Spokane Motorcycle Injuries: Road Rash

In just about every motorcycle accident the rider hits the pavement after being ejected from their bike. As a result, the rider can suffer road rash which is an extremely painful injury. Many times, the patient is treated in a burn center and will the wounds will be treated similarly to a fire burn injury.

How do Road Rash Injuries Happen?

Anytime a motorcyclist slides along the road after being ejected from their bike, the rider is at risk for a serious road rash injury. The friction of the skin sliding along the abrasive surface of the pavement can create a burn-like wound.

Laying the Bike Down

In some cases, the rider feels he has no option but to lay the bike down to avoid a much more serious crash and injury. This places the rider directly in contact with the “moving” pavement, and any exposed skin can be torn away.

Bike Impact Ejections

Whether it’s a front bike ejection or an ejection from a side or rear impact, if the motorcyclist hits the pavement at enough speed, any exposed skin can become a road rash injury.

Degrees of Road Rash

Similar to burns, road rash injuries are treated the same as burns:

  • First-degree. This is an abrasion with the outer layer of the skin turning red from the contact and can be painful for a time, but not serious.
  • Second-degree. An abrasion that is close to an avulsion (some skin is gone). There is some bleeding, but the skin is not torn away and will usually heal on its own with minor treatment. Scarring is light and will probably not be permanent.
  • Third-degree. Most serious and very painful. An avulsion where the skin is gone exposing the fat, muscle and even bone underneath. Treatment often includes skin grafts and permanent scarring is probable

Damages Allowed in a Road Rash Claim

California law allows for anyone injured due to someone else’s negligence to be compensated for all monetary losses and for intangible losses as well. Some of those common in a road rash claim are:

  • Medical bills
  • Future Rehab and treatment
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost income
  • Loss of Quality of Life
  • Property damage

Talk to an Attorney About Your Injuries

If you’ve suffered a road rash injury from riding a motorcycle, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. The treatments can be just as bad—or worse—than the original injury, and recovery time could be a while especially if skin grafts are needed.

Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.

Get in Touch with Us
Discuss your case with an expert
*We will get in touch once we review your submission.