Road rash occurs when the skin is scraped or rubbed so the outer layer is destroyed. Depending on the force of the friction, different amounts of skin can be damaged. Motorcyclists are at risk of getting road rash in accidents because it’s common for them to be thrown from their bikes. When they make contact with the ground, the skin can be damaged from harshly brushing against the gravel or pavement of the road.
When a negligent driver causes these kinds of injuries, you deserve to get justice with a motorcycle accident claim. The Columbia lawyers from the Solomon Law Group are ready to help you with your case. We know that you’ve undergone a horrific event and have suffered from injuries because of it. The person responsible should be held accountable for what they’ve done and you should be able to collect damages for what you’ve been through. We will make sure that your rights are protected.
Road Rash Needs Medical Attention
While road rash can be mild and require some light medical attention, seriously affected areas may require intense care including skin grafts. In some cases, debris may get stuck in the wound and will have to be removed by a medical professional to make sure nothing is left behind.
In many ways, road rash is treated like a burn injury. They both have varying levels of severity depending on the deepness of the wound. While surface wounds may not need intense care, anything past that will need a doctor.
One of the main concerns with road rash is whether or not it’s infected. If you feel any of the following symptoms, it may mean the road rash is infected and you need to see a doctor. If the injury site is more painful, increases in redness or the color spreads, remains swollen, then the injury may be infected. Other indicators of infection include the injury’s temperature. If it feels warm, your body may be trying to fight off the infection in that area. If there is fluid draining from the wound or it’s pulsing, you need to see a doctor. One of the clearest indications of an infection is if you have a fever.
It’s imperative that you don’t wait for things to get better on their own. Listen to what your body is telling you and it’s much better to see a doctor and get their professional opinion of what’s happening. They will either be able to tell you what’s wrong and start you on a plan to getting better, or they may say that your injury isn’t infected, but here are steps you can take to further care for it and aid in your recovery.
What to Do If You Have Road Rash
Motorcyclists are more at risk of getting road rash in the spring and summer, when the weather is nicer. This may make people want to wear lighter or less protective clothing, which leaves their skin exposed and at a higher risk of getting road rash in an accident. You may want to know more about what to do if you get this kind of injury.
There are a few steps to take immediately if you have mild road rash that can possibly prevent infection. The first step is to stop the bleeding, which can usually be accomplished with pressure from a clean bandage. Then, it’s important to rinse out the wound because there could be debris from the road in the wound. Soapy water is best for this. However, if you notice that debris is still in the wound, you may want to consult a medical professional. After that, it’s important to protect the wound with a clean dry bandage.
However, if the road rash is significantly large or painful, you should see a professional. However, you may not need to use size and pain levels to determine whether or not to see the doctor—it’s usually much better to be safe and consult a medical professional.
Legal Advice from the Solomon Law Group
When trying to stand up for your rights, you may find that motorcyclists are stereotyped as reckless drivers or motorists who take unnecessary risks. But we understand that isn’t true and there are many motorcyclists who operate safely and legally. With our help, we won’t let your compensation be diminished because of preconceived notions. We’ll do everything possible to find out the truth of what happened so you can move forward. Schedule a free consultation with us today and we can get started on your claim.