Road rash may qualify you for compensation after a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino.
Road rash is a potentially serious physical injury that counts as a personal injury. To receive a monetary award, you must document the injury and pursue a claim.
Our experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers at LA Century Law explain road rash motorcycle accident compensation.
What Is Road Rash and Why Is It More Serious Than It Sounds?
Road rash is damaged skin caused by friction or pressure. In an accident, the body may be dragged on the pavement, concrete, or grass, or rub against another rough surface. It may become pinned under a motor vehicle or other heavy object. This pressure and abrasion can cause the skin to peel or cut away. The resulting injury is road rash.
It may seem like road rash isn’t a serious injury. Many rashes that we get, such as mild irritants from chemicals or allergic reactions, are minor. But road rash can be more serious than it sounds. Road rash can leave the body exposed to infection. Internal tissues like muscle and bones may be damaged.
Common Causes of Road Rash in Motorcycle Accidents
Road rash from a motorcycle accident typically involves being dragged along the ground.
Common causes include the following:
- Striking another vehicle
- Being thrown from the bike
- Improper lane change
- Opening a door in front of a motorcyclist
- Other drivers not respecting the right of a motorcyclist to use the lane
- Speed and velocity of impact that result in the motorcyclist being pinned
- Poor road conditions, deteriorated road surfaces
- Inexperienced drivers and riders
- Inattention
- Mechanical failures
The proper riding gear, such as leather clothing, gloves, and helmets, can help prevent motorcycle road rash. But even with safety gear, road rash may still occur.
Types and Severity Levels of Road Rash Injuries
Road rash injuries are classified by type and severity.
Types
Road rash can create three different types of wounds: avulsion, compression, and open wounds.
Avulsion
Avulsion road rash occurs when the skin is pulled or scraped away. Typically, all layers of skin are peeled away. Internal tissue, such as fat and muscle, may be exposed. An avulsion wound may require surgery. Skin may be reattached, or grafting may help the body heal.
Compression
Skin abrasion can result from pressure or compression. The skin is crushed or compressed, resulting in damage and tears. A compression injury may occur when a person is stuck under a motorcycle or another vehicle or object. When the pressure is too great or is present for too long, it can destroy the skin, causing compression road rash.
Open wound
An open wound occurs when the skin tears open. The wound may be a simple abrasion or a deep wound. Stitches are often needed to repair a road rash wound.
Severity
In addition to classification by type of wound, road rash is categorized by degree of injury.
First degree
First-degree road rash is the least severe type of road rash. When only the outer layer of skin is torn away, it is a first-degree injury.
The skin will appear red and may be painful and tender to touch. There may be some bleeding or oozing. Generally, with proper treatment, first-degree road rash can heal with minimal scarring.
Second degree
When road rash destroys the dermis and epidermis, it is second degree. The person can expect more severe bleeding, oozing, and swelling. Nerve endings may be exposed, causing pain. A second-degree road rash injury will take longer to heal than a first-degree injury.
Third degree
Third-degree road rash damages all layers of skin. It exposes tissue underneath and can destroy internal tissue. Significant medical intervention will likely be required to heal the skin and prevent complications.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Effects of Road Rash
Treatment for road rash depends on its severity and complications.
Minor cases of road rash can be treated with cleaning, antibiotic ointment, and dressings. Be sure that your hands are clean when tending to the wound. Change dressings when they become wet or dirty.
When road rash is severe, it is a medical emergency. Take measures to control bleeding. Early treatment may remove dirt and debris from the wound. Antibiotics may help prevent or heal an infection. Pain management can help with patient comfort. Surgery may close the wound, and skin grafting may be beneficial.
Watch for complications
As the skin heals, watch for complications. Seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, like swelling, pus, or a fever. If you notice debris in the wound, seek medical attention for cleaning. If symptoms don’t improve as expected, or if you experience complications, talk to a medical professional.
Proving Negligence in a Road Rash Motorcycle Accident Case
Negligence is based on fault for the motorcycle accident. If another party is responsible, the injured motorcyclist may receive compensation for road rash. Negligence is often violating a traffic law, but any action or inaction that creates an unreasonable danger may qualify as negligence.
What’s needed to prove negligence in a road rash motorcycle accident case may vary. Your attorney can help you investigate the causes of the crash and gather evidence.
Damages You Can Recover for Road Rash Injuries
Damages you can recover for road rash injuries include the following:
- Emergency medical care, urgent care
- Ambulance transfer, if applicable
- Debridement of the wound
- Surgery
- Dressings
- Antibiotics and pain management prescriptions
- Treatment for infections and complications
- Lost wages, if you’re unable to work
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Emotional anguish
Compensation may include economic and non-economic damages.
How Insurance Companies View Road Rash Claims
Because road rash is classified by degree, the insurance company may try to downplay a road rash claim. They may not recognize the severe pain and at-home care that often accompany a road rash claim. The insurance company may minimize the impact on your life.
Building evidence of losses can bolster your claim with the insurance company.
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered road rash from a motorcycle accident, contact a San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer. LA Century Law can help you value your claim and pursue your compensation.