Road rash can occur when skin scrapes against a hard surface. The injury resembles a burn caused by friction. It can range in severity from a light scrape to a severe wound that requires medical treatment.
Keep reading to learn the facts about road rash so you understand how it develops, how doctors treat it, and what long-term effects may follow.
What Is Road Rash?
Any accident that throws you to the ground can leave your skin scraped raw. Road rash happens when your body strikes pavement or another rough surface with force. The top layers of skin peel away, and in many cases, the deeper layers of tissue remain exposed.
Road rash may cause intense pain and can create a high risk of infection. Severe wounds require immediate medical attention to remove debris from the skin and protect the open area from bacterial infection.
Degrees of Road Rash Injuries and Treatments
Doctors classify road rash by degree, much like how burns are classified:
- First-degree road rash scrapes away only the outer layer of skin. It usually heals with basic care, such as washing and bandaging.
- Second-degree road rash cuts deeper, damages the dermis, and often creates painful blisters.
- Third-degree road rash penetrates through all skin layers and may even expose muscle or bone.
The correct treatment depends on the severity of the wound. For example, first-degree road rash typically responds to simple cleaning with soap and water, followed by antibiotic ointment and a fresh bandage.
You must keep the wound clean and dry until new skin forms. Doctors may prescribe stronger antibiotics to fight infection and use special wound dressing based on the severity of the injury.
Common Causes of Road Rash
Road rash can happen in a variety of instances, but some common causes of road rash include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Uber accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
This list isn’t exhaustive—any accident in which your body rubs up against pavement or a similar surface can result in road rash.
Medical Risks Linked to Road Rash
Road rash exposes your body to several medical risks. Infection stands out as the most immediate threat. Open wounds provide a direct path for bacteria, which can lead to blood infections or sepsis if untreated.
Severe wounds also cause traumatic tattooing, where debris like gravel or asphalt becomes embedded in the skin. It can leave permanent discoloration if not removed.
Legal Options After Road Rash from an Accident
If another person’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of quality of life or enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
A lawyer can help determine how much your case could be worth, in addition to other legal support activities that could include:
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence to build a strong case
- Reviewing the facts and relevant evidence to determine all potentially liable parties
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies and the at-fault party’s representation
- Fighting for the compensation award you deserve, either in a settlement or by taking the case to court
- Representing you in court if the other side fails to offer a fair settlement
Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you can generally seek legal assistance without taking a major financial risk.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Anchorage Personal Injury Attorney at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers
If you suffered road rash in an accident, speak with our Anchorage personal injury lawyers about your legal options. During a consultation, we can address your questions and provide a clear understanding of the next steps to take. Call Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers today to get started.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 999-999
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
