Road rash can be a serious motorcycle accident injury

On Behalf of | Jun 16, 2020 | motor vehicle accidents

Now that summer weather has arrived in Minnesota those who own a motorcycle are hitting the pavement. Minnesota has many different beautiful areas for motorcyclists to enjoy and most of the time cyclists are able to safely share the road with other motorists. But occasionally a serious motorcycle accident occurs and the injuries a cyclist may sustain can be life changing. Road rash is one such injury that has varying levels of severity and is common in a motorcycle accident.

When an accident throws a rider from a motorcycle onto the pavement that abrasive material can cause an injury called road rash. Road rash happens when exposed skin meets the pavement or other roadway surface. There are three degrees of road rash that a person can suffer. First degree road rash is minor but can still be painful. The skin will be red but does not need medical attention. With second degree road rash the skin is broken because of the contact. Dirt, rocks and other material can get stuck in the skin. There is a chance of scarring and medical treatment can be necessary. Third degree road rash is the most severe of road rash. Third degree road rash will result in a complete abrasion of all five layers of skin and a person may be able to see muscle or tissue. Infection can happen quickly and need medical attention and often causes permanent scarring.

If a person has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to no fault of their own, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in personal injury. An attorney can visit the accident scene and interview witnesses, review the police report and help determine what happened to cause the accident. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.

A motorcycle accident often causes serious injuries. If a person has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to no fault of their own they have legal rights.