Road Rash Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents

Road rash is a term used to describe skin injuries caused by contact with road surfaces after a motorcycle accident. Road rash injuries are painful scrapes because the skin is forcibly removed from the body as it rubs against the road surface. Even with protective gear, like a helmet and motorcycle jacket, every rider is at risk. There are different types of road rash injuries, with different treatments and recovery times.

Types of Road Rash Injuries

The most common type of road rash injury is called avulsion. Avulsion occurs when the skin is scraped away, and the layers of fat, muscle, and bone are exposed. Next are open wounds. Open wound road rash injuries may also require stitches to repair the skin. The injured motorcyclist or passenger may require a skin graft to repair the damaged skin. Lastly, compression road rash occurs when a part of the body is caught between two objects.

Road rash injuries commonly affect the outside and inside of the lower legs. Other parts of the body affected are knees, palms, shoulders, thighs, and face. The degrees of road rash are as follows:

• First degree: The first layer of the skin is visibly red. This type of injury may not need medical treatment and will heal on its own with time.
• Second degree: The first layer of the skin breaks. Little scarring and permanent damage may occur as these types of injuries typically heal themselves.
• Third degree: The layers of the skin are peeled away exposing muscle, fat, and bone. Reconstructive surgery, including skin grafts are common treatment options.

How Road Rash Injuries are Treated

Treatment for road rash injuries is complex and depends on the severity and permanence of the skin injuries. Skin grafts and plastic surgery are common procedures. Permanent scarring once the skin heals is a lasting effect of road rash injuries.

Recovery Times for Road Rash Injuries

Unfortunately, medical care and treatment for road rash injuries is lengthy and costly. Recovery will take time. Multiple surgeries or procedures may be necessary to repair the skin. There may also be risks of complications, like infections, that will cause more pain.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Louisiana’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Road rash injuries following a motorcycle accident may impact your life and cause permanent disfigurement. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, please call us immediately so we can review your legal options. Our lawyers are available to answer your questions about potential claims and compensation when you have experienced a road rash or other injuries following a motorcycle accident in Louisiana. 

To find out how we can help you, call the Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyers at Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick LLC at our New Orleans  888-601-0127, Baton Rouge  225-612-0800, or Lafayette  337-409-0003 offices. You can also request an appointment online. 

Louisiana law firm, Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick LLC, represents victims of motorcycle accidents. We also represent victims of auto accidents, boating accidents, and nursing home or adult care facility negligence. Request an appointment online to protect your rights to compensation following an accident.