6 Facts About Road Rash

Posted in Motorcycle Accidents on January 16, 2022

Every bicycle and motorcycle rider has heard of road rash. You probably know that it can be a devastating injury with long-term effects. But if you haven’t seen or experienced road rash for yourself, you may not totally understand the injury.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about road rash. And if you ever find yourself suffering from the injury, call an attorney to discuss your options. You may be able to pursue compensation from the party who caused the accident.

What Is Road Rash?

You’ve likely experienced skinned knees and elbows. When a rider is thrown from the back of a motorcycle, any area of exposed skin could be scraped off as it makes contact with a hard surface. This is known as road rash and is caused by friction.

This post will cover road rash as it relates to bicycle and motorcycle accidents.

Six Interesting Facts About Road Rash

Here are six interesting facts about road rash:

1. Road Rash Injuries Are Classified By Degrees

As with burn injuries, road rash is classified by degrees. First-degree road rash covers the mildest of cases. If the skin is red and feels tender but can be treated at home, it’s a first-degree wound.

Second-degree road rash refers to injuries that go beyond the surface level. They’re often more painful and require treatment with topical ointments and bandages. In these cases, it’s best to be seen by a doctor.

Third-degree road rash is the most severe. It refers to wounds that penetrate beyond the skin and into the fatty tissue underneath. In these cases, you must see a doctor immediately.

2. Road Rash Is Sometimes Accompanied By Broken Bones

People who ride motorcycles know that they are especially vulnerable in an accident. When a person is thrown from their vehicle and suffers road rash, it’s not uncommon for the person to break one or more bones in the process, as well.

3. Road Rash Happens to Thousands of People Each Year

More than 20,000 road rash injuries are recorded each year. Not all of these injuries require hospital stays, so it’s likely the average annual number is even higher.

4. You Can Protect Yourself from Road Rash

Road rash is most likely to occur when areas of skin are exposed. That’s why many safety-conscious riders wear protective gear from head to toe, including a DOT-approved helmet, sturdy pants, durable boots, and a high-quality jacket.

5. Road Rash Can Leave Permanent Scars

In severe cases, the injury can leave permanent scarring. If there is gravel, broken glass, or debris at the crash site, this is more likely to happen.

6. The Injury Can Be Expensive to Treat

Fortunately, most cases of road rash are minor. But in some situations, the injury can leave a person in need of long-term medical care. Skin-grafting surgery may even be necessary for the wound to heal. Naturally, this can result in hefty medical bills for a victim.

If you are ever in this situation, call an attorney as soon as possible. Of course, your first concern should be to seek medical treatment. But once you have seen a doctor, you need to consider your legal options moving forward.

If another driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. By working with an experienced legal professional, you can fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York, NY

If you need legal assistance, contact the NYC personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600