, through filing a personal injury claim. The party at fault for the accident can and should be liable for damages it caused.
Talk to motorcycle accident attorney David Brauns to see what your legal rights are if you or someone you care about received road rash injuries in a motorcycle accident. Contact the Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC team today at 404-418-8244.
