Treating a Road Rash Injury: What Riders Need to Know

Riding a motorcycle through Chicago’s streets comes with risks. One of the most common injuries motorcyclists face is road rash, a deceptively simple term for what can be a painful, dangerous condition. Knowing how to treat road rash properly can mean the difference between a quick recovery and long-term complications.

Not sure what road rash is or how to treat it? In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know as a rider to protect yourself, including your rights if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident that’s not your fault.

What Is road rash, exactly?

Road rash is one of the most common injuries related to motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries, and road rash accounts for about 30% of those injuries.

Road rash happens when your skin scrapes against a rough surface, like pavement, during an accident. The friction removes layers of skin, leaving raw, exposed tissue behind. Depending on the severity, road rash can range from a mild abrasion to a deep wound that exposes muscle and bone.

Regardless of severity, it’s important that you get medical treatment right away. Even an abrasion can become inflamed and infected if not handled properly.

How common Is road rash in Illinois?

Motorcycle accidents are a frequent cause of road rash injuries. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported over 2,800 motorcycle crashes just in 2022 (the most recent year the IDOT has published full records). Of those, nearly 1,800 resulted in injuries, with many riders experiencing road rash as part of their trauma.

Chicago’s crowded streets and sidewalks, along with severe weather, make it all too easy to find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident. Add in distracted drivers and pothole-filled roads, and it’s no surprise that injuries like road rash are unfortunately common.

Steps for treating road rash properly

If you’ve suffered road rash in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with your doctor about the injury and follow their advice. Some general steps that they may want you to follow include:

1. Wash your hands and then clean the wound thoroughly

Dirt, gravel, and debris can embed themselves in your skin during an accident. Cleaning the wound as soon as possible will remove that debris and help to prevent infection. Be sure you only clean the wound after washing your hands to avoid introducing an infection. Use warm water and mild soap. Try to gently remove any debris. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if the wound is deep. Having the wound inspected and cleaned by a medical professional makes a lot of sense, even if you think it’s mild.

2. Disinfect and protect

Apply an antiseptic to kill any lingering bacteria. Using an antibiotic ointment not only helps to prevent infection, but it can also moisturize the area.

3. Bandage the wound

Once the wound is clean, cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing to keep it protected from dirt and bacteria. Be sure to change the bandage frequently – a minimum of once a day, but ask your healthcare provider to learn whether you need to change it more often.

4. Monitor for infection

Keep an eye on your wound for the first week or so. Infection can set in anywhere from two to three days after the injury until your road rash is healed. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Infections can spread quickly and lead to more severe complications.

5. You might want to avoid airing it out

Some studies show that keeping wounds moist with antibiotic ointments or hydrogel dressings promotes faster healing and reduces scarring. Additional moisture prevents dehydration and even boosts collagen production and the production of new blood vessels in the injured skin. Ask your doctor how to best treat your injury.

6. Follow up with a doctor

Even if your road rash seems minor, a healthcare professional can make sure it’s healing properly and that you don’t need further treatment, such as a tetanus shot or antibiotics. Road rash is never a simple injury. It’s easy to miss small bits of dirt, gravel, and debris, and that can create wounds that fester instead of healing. It’s always a good idea to work with a doctor to make sure your wound heals quickly and correctly.

What happens If road rash goes untreated?

While many people will heal just fine from road rash, ignoring your wound or not treating it properly is never a good idea. Ignoring a road rash injury can lead to serious complications:

• Infection: Without proper cleaning, bacteria can enter the wound and cause infections that might require antibiotics or hospitalization. You could see pus, foul-smelling discharge, or even further damage to the tissue.
• Permanent scarring: Deep road rash can leave long-lasting scars, affecting your appearance and confidence. And scars themselves can cause pain long after they’ve healed, adding to your burden.
• Nerve damage: Severe cases can damage the nerves, leading to numbness or tingling near the injury or even loss of use in the affected area. For instance, severe road rash to the palm and fingers of your hand could mean nerve damage that prevents you from gripping anything correctly.
• Sepsis: In rare cases, untreated infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Protecting yourself and your rights

Road rash isn’t just a physical injury. It’s often a financial challenge, too. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs can pile up quickly. If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation.

To strengthen your claim:

1. Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, save medical records, and keep track of all expenses related to your treatment.
2. Get witness statements: If anyone saw the accident, their testimony can support your case.
3. Consult an attorney: An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Gainsberg Law can help

At Gainsberg Law, we understand how road rash injuries can turn your life upside down. We’re prepared to work tirelessly to ensure you get the care and compensation you need to heal and move forward.

From handling insurance companies to proving fault in your accident, we’ve got your back. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start building your case together.