Road rash is an abrasive injury in which skin has been scraped off due to contact with a road surface. It is extremely common in motorcycle accidents, but bicyclists and scooter riders may also experience this type of injury. Motorcycle road rash is typically very painful. Scraping against pavement at high speed can scrape off entire layers of skin, leaving raw tissue exposed. In extreme cases, an injury can bleed and cause nerve damage, leaving little or no feeling in the injured area.

Motorcyclists are at such a high risk because they are much less protected than automobile occupants. The Insurance Information Institute has found they’re five times more likely to be injured. While helmets and protective clothing can avoid injuries, many motorcyclists don’t take the proper precautions.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash injuries range from burn-like scrapes to complete exposure of underlying structures. If you experience road rash, other injuries may be associated with it, including:

• Compression Injuries: Crushed bones, severed limbs, and skin penetrations by objects, may be caused by the force of an impact or your body being trapped between the motorcycle and the road or object such as a car, tree, or building. The injury can vary in severity depending on the pressure and weight of an object.

• Avulsion Injuries: Some areas of skin may have less severe road rash, but in the most affected areas, the skin may be completely stripped off, exposing muscle, fat, and bone tissue. An avulsion injury, or full-thickness wound, is at a high risk of becoming infected and may require skin grafts to treat; it can also lead to significant scarring.

• Surface Injuries: Scrapes and cuts, otherwise known as lacerations, are open wounds. Caused by intense scraping across the road surface, they may require stitches to close up. Many lacerations are minor injuries but if a wound doesn’t close properly and dirt and debris get trapped inside, an infection may make matters worse.

How to Protect Yourself from Road Rash Injuries

Motorcycle accident road rash can be prevented, or its severity can be reduced. As many as half of riders don’t use their helmet, which puts them at great risk of major injuries from a crash. In addition to a helmet, wearing garments made of leather or other material that can absorb abrasive forces can help. Boots, gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts or jackets prevent road rash as well. Motorcyclists can also purchase special protective padding to protect them while riding.

Contact Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney

The medical costs after a road rash injury can be extremely high, especially if you require surgery or extended care. Catastrophic consequences such as paralysis can cost you millions in the long run. To top it off, your injury may prevent you from working or doing any normal tasks around the house. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani can fight for your rights and help you get compensated for your injuries and subsequent care, costs, and pain and suffering. Call 888-952-2952 to learn more or obtain a free case estimate online.