For many riders, being able to feel the wind in their hair and the sun on their back is a key part of a motorcycle’s appeal.
Unfortunately, the same lack of exterior protection that’s so freeing puts motorcyclists at a serious disadvantage in the event of a crash. With nothing but their riding gear between them and the road, riders can suffer catastrophic, or even fatal, injuries.
Road rash is one of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. While classified as an abrasion injury, it’s anything but “just a scrape.” Road rash injuries occur when a motorcyclist’s body skids across the asphalt, and layers of skin, muscle, fat, and other tissue are sheered away in the process. Not only is road rash extremely painful, but it can also be debilitating, disfiguring, and disabling.
If you experienced a serious road rash injury in a motorcycle accident caused by another person or company’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you need to know about pursuing compensation for motorcycle crash road rash injuries in Georgia.
Types—and Degrees—of Road Rash Injuries
Not all road rash injuries are the same. These injuries vary by both type and severity. The three main types of road rash are:
- Avulsions
- Open wounds
- Compression injuries
While open wound road rash injuries are self-explanatory, avulsion injuries are those in which the layers of the skin have been scraped away, and compression injuries occur when the affected part of the body is trapped between the bike and the road.
Road rash injuries are also categorized by degrees of severity:
- First-degree road rash is characterized by visibly red skin.
- Second-degree road rash indicates the injury broke the top layer of skin.
- Third-degree road rash involves skin that’s scraped back, exposing fat, muscle, and other tissue.
Road Rash Treatments
Though first- and second-degree road rash injuries usually heal without any type of medical intervention, third-degree road rash can require painful and in some cases, expensive, ongoing treatment. Common road rash treatments include:
- Debridement
- Stitches
- Skin grafts
- Other reconstructive surgeries
Even with proper treatment, motorcyclists with road rash face the risk of dangerous infections, and can experience long-term negative effects such as excruciating pain, permanent nerve damage, significant scarring, and disfigurement.
In addition to the physically painful aspects of living with a disfiguring injury, motorcyclists with extensive road rash disfigurement may have difficulty holding a job, and suffer social and emotional challenges.
Seeking Compensation
If you experienced road rash injuries in a Georgia motorcycle crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Past, present, and future accident-related medical expenses, including medical-related travel costs
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Loss of income if your road rash injuries permanently prevent you from working
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- The financial and psychological effects of scarring and disfigurement
An attorney will advise you on which types of damages may be appropriate in your particular motorcycle crash case.
Our Attorneys Help You Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
Serious road rash injuries often have serious consequences for motorcycle accident victims. Although you may be entitled to compensation for damages, actually obtaining a fair financial recovery in a motorcycle crash case can be challenging. Fortunately, the skilled attorneys with Van Sant Law can help you overcome institutional bias against motorcyclists, document your injuries and losses, and present a strong case for damages.
Want to know how we can help you collect compensation for road rash injuries? Need a better understanding of your legal rights and options? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team.