You can seek compensation for a motorcycle road rash injury if another driver is responsible for your crash. You could qualify for awards for your medical treatment, lost wages, and more.
What is Road Rash?
Road rash is the term for cuts and skin abrasions caused by a motorcycle rider’s body scraping against the road. According to Healthline, abrasions range in severity from:
- First-degree – First-degree abrasions are minor scrapes or grazes that result in only superficial damage to the first layer of skin, called the epidermis. You should not need professional medical care to treat this type of injury.
- Second-degree – This type of abrasion affects the epidermis as well as the second layer of skin, the dermis. It is a deep enough abrasion to cause mild bleeding but should not result in serious or permanent damage.
- Third-degree – These are severe abrasions that require medical attention. Also known as an avulsion, third-degree abrasions involve friction and tearing of the skin. The damage goes below the dermis into the deeper layers of tissue. These injuries may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
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When Should You Seek Medical Care for Road Rash?
If you suffered third-degree abrasions, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible following your accident. If you have not already seen a doctor for severe abrasions, do so immediately, especially if:
- Your road rash injury covers a large area of your body
- You can see exposed muscle or bone
- Your wounds bleed excessively
- You have rocks, glass, or other debris in your wounds
First- and second-degree abrasions may heal on their own, but you should be alert for any signs of infection in an open wound. See a doctor if:
- You have painful or irritated skin surrounding your wound
- There is a bad odor coming from your wound
- Your wound is not healing
- You notice green, brown, or yellow pus
- You develop a fever lasting longer than four hours
- You discover a hard, painful lump in your groin or armpit
Treating severe and/or infected wounds may require medications, hospitalizations, and even skin graft surgeries. If your motorcycle accident was not your fault, you can seek compensation for costs associated with your road rash injury.
Even if Your Abrasions Seem Minor, it May be a Good Idea to Seek Treatment
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it may be a good idea to get medical treatment, even if you believe you only suffered minor abrasions. You could have internal bleeding or other injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries
- Spine, back, and neck injuries
- Organ damage
Seeking treatment ensures you do not have any undiscovered conditions that could worsen over time. It also creates an official medical record of your accident and injuries that you can use to support your insurance claims.
If Another Party Caused Your Injuries, You Can Seek Financial Awards
If another party’s reckless or negligent actions caused your motorcycle accident and road rash, you can pursue compensation for:
- Past and future accident-related medical care
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs, as well as the value of any other damaged personal property
- Lost wages
- Physical pain, emotional anguish, and mental suffering
You can seek awards through a claim with the liable driver’s automobile insurance provider. According to the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI), drivers must have liability coverage to pay for injuries and property damages they cause. Our team can help you file your claim, prove negligence, and negotiate for the most advantageous settlement possible for you.
In addition to bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance, Indiana drivers must also carry an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. If the driver who caused your accident did not have insurance or does not have adequate coverage to pay for your injuries, we can help you file a claim with your own insurance provider.
Taking Legal Action
If necessary, you can seek awards for your road rash injury via a personal injury lawsuit. If you take legal action, you must file your case within two years of your accident, according to IC § 34-11-2-4.
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Call Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for Help with Your Road Rash Injury Case
Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek justice.
Attorney Randall “Randy” Sevenish and his team work exclusively on personal injury cases. Their only focus is serving clients who have suffered injuries and fighting for the compensation they need and deserve.
Not only that, but Randy is the Lawyer Who Rides. He knows the thrill and risks associated with motorcycle riding and the threat that negligent drivers can pose to motorcyclists. For assistance with your road rash case, call (317) 720-3229 for a free consultation. If you choose our firm, we can take your case at no upfront cost to you.
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