Motorcycle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries. Road rash is one of the serious injuries that motorcycle riders can experience in road accidents. It occurs when the skin gets scraped after friction on a rough surface like asphalt. The friction with the road surface rips, burns, and wears off the skin layers, exposing the nerve endings and blood vessels, which embeds dirt and grime into the wound.
If you or a loved one have suffered road rash injuries, consider contacting the skilled California motorcycle accident lawyers at LA Century Law for help.
Degrees of Road Rash Injuries
Road rash injuries vary by degree based on the burns incurred. The three types of road rash degrees are first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree injuries.
First-degree road rash
A first-degree road rash injury is minor and is classified by tender red skin. It occurs due to the accident friction wearing away the outer skin layer. The victim may suffer minor injuries like bruises, slight bleeding, and small abrasions, with minimal chances of permanent scarring. While this injury is minor, the victim may experience pain and discomfort. This injury may be treated at home by cleaning the affected area and applying ointment.
Second-degree road rash
A second-degree road rash occurs when the lower skin layers suffer damage. During the accident, the debris, dirt, and pieces of glass break the skin and may get lodged in the wound. The victim may experience swollen skin, bleeding, and more pain than a first-degree road rash. This injury requires careful attention when dressing the wound. Scarring is common, but careful attention may prevent scarring of the skin. Victims of second-degree rash need to seek medical attention immediately and keep the wounds clean to avoid infection.
Third-degree road rash
Third-degree road rash is the most severe, painful, and potentially life-threatening injury. In this injury, the victim loses a significant portion of their skin, resulting in a complete abrasion of all five skin layers. The victim may suffer bone damage, nerve damage, extreme pain, and muscle damage. Other symptoms include deep wounds, shiny or milky skin appearance, swelling, and bleeding. The injuries require medical attention right away to minimize the chances of infection. There may also be a need for surgery.
Complications of Road Rash Injuries
Severe road rash injury can cause long-term complications that may require medical intervention from a specialist. Here are the health complications a victim may experience after a motorcycle accident.
- Large, discolored scars: A foreign object lodged in the wound may sometimes fail to come out. This means the wound heals over it, causing what’s called “traumatic tattooing.” This tattoo can leave discoloration around the wounded area. The scars can cause emotional trauma to the victim depending on their location on the body.
- Infection: When dirt, debris, and grim penetrate the wound, there will be a high chance of bacterial infection in the body. The infection can be dangerous, leading to life-threatening conditions. The infection risk remains high even after doctors remove the debris and recommend antibiotics.
- Limited movement: A road rash victim may experience a limited range of motion in the affected body part. For instance, it can be challenging to bend properly, like before the accident. The skin tissues may also not be able to stretch well.
Road Rash Treatments and How to Take Care of Wounds
Some road rash injuries heal after a few weeks if the victim gets timely medical attention and good care of the wounds. The treatment depends on the road rash degree. First-degree injuries may not require professional medical attention. The victim can handle the situation at home with antiseptic cream.
For more severe cases of road rash, a medical professional must care for the wounds to offer the best chance for quick and effective recovery. They can monitor for infection and help avoid further complications.
Understanding different road rash degrees is important to help you understand the recovery that may be ahead. When you seek medical attention immediately following a motorcycle accident, your doctor can examine your injuries and advise you on the best possible treatment option.
Compensation for Road Rash Injuries
Some road rash injuries occur accidentally; when you or a loved one sustains road rash from a wrongful decision by one or more parties, it’s your right to seek compensation from them.
Here are the potential damages you may recover following the injuries you incurred in the accident.
- All medical expenses related to treating your injuries. This may include therapy costs, doctor visits, medical equipment, hospitalization, and emergency care.
- Lost income due to the inability to work in your condition. It also includes any form of disability that limits your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering may diminish your quality of life, leading to emotional suffering due to the scars you incurred from the accident.
Recovering damages for road rash injuries can be challenging and time-consuming if you lack legal expertise. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you.
Consult a Road Rash Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at LA Century Law
The consequences that may arise after a road rash following a motorcycle accident can leave you financially, physically, and emotionally drained for a long time. You’d want to do everything possible to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
If you or a loved one suffered road rash injuries, LA Century Law can help. Contact us for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Road Rash Injury FAQs
When should I contact a motorcycle injury attorney?
If you incurred severe injuries, consider contacting an attorney to guide and advise you on the appropriate steps. This can help you avoid making mistakes that may compromise your case.
How much will I receive as compensation for road rash injuries?
Compensation amount depends on various elements such as road rash degree, the insurance company, and the lawyer you hire for the job.
How long will it take for my case to settle?
Many factors determine when your road rash injury case will settle. This may include the severity of your injuries, your attorney, the expected compensation, and whether your case goes to trial.