If you're a motorcyclist or bicyclist, you've likely heard of road rash. It is one of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle and bicycle riding, but road rash can also occur in accidents that involve the ejection of an occupant from a vehicle or from an e-bike or a scooter, either privately owned or made available from online rental companies.
While generally regarded as only a minor injury, road rash can have serious and even life-threatening implications.
If you've suffered severe road rash due to an accident that was caused by someone else, you should seek compensation for your injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can speak with you about the process of recovering that compensation.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is a common term for a skin abrasion that results from scraping the skin across a rough surface, such as pavement. While this type of injury can occur on any exposed part of the body, it is often seen on the body's jointed areas, such as the:
- elbows
- knees
- hands
- face
- shins
- ankles
- shoulders
The different types of road rash include:
- Avulsion, which involves the scraping away of the top layers of skin to expose fatty layers, muscle, or bone
- Open wound, which involves tearing of the skin tissue and may require stitches
- Compression, which is a type of road rash that occurs when part of the body is trapped between two objects. A common example would be an accident where the rider's leg is trapped between the motorcycle and the roadway.
Like burns, road rash is categorized by degrees. First-degree road rash typically involves only a thin layer of outer skin. Second-degree road rash has deeper wounds than first, often reaching to the lower layers of skin. Third-degree road rash is the most serious category, involving the scraping away of skin and fatty layers to expose the muscle and bone beneath.
Those with road rash may feel little or no pain in the deepest part of the wound, while feeling extreme pain on the edges of the wound. This is due to damage to the nerve cells in the affected area. Other common symptoms of road rash include redness, swelling, and bleeding.
It isn't always easy to know when road rash needs medical attention. Common indicators that you need professional assistance to treat road rash include:
- Wounds that are more than three times bigger than the palm of a hand. Large areas of damaged skin pose an increased risk of both infection and scarring.
- The wound is on the hands, feet, or genitals. These locations are also prone to infection due to the plethora of bacteria found here.
- Muscle or bone is visible, which indicates third-degree road rash. If left untreated, you could risk suffering further complications such as bacterial infections, nerve damage, or mobility issues.
- Foreign objects embedded in the wound. Gravel, glass, and other accident debris can become lodged in road rash abrasions. This increases the likelihood of infections and other complications.
- Excessive bleeding or bleeding that won't stop. Treatment may require stitches and other medical efforts to stop the bleeding and close any open wounds.
- You're experiencing signs of infection. Over-the-counter antibacterial ointment may not be enough to heal a deep abrasion or severe cases of road rash. Seek medical care if you notice puss, drainage, foul odors, or flu-like symptoms develop in the days or weeks after sustaining road rash abrasions.
Road rash is a serious injury that should not be taken lightly. After seeking medical treatment for your injuries, don't hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer to learn how you can recover compensation for the lifetime medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by someone else's actions.
Treating Road Rash
Road Rash and abrasions have multiple treatment types depending on the severity of your injuries. A medical professional will usually always recommend the following safety precautions regardless of the injury's severity:
- Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring bacteria to the open area.
- Wash the injury with antibacterial soap, taking care not to scrub too hard, as this can make the wound bleed and may cause further damage.
- Remove debris, such as dirt, pebbles, and glass from the wound, using tweezers if necessary.
- Pat the affected area dry with a clean towel.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to protect the wounded area and keep it moist.
- Cover the wound with clean, lightweight gauze or medical dressing.
- Change your bandage at least twice a day and more frequently if the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
If the wound is serious and medical treatment is required, some of the treatment that may be provided includes:
- X-rays to look for foreign objects and additional injuries, such as broken bones
- Deep cleansing of the affected area
- Monitoring of your vital signs
- IV or oral antibiotics to prevent infection
- A tetanus vaccine
- Blood tests and cultures to diagnose infection
- Surgery to remove foreign objects or to repair damage
- The provision of pain medication or a prescription for medication to be taken at home
Even when injuries are treatable, the long term effects of road rash can leave you with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you need help holding negligent parties accountable for your accident injuries, schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer today.
