Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience. However, motorcycle riders lack the protections afforded to drivers and passengers inside regular automobiles. This exposes motorcyclists to an increased risk of sustaining serious injuries in the event of an accident. One type of motorcycle injury that may seem minor at first but can lead to lasting complications is road rash.
What is Road Rash?
Road rash refers to skin abrasions caused when a motorcyclist slides along the roadway after being thrown from the bike during a crash. The friction between the body and pavement literally scrapes away layers of skin, leaving behind painful wounds.
Road rash can range from mild scrapes that only damage the top layer of skin to deep abrasions exposing fat and muscle tissue underneath. More extensive abrasions pose a higher risk of infection and permanent scarring.
Where on the Body is Road Rash Most Common?
The body parts most vulnerable to road rash injuries during a motorcycle slide accident include:
- Hands and wrists
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Back
- Hips
- Legs
- Knees
- Ankles and feet
Areas where skin coverage is minimal, such as over bony prominences, often sustain more extensive abrasions. Riders wearing shorts, tank tops, or other minimal clothing have greater areas of exposed skin at risk for road rash.
Dangers and Complications of Road Rash Wounds
At first glance, road rash may look like little more than a bad scrape. However, these wounds can cause severe pain and carry risks of lasting complications, including:
Infection
Bacteria rapidly colonize road rash wounds, which contain damaged tissue and debris perfect for microbial growth. Signs of infection include increasing pain, redness, swelling, oozing, and foul odor around the abrasion site.
Scarring
Deep road rash injuries that remove several layers of skin heal by scar tissue formation. Scars can limit range of motion and cause cosmetic disfigurement.
Loss of Skin Sensation
Nerve endings in the skin often get damaged during motorcycle slide accidents. This can lead to numbness or complete loss of sensation around the area of the road rash.
Hypothermia
Extensive road rash eliminates the protective barrier skin provides against cold temperatures. Hypothermia can set in rapidly after a motorcycle crash if the rider has large areas of exposed tissue.
How is Road Rash Treated?
Seeking prompt medical care is crucial for proper treatment and healing of road rash injuries. Doctors thoroughly clean the wounds to remove debris and prevent infection. Deep abrasions may require surgery for removal of damaged tissue and skin grafting to heal areas where skin is fully removed.
Recovery involves keeping the wounds clean and protected with dressings while new skin regenerates. Pain medication and antibiotics help control discomfort and prevent infection as the road rash heals. Physical therapy can help restore full mobility to any areas where scar tissue developed.
We Can Help
Surviving a serious motorcycle crash with road rash injuries is scary and challenging. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Monge & Associates have decades of experience helping injured riders in Maryland.
With offices in 32 locations across 19 states, including Maryland, Mississippi, and Ohio, we handle every aspect of building a strong claim for compensation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Don’t endure the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone.
Contact our office today on (888) 477-0597 to schedule a free case review.