What You Should Know About Road Rash

It has been reported in Oklahoma that a motorcyclist lost control over his motorcycle. The driver flew about 100 yards during the accident. The rider was injured by colliding with the road. This is a case of a road rash accident.

What Is Road Rash?

Most people think it is a mild wound that can be caused due to bad driving. Even a small case of road rash may, however, have serious consequences. The skin is the body’s protector. This protects the body's vulnerable sections against the exterior world of bacteria and viruses. In an accident, the skin of the driver frequently scratches against hard surfaces, destroying the skin's exterior layer and exposing the wound to gravel, metal, rocks and other road debris.

Although it is possible to treat road rash, it can be painful and costly. The severity of the rash is based on the impact of the collision, the surface causing the accident and the safety equipment used by the driver. If the collision is serious and the driver is not at fault, the person may need an accident lawyer to solve the case.

Types of Road Rash

Three forms of traffic rash exist. More than one form of road rash injury during an accident is however possible.

The three most common types of road rash are :

• Avulsion

• Compression

• Open Wound

Avulsion - It is the cause of the skin scraping away, which may reveal fat, muscle and even bone layers.

Compression - In a motorcycle accident, the vehicle can crush a body part of the rider. This can lead to muscle damage and broken bones.

Open Wound - The resulting open wound due to road rash may require stitches or skin grafts in severe cases.

Degrees of the Injuries Due to Road Rash

First-Degree Road Rash - Road rash is regarded as minor in the first degree which includes scrapes and bruises, some bleeding, redness, and pain. Most first-degree road rash can often be treated at home after receiving medical attention.

Second Degree- Road rash is more severe in the second degree, creating higher risk for muscles, tendons and nerves. The patient can experience swelling, bleeding and a sense of radiant heat. Scarring is often a common occurrence. So, medical care should be received as quickly as possible.

Third Degree road rash is the most severe. Infection can occur, so immediately seeking medical attention is essential. Deep wounds, flared skin, severe muscle abrasions, tendon, nerve, or bone damage and substantial bleeding can occur to victims in this case. Often it affects more than 10% of the body. Permanent disfigurement is all too common in these cases.

Treatment of Road Rash

Road rash treatments vary according to form and grade, but with the treatment of any road rash there are certain things that you should do and can expect.

• If there has recently been an incident, get to safety and dial 911.

• Notwithstanding the type of road rash, a health professional must remove any debris from your body.

• If other injuries are involved, treating road rash may be complicated.

• You must seek specific instructions from the healthcare professionals to clean up wounds and take care of your health.

• The duration of recovery depends on the injury, but you will need to rest to recover irrespective of the extent.

• Complications of road rash may involve infection, discomfort, scarring and permanent disfiguring if not properly cared for.

However, if the road rash accident is caused due to the fault of any other driver, it is important to contact an accident attorney to claim compensation. The West Law Firm can help you in this case.

** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.