Since motorcycles don’t provide the same external protection compared with other vehicles, bikers are more vulnerable to skin injuries in a motorcycle accident. For this reason, road rash from an accident is extremely common—and can lead to a lot of internal and external damage. If the motorcycle accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to financial recovery for all of your damages, including road rash. Here’s what you need to know about seeking it.
What Is “Road Rash” in a Motorcycle Accident?
“Road rash” is one term that can refer to different types of injuries. Basically, it’s any type of deep abrasion bikers can suffer after being thrown from their motorcycles during an accident. When their bodies skid on gravel, pavement, or another surface, the friction can tear away protective body gear, skin, fat and muscle, and even bone.
Road rash injuries can range from minor to very severe. They’re typically defined in three severities:
- First degree: minor injuries like cuts and abrasions from sliding on the road
- Second degree: skin is penetrated beyond the surface level
- Third degree: skin is injured to the deepest level
Motorcycle accidents can also involve road rash injuries like:
- Avulsions: when skin layers and muscle are sheared away
- Open wounds: these can become irritated with accident debris and increase the risk of infection
- Compressions: when the victim gets caught between two objects, such as the road and their motorcycle
Even first-degree road rash requires medical care, even if it’s as simple as first aid. But second and third-degree road rash injuries need extensive medical treatment to heal and reduce the risk of infection.
In third-degree road rash cases, surgical treatment like skin grafts and stitches may be needed. And then, there’s the chance of nerve damage, permanent scarring, overwhelming pain, and other complications. If severe road rash isn’t treated immediately, it can be fatal.
If you were in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of costs related to your road rash injury recovery. You are entitled to seek compensation for your damages.
Get the strong arm
How Can I Recover Money for a Motorcycle Road Rash Injury in Georgia?
Yes, if the accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for the costs of your road rash injuries. Treatment for road rash can leave victims with sudden and unexpected medical debt. That’s why it’s best to seek out an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Doing so will increase your chances of getting full financial recovery.
To help you do this, your lawyer will get to work immediately compiling evidence of your damages and the other driver’s negligence. They’ll help you use this information to submit an insurance claim to the other driver’s auto insurance. Under Georgia law, if you can prove the other driver was at fault for the accident, they and their insurance company will be responsible for covering all damages. That includes costs of treatment for your road rash injuries.
You are also entitled to financial recovery for damages like:
- Other medical costs, including all bills, doctor visits, and prescription medications
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages
- Ongoing treatment like surgeries or rehabilitation
- Repair costs for damage to your motorcycle
- Pain and suffering damages resulting from your injuries, such as mental anguish
You can also help increase your chances of full financial recovery by gathering information after the accident:
See a Doctor
If you suffered severe road rash or other injuries that require immediate medical treatment, get it. If you are able to stay at the accident scene long enough to fulfill the following recommendations, do so but also see a doctor as soon as possible afterward. Record of you getting medical treatment will be good for your insurance claim for compensation.
Call the Police
Call 911 to report the accident, and tell arriving officers exactly what happened. This police report will provide evidence of the accident and your accounts.
Take Pictures
Use your phone to take pictures of the motorcycle accident scene, your injuries, your bike’s damage, and anything else you think is relevant. If the other driver is acting suspicious or you suspect drunk driving, try to take pictures or video of their behavior.
Talk to Witnesses
Ask for the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident happen. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will likely reach out to them soon.
Don’t Take the First Offer from the Insurance Company
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try reaching out to you after the accident—and might even offer you money. Never take the first offer or sign anything agreeing to a settlement. This amount is never enough to fully cover your costs, especially if you have serious road rash injuries. Get on the phone with an attorney first.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are not always treated fairly after an accident. But at John Foy & Associates, we’ve been fighting for 20+ years to ensure bikers get the financial recovery they’re entitled to. Road rash injuries are serious, and you shouldn’t have to pay for them if you didn’t cause the accident.
Working with us is risk-free: we don’t get paid unless we win your case. And we’ll start with a FREE consultation to discuss the details. For your free consultation, call us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to the right to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
