Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with certain risks. One of the most common types of injuries riders suffer is road rash. A road rash is a severe abrasion. It happens when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and slides along the pavement or road. It can range from mild to severe and can cause long-lasting effects.
If you’ve suffered road rash – or any other kind of severe injury – in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, get in touch with The Eberst Law Firm. We’ll investigate the accident to find out how it happened and who was to blame. We’ll then aggressively pursue the at-fault party to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 1-888-CALL-JON.
What is Road Rash?
Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist falls off their bike and slides across the road surface. It is a type of skin abrasion that can range from mild to severe. Road rash is caused by friction between the skin and the road surface, which can scrape away several layers of skin. The severity of road rash will usually depend on various factors, including the motorcyclist’s speed, the type of clothing they were wearing, and the type of surface they landed on.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents that Cause Road Rash
Various types of motorcycle accidents can cause road rash. The most common is a single-vehicle accident. This type of accident occurs when the motorcyclist loses control of their bike and falls off. Another is a collision with another vehicle or object. In this scenario, the motorcyclist may be thrown from their bike and slide across the pavement or road surface, causing road rash.
Side Effects and Symptoms of Road Rash
The severity of road rash can vary from mild to severe. Mild road rash may cause redness, pain, and swelling, while severe road rash can cause deep cuts, bleeding, and infection. Other symptoms of road rash may include:
- Severe skin abrasions
- Scrapes and bruises
- Open wounds and cuts
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Infection
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of road rash, even if they appear mild. Infection is a common complication of road rash and can lead to further health problems if left untreated.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the severity of your injury. Doctors may recommend treating a mild road rash with over-the-counter pain medication and topical creams. Severe road rash may require medical attention, including cleaning and dressing the wound appropriately. In some cases, skin grafts may be necessary to repair the damage caused by road rash. It is essential to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.
How to Prevent Road Rash
There are several steps you can take to prevent injury:
Wear protective clothing
Wearing protective clothing, including a helmet, leather jacket, gloves, and pants, can help reduce the severity of injury in the event of an accident.
Drive defensively
Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents and reduce your risk of experiencing injury.
Avoid speeding
Speeding increases your risk of being involved in an accident.
Maintain your motorcycle
Regular maintenance can help ensure your motorcycle is in good working condition, reducing your risk of accidents.
Other Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury in motorcycle accidents, particularly in accidents involving high speeds.
- Head injuries: Head injuries can occur if a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and lands on their head. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the severity of head injuries in the event an accident occurs.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can occur if a motorcyclist’s spine is injured during an accident. These injuries can be severe and may result in permanent damage or paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can occur if a motorcyclist is involved in a high-speed collision. They may not be immediately apparent, so get medical attention immediately so you can be thoroughly examined.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur if a motorcyclist’s head strikes a hard surface during an accident. These injuries can be severe and may result in long-term cognitive impairments. However, if a rider is wearing a helmet, their risk of suffering this kind of injury will be significantly lower.
Recovering Your Damages After a Motorcycle Accident Injury
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident and sustain injuries, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurance company. It is essential to document all of your injuries and expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Should I Hire an Attorney if I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, it’s generally a good idea to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will immediately investigate the accident. They’ll look for every piece of evidence they can find to make your case as strong as possible. The earlier the investigation starts, the less likely it will be that critical evidence will vanish.
An attorney can also help you understand your legal rights, document your injuries and expenses, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Hiring an motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Don’t suffer alone, and don’t try to act as your own legal representative. If you do and lose, you’ll be responsible for paying for all of your medical expenses. You’ll also be responsible for your other accident-related losses. Take that risk out of the equation by contacting The Eberst Law Firm online or calling 1-888-CALL-JON for a free review of your case.
