Motorcycle Road Rash: Degrees and Treatment

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you have likely been the victim of road burn or road rash. Road rash, as it is commonly known, refers to the nasty scrapes, avulsion injuries, and bruising that often occur as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Road rash injuries are typically underreported. Initially the injury may not feel all that painful. Bikers fail to consider the possible complications, including infection, scarring, and damage to muscle, ligaments, and nerves. Weeks later they are left still dealing with injuries and racking up medical bills for something they thought was going to be no big deal.

There are three degrees of road rash or road burn.

1. First degree (minor) – This injury is characterized by redness, minor bleeding and swelling, scraping of skin, tenderness, and bleeding. This injury can usually be treated at home. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly. UW Health provides guidelines for treating these injuries at home. They suggest that you wash the injury daily with Dial or another antibacterial soap. Dry off the area with a towel and apply a thin layer of Bacitracin or another antibiotic ointment. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to healed skin, and cover with Aquaphor or another non-stick gauze. Watch for signs of infection including redness, a foul smell to the wound, or flu-like symptoms.
2. Second degree (serious) – This injury is characterized by swelling, bleeding, and exposed tendons or muscles. The injured area may feel warm and painful to touch. Clean the area and seek medical attention.
3. Third degree (severe) – Third degree road burns have deep wounds with bleeding, exposed muscles, tendons and nerves, and even exposed bone. The area is either extremely painful or painless due to nerve damage. Clean the area and seek immediate medical attention. Scarring and sometimes deformities can occur as a result of third degree road rash.

Road rash can cause pain, medical expenses, and even scarring or deformities. If you have road rash as a result of a motorcycle accident, it is critical that you hire an attorney with experience representing bikers. Our attorneys have years of experience handling these cases and will get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Insist on the best –  contact Kass & Moses today!