Road Rash
Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Without seatbelts or restraints, motorcyclists are often thrown onto the roadway in the event of a collision or loss of control. Road burn, known as road rash, occurs when contact with the roadway results in painful scrapes and bruises. Road rash can occur anytime skin comes into contact with pavement, gravel, or the ground. Even low-speed accidents can result in serious injuries and expensive medical bills if the rider’s skin makes contact with the road.
If you or a loved one has suffered a road rash injury due to another party’s negligent actions or wrongdoing, the Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers at Cullan & Cullan can help you pursue legal action. Victims of motorcycle accidents are often entitled to receive financial compensation from the at-fault party. Please do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Call (816) 253-8606 now for your complimentary case evaluation.
Types of Road Rash Injuries
There are a few types of road rash injuries, and all are extremely painful. An avulsion injury, for example, occurs when the roadway strips away layers of the skin. Bone, fat, nerves, ligaments and muscle underneath the skin can get exposed and medical treatment will be needed right away.
Skin avulsion injuries range from minor skin flaps to severe amputations:
- Suprafascial avulsions involve the removal of skin down to the subcutaneous tissue layer.
- Subfascial avulsions extend even deeper, affecting muscle and even bone.
Suturing can repair some suprafascial avulsions, but most subfascial avulsions require skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Road Rash Treatment
Even minor road rash wounds need daily care. It is necessary to remove old dressings, rinse the wound, and apply moisturizing lotion to the healed areas of skin surrounding the wound. When cleaning the injury, it is important to look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and a foul odor.
More serious road rash injuries require immediate medical attention. Skin grafting is a type of surgery involving the transplantation of skin from one area of the body to another. Victims of road rash may need a thin layer removed from a healthy part of their body or a full thickness skin graft where skin is cut away from the donor section. Other road rash injuries require reconstructive surgery to restore the form and function of the body.
Receiving Compensation for Your Injuries
Road rash injuries can prove to be very expensive. In addition to expensive medical treatments, many victims have to miss work as they heal. It is possible for injured victims to hold at-fault parties financially responsible for their significant losses.
Many questions must be asked to determine fault and liability:
- Did a negligent driver crash into you?
- Did a defective motorcycle part cause you to lose control?
- Did you crash your motorcycle because of a dangerous roadway condition that should have been repaired?
There are many potentially liable parties and all legal options should be considered before accepting a settlement from an insurance provider. Before you sign anything or accept a settlement, consult with the knowledgeable Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers at Cullan & Cullan to discuss the best course of action to protect your legal rights.
Give us a call at (816) 253-8606 to schedule your free consultation.