Motorcycle riders are at constant risk for accidents and injuries. Road rash is among the most common injury after a motorcycle accident. This kind of injury can take a toll physically and mentally. After suffering road rash from a motorcycle accident and other injuries in a crash, consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer at The Joel Bieber Firm.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is a type of burn motorcyclists can sustain during a collision. This type of injury occurs when exposed skin scrapes against a hard surface, such as asphalt. The intense friction causes harm to the skin which is similar to thermal and other types of burns.
Road rash can happen on any part of the body, but it most frequently happens on the hands, knees, elbows, and forearms. Bony parts are most affected by road rash from a motorcycle accident.
This kind of burn causes severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, particularly extreme cases can leave victims with lasting effects.
At Joel Bieber Firm we can help you to fight your motorcycle accident lawsuit. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Motorcycle Riders Get Road Rash in Accidents
Motorcycle riders are prone to serious injury for many reasons. The type of accident often dictates the type and seriousness of a rider’s injuries.
Motorcycles provide riders with little to no protection. Therefore, in a crash, you face the risk of getting thrown off your bike.
When you get thrown off the motorcycle, the way you land can result in road rash. This is especially true if you’re wearing non-protective clothing or have areas of your body exposed. However, in serious accidents, friction alone can tear your clothing.
In some other kinds of accidents, you may not be thrown off your bike entirely but may fall over while still on the bike. If the bike skids at all, this could cause road rash.
Unfortunately, road rash is a frequent consequence of motorcycle accidents, regardless of the kind of collision.
Treatment for Road Rash Depends on the Severity
If you suffer road rash from a motorcycle accident, you may need to treat the area immediately to avoid complications. The required treatment, however, depends on the severity of the burn.
Regardless of the seriousness of your burn and other injuries, it’s critical to see a physician. A doctor can properly diagnose the degree of your burn and create a treatment plan to help get you on the road to maximum recovery.
First-Degree Road Rash From a Motorcycle Accident
First-degree road rash is the mildest. It involves scrapes, slight bleeding, redness, and some bruising. The area is also tender to the touch.
Right after your accident, follow these steps:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands, especially underneath your fingernails, as they can carry bacteria you want to avoid transferring to your injury
- Rinse the Injury: Carefully rinse the injury under lukewarm water to ensure it remains clean — never scrub the area
- Dress the Injury: To promote healing, apply an antibiotic salve or petroleum jelly to keep the area from drying out, then apply a dressing like a gauze
Once you see a physician, they may recommend you continue this routine multiple times a day, especially at the beginning of your recovery. First-degree road rash from a motorcycle accident is usually treatable at home because it is the least severe and typically doesn’t result in complications.
Second-Degree Road Rash From A Motorcycle Accident
Second-degree road rash is a bit worse. This type of burn commonly scrapes off the skin on the outer layers and inner layers. You may experience bleeding, swelling, and exposed muscles or tendons.
With second-degree road rash, it may be too painful to try to treat the injury on your own. After your accident, allow emergency medical technicians to examine the injury and perform any preliminary treatment before you see a doctor.
Your doctor will flush out your second-degree burn to remove any debris or small foreign objects. They can then apply ointment and properly dress the area. For pain, your physician may suggest pain medicine, whether over-the-counter or prescription.
Make sure to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations, as second-degree road rash requires more attention and healing. Scarring is common with these burns.
Third-Degree Road Rash From A Motorcycle Accident
Third-degree road rash is undoubtedly the worst. The wound is deep, affecting not only the skin but also the layers underneath, like the muscles. It is also common with third-degree road rash to have damaged nerve endings, which could result in extreme pain or no pain at all.
With third-degree road rash, avoid touching it at all. Emergency medical techs may provide some treatment, but in severe enough cases, they’ll just protect the area from further damage on the way to the hospital.
Doctors need to work expeditiously on third-degree burns, as infections can quickly set in. You’ll likely require more extensive medical treatment at the moment and into the future to allow the area to heal as much as possible.
Unfortunately, third-degree road rash from a motorcycle accident usually results in permanent scarring and deformity.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Road Rash
In the best-case scenario, you can recover completely from your road rash without facing any lasting effects. However, when road rash is bad enough, you may be left with permanent reminders of your injuries.
Some of the most significant effects of road rash include:
- Complicated infections
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
In serious enough cases, surgery, and skin grafts may be necessary, along with extensive medical care well after your accident. Your personal injury lawyer can assist with getting compensation to cover all of these medical costs.
Allow a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Joel Bieber Firm to Help You with Your Claim
When you suffer road rash from a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel. A motorcycle accident lawyer can determine how your injuries and subsequent losses impact the value of your claim.
The legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm wants to help you. We understand the physical and mental challenges that arise from road rash, and we’ll make it our goal to fight for your right to just compensation for your harm and losses.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
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