Road rash is an injury unique to motorcycle riders. It can range from a minor irritant to a severe, life-threatening injury.
Riding a motorcycle is of course much more dangerous than driving a car due to the amount of exposure a rider has in the event of an accident. An automobile driver has a several-thousand pound car to protect them from injury, whereas a motorcycle rider can, at best, hope to have a helmet and some layers of clothing and protective gear. This is why nearly 80% of motorcycle riders who are involved in accidents suffer injuries. This also leads to injuries that are unique to motorcycle riders, such as road rash.
Road rash is the common term for a skin abrasion that results from skin sliding along road surfaces. It is particularly present in accidents that happen on hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Surfaces that have a lot of debris, such as loose rocks and broken glass, can also worsen the damage. It may be the only injury a rider suffers in an accident, or may occur in tandem with other injuries such as broken bones or head and spinal injuries. It can range from a minor irritant to a severe, life-threatening injury.
If your road rash was someone else’s fault, whether it was caused by a negligent driver or a poorly-maintained road, the responsible party can be held responsible for the damages your injuries causes, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you suffered road rash in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, or elsewhere in Maricopa County, it is recommended that you contact an Arizona motorcycle attorney to discuss your legal options.
Preventing Road Rash
There are steps a rider can take to prevent road rash in the case of an accident, or at least reduce the damage it causes. The primary way to prevent road rash is to wear proper safety gear. This includes:
• Helmet
• Leathers
• Boots
• Gloves
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket
Assessing the Severity of Road Rash
Road rash varies greatly in severity. If any of the following are present, the road rash is severe and requires emergency medical attention:
• Severe bleeding or spurting blood
• Underlying structures exposed through skin
• Skin hanging from the wound that needs trimming
• Cuts that need stitching
If none of these are present, and you suffered no other injuries, the road rash most likely does not require emergency medical attention, but you should see a doctor soon, to verify the severity of the road rash and receive proper medical care, as well as to thoroughly assess and identify any other injuries you may have suffered.
Treating Road Rash
If your road rash does not require emergency attention, you should take the following steps to prevent infection and ensure that it heals properly:
• Gently wash with soap and water. This will hurt, but it is important to remove any dirt and debris that could cause infection.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment
• Cover the area with a loose, non-stick dressing
• Gently wash the area once a day
• Stop dressing the wound after it stops oozing, usually 7-14 days after the injury