Road Rash Complications
Staph infection
Staphylococcus bacteria are naturally present on the skin and in the nose. However, if the skin is broken, this bacteria can enter the body and result in an infection that may not only cause potentially life-threatening illness to the injured person, but may also be resistant to antibiotics and contagious to other people.
Tetanus
Tetanus bacteria are present in soil, dust, and on metal objects. When the bacteria enter the body through road rash abrasions or a puncture wound, they can cause painful muscle spasms in the neck and jaw. Left untreated or for those without a tetanus shot in the past decade, the consequences can be life-threatening.
Necrotizing fasciitis
Group A streptococcus bacteria is a common culprit of necrotizing fasciitis infections, which cause the death of soft tissue. This type of infection generally spreads quickly and, without treatment, can result in life-threatening problems, such as sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and multiple organ failure.
Scarring and disfigurement
Third-degree injuries can result in permanent disfigurement and scarring. This can cause emotional distress and may require additional medical treatment, such as surgery or skin grafts, to repair the affected area. Even when the wound heals, the scar tissue may be sensitive and prone to irritation or infection.
Mobility Issues
When you joints bear the brunt of the impact during a motorcycle accident, road rash can result in limited mobility or even paralysis. Injured parties may also notice that the pain worsens around the affected area, creating a tight or stiff feeling that can limit movement and cause discomfort.
Chronic wound
A chronic wound is one that takes an abnormally long time to heal and repeatedly opens. This can be a result of a bacterial infection or a weakened immune system. Certain underlying health conditions make this complication more likely, including diabetes or cancer.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can result from road rash injuries. It's characterized by red, swollen and painful areas of skin that may blister or weep fluid. If left untreated, it can lead to potentially serious complications such as sepsis.
Emotional distress
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and the physical injuries sustained can also cause emotional distress. Many people may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression after any type of auto or motorcycle crash.
Preventing Road Rash
The simplest way to minimize serious road rash injuries is wear protective clothing. General rules about choosing the right motorcycle gear include:
- A helmet with a face shield. This option is generally made of shatter-proof material and may have a tint to reduce eye strain when riding during daylight hours. You should always take care to use a face shield that is free from scratches, as scratched shields may blur your vision.
- Jackets, pants, and riding suits. The highest level of protection is usually found in leather or synthetic, abrasive-resistant fabric, such as ballistic nylon. Additionally, padded options can provide extra cushion for high impact areas, such as the elbows and knees.
- Gloves. Riders should opt for full-fingered gloves made of an abrasive-resistant material, such as leather. Always ensure your gloves fit properly. Loose gloves will impact a motorcyclist's ability to control his or her vehicle, and tight gloves may restrict circulation to the hands.
- Boots. Sturdy boots that fit over the ankle provide the best protection against road rash on the ankles and feet. Boots should have rubber-based, composite soles that provide grip to avoid foot slippage or slick pavement or gravel that can lead to a low-speed accident.
Additionally, you will want to be vigilant in conditions that pose an increased risk of suffering an accident, including but not limited to:
- Gravel and roads where loose gravel may be present on the pavement
- Wet or icy roads
- Roads that are oily due to motor vehicle residue. Riders should pay attention at intersections or other locations where cars idle, because oil spots can make them slick.
- Obstacles in the road, including trash or debris that could cause an accident or cause you to swerve in avoidance of an accident.
- Roads or trails that feature a steep incline where the rider may pick up speed and lose control.
Road rash is more frequent in warmer months when people are more likely to be riding the wheeled vehicle of their choice and more likely to have exposed skin. It is important—whether you're riding a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, or another vehicle—to cover your skin as much as possible with long pants made of a sturdy material (like jeans) and long sleeves.
The Levin Firm | Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Ready To Help You Recover Compensation For Road Rash Injuries
Knowing road rash facts wont stop you from experiencing these injuries in an accident. However, it may help you understand the challenges you may face after a crash caused by someone else's negligent actions.
Motorcycle accident lawyers at The Levin Firm are ready to provide you with award-winning legal support that helps you in your fight for justice and fair compensation.
With decades of experience and a commitment to client satisfaction, you can trust us to be your ally when road rash threatens to upend your physical and financial stability.
Schedule a free case evaluation to learn how our personal injury law firm can help you.