Treating a Road Rash Injury

Motorcyclists face serious risks on the highways and roads of Illinois. From distracted drivers to roadway hazards, bikers are constantly placed in life-threatening situations. Road rash is a common motorcycle accident injury, where the operator’s skin is severely scraped and cut from sliding on the roadway during a crash.  Failure to obtain timely and adequate medical treatment for road rash can lead to extensive complications and even prove fatal.

Road rash occurs in various degrees

An experienced Chicago motorcycle injury lawyer has handled cases involving various degrees of road rash, including:

• Minor road rash. This level of injury is relatively minor, involving some scrapes and cuts. The area may be tender to the touch, with some bleeding. While home treatments are generally adequate to properly care for these wounds, this level or road rash often occurs in conjunction with other, more severe injuries. Seeing a doctor is always preferable to home remedies, to ensure that no internal damage is present. Failure to properly treat a bone fracture or break could result in permanent damage and/or disfigurement.
• Moderate road rash. This level of injury is more serious, with an affected area that is generally larger. The resulting abrasion reaches deeper into the skin, and the injury is painful to the touch. The victim may experience extensive bleeding and the sensation of heat. In addition, muscle tissue and tendons may be visible. Hospital care is necessary for moderate road rash, in order to properly clean and dress the wound. The healing process can be prolonged, and victims usually incur some long-term or permanent scarring from this level of injury.
• Severe road rash. This level of motorcycle crash injury requires immediate emergency medical attention. Severe road rash involves a deep wound, resulting from the tearing of skin layers from the body. The victim may see exposed bone and nerves, along with experiencing intense pain. In some circumstances, there may not be any pain at all due to extensive damage to the nerves. Along with significant bleeding, the victim may also notice a milky white substance around the wound. There may also be pieces of glass or debris imbedded at the site of the injury, which is best removed by a medical professional.

All road rash carries a risk of infection

Every level of road rash can become serious and even fatal if not treated properly. The torn skin creates a high risk for infection if bacteria gets into the wound, which can lead to the amputation of the affected limb. In the most extreme cases, the infection may spread throughout the body and become deadly.

Even for minor road rash, if patients notice any of the following signs of infection, they should seek immediate medical care from a doctor:

• Red streaks radiating from the wound
• Development of a high fever
• Increased pain
• Delayed healing
• Continuous swelling
• Pus or drainage from the wound

Injured motorcycle accident victims need tough lawyers who will fight for them and their families. The sooner you contact the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys of Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, the sooner we can begin fighting to get you a full recovery. Please call us today at 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.