Road rash is a common injury suffered during a motorcycle accident where a biker crashes and slides across the road. There are degrees of road rash injuries, which also could impact the compensation you receive if you file a personal injury claim. We will discuss the degrees below.
To recover from road rash and stop infection from spreading, you will typically need to visit a doctor. However, depending on the severity or degree of the damage, you may be able to treat the injury at home.
Road rash injuries can also include broken bones or even exposed nerves, so it's important to seek medical care for most incidents. This should be followed by a consultation with a NJ motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you file your claim for max compensation.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has an experienced team of personal injury lawyers who can help. Call us today and find out how we can help you with your claim.
Degrees of Road Rash
Similar to burn injuries, road rash injuries are categorized into three degrees based on the severity of the injury and tissue damage. Generally, if you've suffered a first-degree road rash, you can treat yourself at home. Due to the potential of infection, second- and third-degree road rash injuries usually require medical attention.
You should always consult a doctor if you are experiencing pain or not after a motorcycle injury. The medical records from your doctor will support your accident claim and help you get a fair compensation for your injuries.
A lawyer can help steer you in the right direction. We highly suggest consulting our legal team after an accident of any kind.
First-Degree Road Rash
The skin's outermost layer is the only part affected by first-degree road rash. This degree usually consists of minor scrapes, abrasions, and bruises that can be treated at home. First-degree road rash is unlikely to leave scars and should heal completely.
Second-Degree Road Rash
In cases of second-degree road rash, tendons and nerves may be exposed, bleeding may occur, and the lowest layers of skin are damaged. It is much more painful and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent infection. Second-degree road rash often leaves behind scars.
Third-Degree Road Rash
The most severe type of road rash is third-degree road rash, which happens when the skin peels off the body and the injury reaches the skin's fat layer. The affected area generally has a milky look, and depending on the degree of nerve injury, you could experience extreme pain or none at all.
For those who have suffered a third-degree road rash, medical attention is required right away. You should not touch the injured area to prevent infection, but because of the severity of the damage, scarring will happen. In many cases, the scarring is extreme and referred to as traumatic tattooing.
Traumatic Tattooing Explained
Skin discoloration is referred to as traumatic tattooing. This is because debris remains in the affected area after the lesion heals. After a motorcycle accident, traumatic tattooing might cause scars from your road rash that you can show as legal grounds for damages.
Who Is Liable in New Jersey Accidents Resulting in Road Rash
You may be entitled to sue the liable party if you or a loved one suffers road rash injuries in a motorcycle accident. If the other party is negligent, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
It's important to contact an experienced lawyer before making a decision to sue or settle with your insurance company.
Call The Law Office Of Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Assistance
In the event that someone else's carelessness resulted in an auto, motorcycle, or bicycle accident that left you with road rash and/or other injuries, the top lawyers in New Jersey are here to help.
With decades of experience, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is a law firm you can trust to help you obtain fair compensation.
For a free consultation, reach out to us today.