Motorcycle accident road rash injuries often go unconsidered when people think about the types of injuries associated with these types of crashes.
Yet, road rash injuries can be devastating and can lead to multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and a lifetime of pain and suffering. While not necessarily life threatening like traumatic brain injuries, road rash can be more serious than many people believe. Insurance companies notoriously de-value road rash claims and can fail to consider the long-term implications when offering a settlement. This is why it is so important to discuss your accident and your injuries with a Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorney before you accept any settlement from the insurance company.
What is Road Rash?
When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement or road during a motorcycle crash, they can damage their skin and underlying tissues. This type of skin abrasion is known as road rash. It can be mild and superficial or it can result in deeply scarred tissue and permanent nerve damage. The severity of the road rash depends largely on the road surface and the clothing that is worn by the rider. In general, there are three types of road rash:
- First Degree Road Rash:minor skin abrasion that is a little painful but the skin is not broken.
- Second Degree Road Rash:the outer layer of skin is broken and there may be bleeding involved. The victim usually requires mild treatment, such as medications and ointments. Second-degree road rash usually heals quickly and with little complications.
- Third Degree Road Rash:this type of road rash is very severe and usually involves injury to all 5 layers of skin. Infection is very common when a motorcyclist sustains a third-degree road rash, and some of those infections can be life threatening. Third-degree road rash often requires plastic surgery, skin grafts, and IV antibiotic therapy.
More Information: Colorado Motorcycle Law
If you or someone you love has sustained motorcycle accident road rash injuries, it is important to know about the complications that can occur. Third-degree road rash may result in permanent disfigurement, scarring, and permanent muscles, nerve, and tissue damage. The medical treatment alone can cost accident victims hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially in reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.
