Another driver ran a red light, and you crashed on your motorcycle, suffering severe road rash. Road rash can be a painful and debilitating injury, requiring extensive medical treatment and affecting your daily activities.
During this recovery period, it is vital to consider seeking legal guidance from a lawyer skilled in motorcycle injury cases. A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages caused by the accident. Don’t hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer near you for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is an injury caused by skin contact with a hard, abrasive surface after a motorcycle accident. The friction between the skin and the road or pavement causes the outer layer of the skin to scrape off, resulting in abrasions, cuts, and sometimes deeper wounds. Road rash can range from mild to severe, depending on the speed of the accident and the type of protective gear worn by the rider.
Motorcycle Road Rash Accident Statistics
More Americans ride motorcycles than in the past, so severe accidents with road rash happen more often:
Motorcycle Crash Context
In a recent year, the U.S. saw 6,218 motorcyclist fatalities, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic deaths, despite motorcycles being just 3 percent of registered vehicles. Nonfatal injuries totaled 77,591, averaging 212 per day. Road rash is a frequent injury in these crashes, particularly in low-speed falls or slides, but exact numbers for road rash alone aren’t isolated in national reports.
Injury Rates
Motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured per mile traveled than car occupants, with an injury rate of 864.2 per 100,000 registered vehicles in a recent year. Due to riders’ exposure, road rash, ranging from first-degree (minor abrasions) to third-degree (severe, exposing tissues), is a leading injury type. Estimates suggest that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, with road rash being a primary concern in nonfatal cases.
Severity and Prevalence
Road rash occurs when skin scrapes pavement, often affecting hands, arms, and legs. First-degree cases (redness, minor bleeding) are most common in minor spills, while second- and third-degree cases (deeper abrasions, tissue damage) arise in higher-speed crashes. No national database quantifies road rash specifically, but legal and medical sources note it as one of the most common motorcycle injuries, with severe cases requiring skin grafts or surgery.
Contributing Factors
Speeding (34 percent of fatal crashes), alcohol (29 percent of deadly crashes involve BAC ≥0.08), and improper turning (42 percent of two-vehicle fatal crashes involve left turns by other vehicles) increase crash likelihood, often leading to road rash in nonfatal outcomes.
What Are Potential Road Rash Complications?
While road rash can initially seem like a minor injury, it has the potential to lead to complications if not adequately treated. Some potential complications of road rash include:
- Infection: Road rash exposes the underlying layers of the skin, making it more susceptible to infection. Bacteria can easily enter the wound, leading to cellulitis, an infection that can spread rapidly and cause severe pain and swelling.
- Scarring: Severe road rash can result in scarring, which can be physically and emotionally distressing. Scars may require additional medical treatments, such as scar revision surgery or skin grafts, to improve appearance and function.
- Nerve damage: Road rash injuries can damage the nerves in the affected area, leading to numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation. Nerve damage can have long-term implications and may require ongoing medical treatment and therapy.
- Secondary infections: If road rash wounds are not properly cleaned and treated, secondary infections can occur. These infections can lead to more severe complications, requiring additional medical intervention and prolonging recovery.
A road rash injury can lead to significant complications and disruptions to your life. You should retain a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer to investigate the case and maximize your compensation.
How Do Road Rash Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Road rash motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons. Usually, other drivers are at fault in these severe crashes. Common reasons include:
Drivers Don’t Notice Motorcyclists
One major cause is drivers’ failure to notice motorcyclists due to their smaller size compared to cars or trucks. Motorcycles can easily blend into drivers’ blind spots or be overlooked in heavy traffic.
For instance, a driver changing lanes without thoroughly checking their mirrors or blind spots may collide with a motorcyclist, causing them to lose control and slide across the pavement, resulting in road rash. Similarly, drivers turning left at intersections often misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle, cutting them off and forcing the rider to swerve or crash. These moments of inattention can have severe consequences for riders whose lack of a protective frame exposes them to the road surface.
It doesn’t matter if another driver doesn’t see the motorcyclist in terms of liability. Every driver has a duty of care to drive safely and watch for other motorists and pedestrians. If they don’t and cause a crash, they can be liable for your injuries and damages.
Distracted Driving
Another contributing factor is distracted driving. With the rise of smartphone use, many drivers divert their attention to texting, calling, or adjusting navigation systems while behind the wheel. This distraction reduces their ability to react to nearby motorcyclists, especially in situations requiring quick decision-making, such as merging onto highways or navigating roundabouts.
