Motorcycle riders don’t wear all leather just to look cool and badass – this leather serves a crucial purpose in protecting the rider from road rash and other such injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Road rash, like burns, can range from mild to severe. Since most motorcycle accidents are caused by the other party, not the motorcycle rider, if you are a victim of an accident and suffer road rash or other injuries, you may be eligible for compensation.
Here is what you need to know about road rash, from the most common places people get it to the varying degrees of severity to what you should do if you suffer from this injury – and more. Let’s get into it.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is an injury where the skin has been scraped off. When a person’s body makes contact with the ground and exposed skin is scraped across it, the abrasion from this can cause the skin to peel away. How many layers of skin are scraped off and how big the affected area is determines the severity of the injury.
This injury comes with the potential for complications, such as infection, foreign objects embedded in the area, additional injuries like broken bones, and more. Motorcyclists should seek medical attention after accidents, because even if you think that you’re fine, adrenaline may be hiding the true extent of your injuries and some injuries may present with delayed symptoms.
Most Common Places To Get Road Rash
The most common places to get road rash include:
- Palms
- Elbows
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Face
- Lower legs
- Thighs
- Knees
This type of injury is most common in the spring and summer, as people are wearing less clothing and doing more outdoor activities during the warmer months, which leaves their skin less protected and increases their risk of being in an accident.
Types Of Road Rash
There are three basic types of road rash: avulsion, compression, and open wounds.
Avulsion
This is the most common type. This is when your skin is scraped off and can occur even in mild accidents. This may be a mild injury, where only the upper layers of your skin come off. However, it can also be more severe, exposing muscle and bone.
Compression
Your body may get stuck between two objects during an accident, such as between your motorcycle and the road. This type of rash can include bruising, muscle damage, and broken bone.
Open Wound
If your injury is more severe, you may have an open wound that necessitates stitches and other forms of treatment, such as potential need for skin grafts.
Degrees Of Road Rash
Like burns, there are three degrees of this type of injury: first, second, and third.
- First degree. This is the most minor. You may have some light bleeding and bruising. This can usually heal on its own and be treated at home, however, you must be mindful of infection.
- Second degree. In addition to bleeding and swelling, this may include exposed muscles, tendons, and nerves, and radiate heat. It’s common to experience scarring here. You should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to reduce your risk of scarring and infection.
- Third degree. This is the most severe. Your skin is actually sheared off and you may experience severe bleeding and swelling. The injury may take up a significant portion of the body and may even expose bone. This requires immediate medical attention.
Preventing Road Rash: Proper Gear, Safety Measures, And More
Proper riding gear, such as a leather jacket, leather pants, gloves, and a DOT-approved helmet, is crucial to help prevent road rash and other such injuries. While some people think it’s fine to ride motorcycles in short sleeve shirts and shorts, this exposes a lot of skin and raises your risk of injury. Others may think that jeans provide adequate protection, however, denim can easily shred when dragged against rough surfaces at high impact, like occurs when hitting the road. In order for your riding gear to work, you must wear it every time you go riding.
Many motorcycle accidents are the other party’s fault. People can be aggressive to motorcyclists or not even notice them. As such, riders must be ever vigilant on the road, as you never know what other people on the road might do.
Recovering Damages From Your Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident attorney would be able to help you recover all the damages you are entitled to after being victim to an accident. Victims of motorcycle accidents can suffer all sorts of damages, from lost quality of life to lost income to scarring and disfigurement and more. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to fight for you to be able to recover the damages you are owed.
We here at LeBaron & Jensen provide representation to motorcycle accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your case.
