Road rash is a common motorcycle accident injury that occurs when a motorcyclist makes contact with the road after being thrown from his or her vehicle.
Road rash injuries can be serious and may require costly medical care. If you believe another person’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injury, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
The Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys of Greg Coleman Law have extensive experience representing injured motorcycle crash victims. We understand the difficulties that motorcycle accident victims face because of their injuries and will work to help you recover the compensation you need. Contact us to learn your legal options through a free, no obligation consultation.
What is Road Rash?
Road rash is term used to describe abrasions and small cuts that occur when a person slides across the roadway during a motorcycle accident. It is typically a superficial injury that results in minor skin damage and minimal bleeding.
Road rash injuries are categorized into three levels based on the injury’s severity:
- First-degree: This is a minor injury that only affects the outer layer of the skin. First-degree road rash is typically superficial and does not require medical treatment, though it can cause redness and a burning feeling.
- Second-degree: The skin’s outer layer is broken and may require medical treatment. Victims often experience pain and swelling with this type of injury and may have minimal scarring.
- Third-degree: The injury is deep and affects areas above and under the skin, which may result in scarring or skin loss. Medical treatment, such as skin grafts and medication, may be necessary to treat this injury.
Effects of Road Rash
Depending on the severity of the injury, road rash can cause serious medical complications that may require extensive medical treatment. Often, motorcycle accident victims who suffer road rash report experiencing effects such as:
- Severe pain
- Scarring throughout the affected area
- Disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress
- Infection
Compensation for Road Rash Injuries
If your road rash injuries were caused by another’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for:
Medical Bills
After a motorcycle accident, victims should always seek medical care right away so road rash and any other injuries can be diagnosed and treated. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able entitled to compensation for medical expenses such as:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospitalization
- Doctors’ visits
- Surgery
- Medical supplies
- Imaging, lab work and other diagnostic tests
- Medications
- Medical devices, such as crutches or a wheelchair
- Mileages for driving to and from doctors’ appointments
Lost Wages
When recovering from road rash, your injury may prevent you from performing the regular duties of your job, resulting in lost wages or income.
Because of this, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following types of lost income:
- Lost earnings for the time missed from work during a hospitalization or recovery
- Vocational training
- Lost earning capacity if the road rash was so severe that you are unable to perform your job’s duties
Pain and Suffering
Depending on the severity of your road rash injury’s symptoms, you may be entitled to damages for any pain and suffering, mental anguish and discomfort you have experienced.
The severity of the road rash injury, the amount of pain it caused and your recovery time will be considered by an insurance adjuster or jury to determine this type of compensation.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Road rash can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially in cases of third-degree road rash.
The amount of compensation you can receive often depends on the degree of the injury, the location of scarring or disfigurement, and how it will impact your life.
Contact Our Lawyers Now
If you suffered road rash after a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Knoxville personal injury lawyers at Greg Coleman Law will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys will review your claim during a free, no-obligation consultation. We will determine the legal options available in your case and work to protect your rights as we pursue the at-fault driver for compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only charge legal fees if we recover compensation for your claim.
Call (865) 247-0080 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.
