While these injuries may appear mild, complacency can result in infections, scars, and pain. See a doctor immediately after a motorcycle accident and have the wounds checked.
Factors That Determine Road Rash Severity
- Speed of the vehicle striking the victim.
- How fast the victim was moving at the time their skin came in contact with the ground.
- The texture and firmness of the surface the victim struck.
- Weather conditions.
- How far the victim slid on the surface.
Degrees and Treatment of Road Rash Injuries
- First degree road rash – Occurs when the upper layer of skin is torn away. Usually, this type of road rash can be easily treated at home. Treatment normally consists of keeping the wound clean, and using an antibiotic ointment on the wound to avoid infection.
- Second degree road rash – The upper two layers of skin are disrupted and the wounds tend to bleed. These wounds can also be treated at home and may require the victim to keep the wound covered to minimize bleeding. These wounds can result in infections which could mean the wound will have to be treated with more aggressive treatment than over-the-counter antibiotic ointments.
- Third degree road rash – This type of road rash is often referred to as an avulsion wound and can be very serious. Victims are advised to keep the wounds clean, monitor closely for signs of infection, and monitor themselves for increased body temperatures. Surgical tape, stitches, or staples, may close these wounds depending on the depth of the wound.
Hospitalizations and Deaths as a Result of Serious Road Rash
An older study published by the American College of Surgeons reviewed motorcycle accident statistics in one year to determine how many victims of road rash were determined to be serious. This study provided some surprising statistics on the severity of some road rash incidents involving motorcycle accidents. More than 20,000 injuries were reviewed and more than 13,000 victims were sent home immediately, which means the majority of road rash injuries were probably first or second degree.
Future Treatment and Potential Surgical Procedures
Once a third-degree road rash victim has been discharged from the hospital, they will still have to overcome the pain and challenges of treating their wounds. Third-degree road rash can also leave serious scars. If the wounds are on the victim’s face or other exposed skin, they can cause anxiety and insecurity for the victim. The wounds may also require skin grafting to repair, and this process may have to be repeated if the grafting fails. Victims could be laid up for several weeks during their treatment.
South Carolina Personal Injury Rules You Should Know
Victims who have suffered serious road rash injuries should be aware they may have the basis for a motorcycle accident lawsuit following an accident. This would apply if your injuries are the result of someone’s negligent behavior or actions. However, S.C. Code Ann. section 15-3-530 gives victims a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit following an accident. The statute of limitations provides victims three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
