While every motorist is at risk of suffering injuries in the event of an accident, occupants of passenger vehicles get the benefit of seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame to shield them from the worst injuries. Meanwhile, motorcyclists have an increased risk of being thrown or falling off their bikes, which can cause additional contact injuries. When these events occur, motorcyclists can suffer road rash. Keep reading to learn more from our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is an injury that occurs when the exterior layer of skin scrapes against a hard and abrasive surface, such as asphalt. Motorcycle accident victims with road rash may experience immediate symptoms, including:
- Inflamed skin
- Swelling
- Abrasions
- Bleeding
Once the outer layer of skin is exposed, it is susceptible to foreign objects entering the body, which can cause infections, sometimes leading to sepsis.
These injuries can occur to any part of the body, including legs, arms, hands, knees, face, and shoulders. The crash’s impact is sometimes significant enough to tear through clothing and the skin underneath.
Different Types of Road Rash
There are different types of road rash injuries, including:
- Avulsion wounds, which occur when the skin is scraped off the body and can expose muscle and fat below the skin
- Open wound rashes, which are gaping wounds that may require medical intervention to close
- Compression wounds, which occur when the motorcyclist is pinned under their bike or another heavy object during the accident
Road rash is classified into three degrees, as follows:
- First-degree – First-degree road rash can result in minor injuries, such as scrapes, minor bleeding, bruising, and redness. Basic first aid and minimal medical intervention can often treat these injuries.
- Second-degree – Second-degree road rash occurs when the top layer of skin is scraped off, but the underlying layers remain intact. This road rash usually requires medical attention to heal correctly.
- Third-degree – Third-degree road rash is the most severe form of road rash. Multiple layers of skin may be torn, leaving nerves, fat, tissue, and bone exposed. These injuries require emergency medical attention. Extensive follow-up care, including skin grafts, may also be necessary.
Beyond the initial injury, road rash can lead to long-term complications.
Potential Complications from Road Rash
Road rash can lead to several long-term complications. One is known as traumatic tattooing, which occurs when road debris is trapped inside the exposed area of the skin. Scarring and permanent skin discoloration around the wound can result.
Infection is a common complication due to road rash. When the skin is exposed, foreign bodies can enter the bloodstream. The following symptoms indicate infection:
- Fluid or pus
- Warmth near the wound site
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chill
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Foul-smelling drainage
Sometimes, road rash results in blood poisoning as the infection spreads through the bloodstream, which can result in septic shock.
How Is Road Rash Treated?
The treatment someone receives after suffering road rash depends on the severity of the injury and surrounding circumstances. The initial accident may require emergency treatment so bleeding can be stopped and measures put in place to prevent infection. Follow-up wound dressings and monitoring of the injuries may follow. In severe cases, doctors may use skin grafting to repair the skin after the crash. Surgery is necessary in some cases, including plastic surgery, to improve the appearance of the affected area.
Motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages they sustain. Contact Dulin McQuinn Young by calling (303) 246-1111 to learn more during a free consultation.