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Road Rash Degrees in Motorcycle Accidents Explained

Illustration of a motorcycle accident with a fallen rider holding his arm, another person nearby, and informational text about degrees of road rash in motorcycle accidents.

California has the nation’s largest number of registered motorcycles with over 808,000 as of 2019. But when motorcycle accidents happen, the injury rate is almost four times higher than that of passenger cars. Additionally, when compared to accidents involving light trucks, motorcyclists experience an injury rate nearly seven times higher.

What are the Degrees of Road Rash in Motorcycle Accidents?

One of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries is road rash – a form of abrasion to the skin that is caused due to friction. In the paragraphs below, we will review how road rash injuries are classified according to degree, discuss how to file a personal injury claim for financial compensation if you’ve been injured as a motorcyclist, and provide information on how to secure a cash settlement for damages related to hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What are the Different Degrees of Motorcycle Road Rash?

When you suffer a burn injury, a classification of either first, second, or third-degree is typically applied. The same is true for road rash injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. First-degree road rash injuries are the least severe, and the severity increases as the classification moves from second to third degree.

Let’s review road rash degrees in more detail:

  • First-degree road rash: A first-degree road rash injury is typically considered minor and can include symptoms such as small bruises, tenderness, and slight bleeding. First-degree road rash injuries are characterized by bruising or damage to the upper layer of the skin. There is a low chance of permanent scarring with first-degree road rash injuries, and home treatment is usually sufficient. To prevent infection, injured victims can wash the wound area with soap and warm water.
  • Second-degree road rash: A second-degree road rash injury occurs when the skin’s lower layers are damaged. The symptoms may include swelling, bleeding, and exposed nerves or tendons. These types of motorcycle injuries cause more pain for the rider than those who have suffered a first-degree injury. Scarring is very common with second-degree road rash. Accordingly, it is important that victims of these injuries keep their wounds clean and get medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Third-degree road rash: A third-degree road rash injury is the most severe type. Motorcycle riders can lose large portions of skin when sustaining third-degree road rash injuries. Third-degree road rash is characterized by skin flaking off and swelling, and it can also cause deep wounds. As a result, victims may experience severe pain or even disfigurement. The scarring is almost always permanent in third-degree injuries. For those who have suffered third-degree road rash, it is vital that they seek medical treatment immediately – an exam by a medical professional is strongly recommended to prevent infection.

How to Avoid Road Rash Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists can take precautions in an effort to prevent road rash injuries. Some of the more common approaches include:

  • Leather chaps or long pants made of a sturdier material
  • Fitted jackets
  • Boots which include coverings over the ankles
  • Shin guards
  • Gloves
  • Helmets

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers tips for motorcyclists to stay safe on the roadways:

  • Be Familiar With Your Motorcycle: Riders should be sure to take an appropriate amount of time to get properly acquainted with their machines – particularly whenever upgrading to a new bike.
  • Maintain Your Motorcycle: Ensuring that your bike receives regularly scheduled maintenance is a great way to keep it performing at optimum level, but it can also help prevent an unfortunate accident leading to serious or even catastrophic injuries.
  • Ride Defensively: Motorcyclists are at an obvious disadvantage when it comes to potential collisions with cars, trucks, and tractor trailers sharing the roadways. Accordingly, it’s recommended that motorcyclists drive defensively and vigilantly at all times. Be aware of blinds spots for both cars and trucks, and ride with your lights on during the day and night.
  • Obey the Rules of the Road: Following posted speed limits, lane markings, and all traffic signals is not only common sense, but it can also help ensure that you get to your destination safely.
  • Monitor Weather Conditions: Weather can change in an instant, and inclement conditions can make your motorcycle trip inherently dangerous. Accordingly, always check the weather forecast for the day before heading out on your bike.
  • Never Drive Under the Influence: As mentioned above, motorcyclists are unfortunately much more likely to die in drunk or drug-induced crashes. Driving a motorcycle under the influence of any type of substance is strongly discouraged (not to mention illegal).
  • Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course: The California Highway Patrol offers a R.I.D.E. Right motorcyclist safety course which includes a “hands on experience that will teach the necessary skills so you can be a Responsible, Informed, Disciplined, and Equipped rider.” Other benefits include a DMV skills test waiver and possible insurance breaks.
  • Be Visible to Other Motorists: Motorcyclists should never assume they are visible to cars and trucks sharing the roadways. Wearing bright colors or reflective clothing and driving with your headlights on can help ensure that you’re always seen by other drivers.
  • Keep a First-Aid Kit: In the event of an accident that leads to an injury, a standard first-aid kit can be useful. Keeping a kit inside your bike is strongly recommended.

How to File a California Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim

A motorcycle accident injury can mean a long and difficult road to recovery. In order to secure the financial compensation you need to get back on your feet and recovered, it’s important to reach out to the experienced personal injury lawyers at Dordulian Law Group (DLG). Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your road rash injury through a cash settlement which encompasses all applicable damages:

  • Medical care expenses (past and future)
  • Hospital expenses
  • Lost wages/reduced future earning capacity
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages
  • Emotional trauma
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Punitive damages

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident or road rash injury claim, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. We’re available 24/7 to review the facts of your case and provide a strategy for securing maximum financial compensation through a cash settlement.

Author

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Sam Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years’ experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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A former Deputy District Attorney, Sam Dordulian is a highly-experienced lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, who has assisted in the prosecution of countless criminals. He is now using his experience and passion to advocate for sexual abuse victims and those involved in personal injury disputes.
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