Why motorcycle injury victims need strong legal representation
Every year, motorcyclists in Southwest Washington sustain serious injuries in motorcycle accidents. And one of the most common – and most painful – motorcycle accident injuries riders sustain in Vancouver and other communities throughout Washington State is road rash.
So, what is road rash? Just how common is it? What medical complications are often associated with road rash? And what treatments are available for road rash injury victims? Vancouver, Washington motorcycle accident attorney Colin Scott of The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, explains what you need to know.
What is road rash?
Road rash is a common term used to describe a type of severe skin injury that’s similar to an abrasion or friction burn. This type of motorcycle accident injury often involves damage to multiple layers of skin and can harm muscles, tendons, and even bones.
Road rash injuries often occur when a rider lays down their bike or is thrown from their motorcycle in a crash and then slides across the road surface. Many riders don’t realize they have road rash or just how serious such injuries can be until they experience it firsthand. It is, without a doubt, one of the most painful injuries a rider can experience, much like being skinned alive.
Dirt, gravel, and other debris can become embedded in the wound, leading to infections and complications that hinder the healing process. As a result, without proper medical care, a minor road rash injury can quickly escalate into a serious or potentially life-threatening medical issue.
How serious is road rash?
In general, there are three types or degrees of road rash injuries:
- First-degree road rash – This type of road rash injury is similar to a bad scrape, characterized by redness, rawness, and pain, but is essentially a superficial wound.
- Second-degree road rash – A more severe type of skin injury that involves the rash abrasion breaking the skin and is often accompanied by bleeding.
- Third-degree road rash – The most severe type of road rash, this type of injury is a full thickness skin abrasion that is treated similar to a third degree burn. Third-degree road rash injuries are severe and often require skin grafts or other surgical procedures.
How common is road rash in motorcycle accidents?
Road rash is one of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcycle riders lack the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and an enclosed frame. That means when a motorcycle crash happens, a rider can come into direct contact with the pavement.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of motorcyclists sustain road rash injuries every year nationwide. In particular, an estimated 30 percent of all non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries involve some form of road rash, according to NHTSA data.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery also found that road rash is one of the most common non-fatal injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.
In particular, road rash is especially common in low- to mid-speed collisions, where the rider is thrown from the bike but is not involved in a high-speed crash. In such low-speed motorcycle collisions, riders often brace themselves with their arms or slide on their legs or back, resulting in multiple abrasion sites. Because road rash can occur at relatively low speeds, bicyclists are also prone to suffer from this type of injury in a crash.
What are common medical complications due to road rash?
Common medical complications caused by road rash can range from mild to life-threatening medical emergencies, depending on the severity of the injury, whether it was properly treated, and other factors. Common road rash complications often include:
Infections
Open wounds from road rash are highly susceptible to bacterial infections and debris, such as dirt or gravel, especially if the wound is not cleaned thoroughly and promptly.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Deep abrasions can permanently damage the skin and underlying tissue, often resulting in:
- Hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are thick, raised scars
- Areas of skin discoloration or irregular texture
- In severe cases, permanent disfigurement, which may require skin grafts
Nerve Damage
Third-degree road rash can harm nerve endings, resulting in:
- Chronic pain or numbness
- Hypersensitivity around the injury site
- Long-term medical issues involving temperature regulation or increased sensitivity
Reduced Mobility
When road rash affects joints, such as the knees, elbows, and shoulders, the scar tissue surrounding the healing skin can tighten, reducing the range of motion. This may require:
- Physical therapy to regain flexibility
- Surgical intervention may be needed if scar tissue restricts movement
Delayed Healing
Factors like diabetes, poor wound care, or compromised immune systems can delay recovery and increase the risk of secondary complications associated with road rash. Other medical issues can also often impact a road rash injury victim’s recovery and cause a delay in healing that could last days, weeks, or even months.
What are the long-term medical issues due to road rash?
Deep wounds may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. In some cases, the skin may not grow back evenly. Large sections of damaged skin may also require skin grafts or other surgical procedures to repair.
Nerve damage is also a common risk. When the injury goes beyond the dermis and affects nerves underneath the skin, road rash can cause long-term pain, numbness, or increased sensitivity. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or even wear certain clothes due to the rubbing of certain fabrics against damaged skin.
However, one of the most overlooked consequences of road rash is its emotional toll. Disfigurement, chronic pain, and the trauma of the crash itself can lead to depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Long after the physical wounds heal, psychological scars may remain, especially for riders who can no longer enjoy the freedom of the road.
Common treatment for road rash
Medical treatment for road rash depends on the severity of the injury and many other factors. Minor cases can sometimes be treated at home by cleaning the area, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering the wound to prevent infection. Pain relievers may help manage discomfort during the healing process. However, it's still in your best interest to consult a doctor after a motorcycle accident, even if you're not sure how serious your injury is.
For severe road rash injuries, medical professionals may need to remove embedded debris (a process called debridement), prescribe antibiotics, and monitor injury victims for signs of infection. Second- and third-degree road rash often requires hospital care, particularly if large areas of skin are severely damaged.
In the most severe cases, patients may need surgery. One of the most common surgical procedures performed on victims of severe road rash injuries is a skin graft. This is a medically complex procedure that involves taking healthy skin from another part of the body and transplanting it onto the damaged area. Physical therapy may also be necessary to restore movement or reduce stiffness, especially if the injury or scar tissue affects joints or muscles.
Why should I hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
If another driver caused your motorcycle accident, you shouldn't have to pay for their negligence. However, receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve can often be challenging. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, looking out for your best interests.
Attorney Colin Scott has years of experience handling complex injury claims and lawsuits. As a result, our law firm won’t waste any time getting right to work on your motorcycle road rash injury claim or lawsuit. Our case results speak for themselves, including a $670,000 recovery for our client, who was injured in an accident.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. Schedule an appointment with our law firm today. We handle legal cases statewide.
"Colin and his team are very professional! They take care of everything for us. They know just the right experts to contact and get things done timely! They are quick to respond to our inquiries. Highly recommended!" — Allen S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