A distracted driver might rear-end a motorcyclist at a stoplight or fail to yield at a crosswalk, knocking the rider off their bike and onto the asphalt, where road rash injuries occur. Even brief moments of distraction can escalate into life-altering accidents for motorcyclists.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors also play a significant role. Tailgating, speeding, or weaving through traffic can catch motorcyclists off guard, leaving them little time to react. For example, a driver tailgating a motorcyclist may not stop in time if the rider slows down suddenly, causing a collision that sends the rider skidding across the road.
Similarly, drivers who run red lights or ignore traffic signals can strike motorcyclists legally proceeding through an intersection. These high-speed impacts often result in the rider being thrown from the bike, increasing the likelihood of severe road rash as they tumble across the rough pavement.
Driver’s Lack Of Motorcycle Knowledge
Finally, drivers’ lack of understanding about motorcycle dynamics contributes to these accidents. Many drivers are unaware of how quickly motorcycles can accelerate or how much space they need to maneuver safely. This lack of knowledge can lead to dangerous assumptions, such as expecting a motorcyclist to stop or turn as quickly as a car.
For instance, a driver pulling out from a side street might underestimate the speed of an approaching motorcycle, causing a collision that results in the rider sliding across the road. Drivers inadvertently create hazardous situations that lead to road rash injuries by failing to respect motorcycles’ unique characteristics.
Speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in a free consultation today. They will review the accident and evidence to determine if another party’s negligence likely led to the accident. If so, they will demand maximum compensation from the liable insurance company. Otherwise, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take the case to a jury.
How Can A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help A Road Rash Claim?
After experiencing a motorcycle accident and suffering from road rash, seeking legal assistance from a motorcycle accident attorney can significantly benefit your case. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Legal experience: Motorcycle accident attorneys deeply understand personal injury law, including the rules specific to motorcycle accidents. They can navigate the legal process on your behalf and help build a strong case to support your road rash claim.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Attorneys have the resources and knowledge to investigate your motorcycle accident thoroughly. They can gather evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and medical records to build a solid case and determine liability.
- Negotiation and settlement: A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your road rash injuries. They will advocate for your rights and fight for maximum compensation.
- Court representation: In some cases, taking your road rash claim to court may be necessary. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case and fighting for your rights. They will use their knowledge of the legal system to navigate the court proceedings and advocate for the best possible outcome.
You should always retain a personal injury lawyer when another party causes a road rash injury. A motorcycle accident attorney almost always gets more compensation for an injured person than they can on their own.
How Much Is A Road Rash Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a road rash injury claim can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the negligence of the other party involved. Some factors that may affect the value of your claim include:
- Medical expenses: The cost of your medical treatment, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, will be considered when calculating the value of your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Road rash can cause significant pain and emotional distress. The impact of the injury on your daily life, ability to work, and overall quality of life will be considered when determining the value of your claim.
- Lost income: If your road rash injuries have caused you to miss work or have resulted in a loss of earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future loss of income.
- Property damage: If your motorcycle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, the cost of repair or replacement will be factored into the value of your claim.
It is essential to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to assess the specific details of your case and determine the potential value of your road rash injury claim.
Who May Be Liable For A Road Rash Injury?
Determining liability in a road rash injury case can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for the accident. Some parties that may be held liable for a road rash injury include:
- Negligent drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held liable for your road rash injuries. Examples of careless driving behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield.
- Government entities: Poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, or inadequate maintenance can contribute to motorcycle accidents and road rash injuries. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be held liable for their negligence.
- Motorcycle manufacturers: The manufacturer may be held responsible if a motorcycle or its parts defect contributed to the accident and subsequent road rash injuries.
- Third parties: In certain circumstances, parties other than the negligent driver may also be held liable. For example, the responsible parties can be held accountable if a faulty traffic signal or a hazardous road construction site caused the accident. Also, an employer may be liable if their worker was on the clock at the time and caused the crash.
It is essential to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to assess the specific details of your case and determine who may be liable for your road rash injury.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered from road rash after a motorcycle accident, it is vital to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer near you. They will provide guidance, handle the legal process, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Don’t delay seeking legal assistance – contact a motorcycle accident lawyer today to protect your rights and explore your legal options. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will not charge you legal fees unless they win your case.