How Serious Is Road Rash After a Motorcycle Accident?

Road rash is the most common, nonfatal injury a rider can experience after a motorcycle accident. Riders may experience road rash anywhere on their body; however, the face, shoulders, palms, knees, thighs, and lower legs face a more significant risk. While road rash is treatable, it can be incredibly expensive and painful. The severity of road rash depends on what safety gear the rider had on, the force of the crash, and the type of surface the wreck happened on.

Types of Road Rash

Avulsion. Avulsion is the most common type of road rash. Here, the skin has been scraped away to expose layers of fat, muscle, and possibly bone.  

Compression. Compression happens when a part of the body is trapped between two objects – like the motorcycle and road. Bruising, muscle damage, and broken bones can occur.

Open Wound. Stitches are often required with open wound road rash. Severe cases may require skin grafts.

Degrees of Road Rash

First-Degree. First-degree road rash is considered minor. A rider may walk away with scrapes and bruising, slight bleeding, redness, and pain. After receiving medical attention, most first-degree road rash can often be treated at home.

Second-Degree. Second-degree road rash is more serious. Muscles, tendons, and nerves risk exposure. The victim may experience swelling, bleeding, and a feeling a radiating heat. Scarring is often common. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Third-Degree. Third-degree road rash is the most severe. Infection can set in quickly, so seek medical attention immediately. Victims may experience deep wounds, flayed skin, severe abrasions that expose muscles, tendons, nerves, bone, and significant bleeding. Often, more than 10 percent of the body will be affected. Scaring and permanent disfigurement are common. 

Treating Road Rash

Treatment for road rash varies depending on the type and degree; however, there are certain things you can expect with the treatment of any road rash.

• If the accident has just occurred, move to a safe area and call 911.
• Regardless of the type of degree of road rash, any debris in your body will need to be removed by a healthcare professional.
• Treating road rash can be complicated if other injuries are involved.
• A healthcare professional will give you specific instructions to clean and take care of your road rash.
• The recovery time depends on the severity; but regardless of the severity, you will need to rest to recover.
• If not properly cared for, road rash complication can cause infection, pain, and permanent disfigurement.

If your motorcycle accident was caused by the negligence of another driver in Georgia, contact us today. Our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers understand how painful and traumatic a motorcycle accident can be. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and medical bills.