Facts About Road Rash

Paul Brannon | September 30, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents

Facts About Road Rash

Road rash is a very common injury that motorcyclists suffer after an accident. If you have suffered road rash, you most likely will need extensive medical treatments, depending on the severity. If you have been involved in an accident, you could hold the negligent party responsible for medical treatment costs needed for your road rash.

Although road rash may be considered a minor injury, it could lead to life-threatening injuries if not handled properly. Make sure you have a qualified attorney on your side to build your strong case and represent you for your motorcycle accident lawsuit.

What Is Road Rash?

Road rash refers to scrapes and abrasions that a motorcyclist may suffer when they come into contact with a concrete road. It is most likely to occur after a motorcyclist falls off their motorcycle from the collision. Skin that is not protected is most likely to experience severe road rash since it may affect deep tissue under the skin.

Doctors usually categorize road rash based on its severity. For example, some minor cuts may heal on their own. Permanent damage to the external layer of the skin could cause infections or even lead to amputations.

Where Does Road Rash Happen?

Road rash could happen at any body part that comes into contact with the road. However, some high-risk areas are more likely to experience road rash. This includes:

  •  Hands
  •  Feet
  •  Shoulders
  •  Elbows

The above are usually the most common body parts that first come into contact with the road when a motorcyclist falls off their motorcycle.

Road Rash Degrees

Road rash is categorized into three different degrees, explained below:

  • First-degree: a first-degree category is a superficial abrasion that could quickly heal on its own and only affects the top layer of the skin.
  • Second-degree: second-degree road rash occurs when abrasions go deeper than the skin.  Bleeding is a common sign of second-degree road rash.
  • Third-degree: Third-degree road rash is considered the most severe. It occurs when deep damage occurs below the skin layers. 

No matter what degree of road rash you have suffered, you should see a doctor immediately. 

How Do You Treat Road Rash?

Treatment for road rash depends on the severity of the abrasions. Below are some ways a doctor could treat road rash:

  •  Antibiotics are applied to the area  to prevent any infections
  •  Prescription medication could be prescribed for the pain
  •  Damaged tissue could be removed through surgeries
  •  Skin grafting may be needed for severe 3rd-degree road rash
  •  Plastic surgery may be recommended for any cosmetic concerns

Above are some steps a medical provider could take to treat road rash. Our attorneys recommend getting treated by a doctor immediately after you have been involved in a motorcycle accident.

How Long Will Road Rash Take To Treat?

Treatment time depends on the severity of the abrasions. For example, first-degree road rash with surface-level scratches could take a week or two to fully recover. However, severe road rash could take months to fully recover since it should be closely monitored for potential infections.

How Can I Prevent Road Rash?

We recommend wearing protective gear to prevent road rash. Gloves, jackets, thick pants, and knee pads could prevent road rash in the event of an accident. 

Road Rash Accident Attorney Near Me

Road rash could lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. Ensure you have an experienced personal injury attorney if you have experienced road rash after an accident.

As an injured party, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party who has caused the accident. However, proving a motorcycle accident is not so clear-cut. It usually requires medical experts, accident experts, and the help of a highly-rated attorney. Contact Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. 

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297