If a motorcycle accident caused you to hit the asphalt, you may have suffered from a painful scrape or bruise. Motorcycle road rash can be serious, requiring significant medical treatment. It can also lead to other complications if not treated properly. At Brylak Law, we can help you recover damages for your injuries after a motorcycle crash.
What Is Motorcycle Road Rash?
As with any injury, road rash injuries have different levels of severity:
- First-degree: Reddened and irritated skin like a rug burn. This type usually requires minimal medical care, if any at all.
- Second-degree: Tears to layers of the skin with bleeding. This may be treated with bandages, first aid cream, and over the counter medications.
- Third-degree: Severe case of road rash may damage several or all layers of skin into fat. Deep lacerations can be prone to infection and require intensive medical care.
While road rash is different from a motorcycle burn, they are often both referred to as burns. A motorcycle burn can occur from defective parts built onto the motorcycle that heat up and touch the skin of a rider. Motorcycle burn injuries may be product liability claims rather than caused by car vs. motorcycle accidents.
How Is Road Rash Treated?
Doctors will treat road rash according to the severity of the condition. They will also consider the extent of damage to skin and location of the rash.
It’s important to prevent infection after road rash. If you hit gravel or asphalt, you may have debris lodged in your skin. As debris can cause serious infections, doctors should carefully and gently wash your wounds and remove anything that could cause problems in the skin.
Antibiotics and bandages will likely be applied to the affected area. Make sure to follow directions regarding further wound care. Primary goals with wound care treatment will be to avoid scarring and shortening healing times. You doctor may also presribe pain medications.
Some third-degree road rash injuries require surgery to repair the skin or underlying structures. You may have to undergo a skin graft and even be hospitalized for a while. Additionally, you may have to do some physical therapy to regain strength once your condition stabilizes. Delaying treatment of third degree road rash can result in permanent damage to muscles and other tissues.
How Can You Prevent Road Rash?
While it’s not always possible to prevent motorcycle accident injuries, you can take actions to protect yourself. To avoid serious injury, you should:
- Wear protective gear, including boots, helmet, full pants, chaps, and a padded jacket or vest.
- Avoid riding during dangerous weather.
- Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Lookout for distracted, negligent, and reckless drivers.
If you do fall off your motorcycle, remain calm. Try to slide away from your motorcycle to avoid the pressure of the vehicle on top of you. Put clothing between your skin and the road to minimize injuries.
What Is My Road Rash Case Worth?
Most motorcycle accidents are the fault other drivers. If someone else caused you to fall off your bike, you may be able to file a claim against them.
Your road rash case value will depend on the severity of your injuries, extent of medical care, and other factors. Even road rash cases that are minor may be worth a significant amount of compensation. You may be able to obtain damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Wage loss and loss of earning capacity
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Medical devices
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate your case and properly value your claim.
Contact a San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered motorcycle road rash, we can help you pursue a claim for compensation. Contact Brylak Law today to learn more about your legal options.
