What is “road rash”?

Many Arizona residents turn to their motorcycles as a way to enjoy the outdoors and travel in a cost-effective manner. Although most riders are aware of the inherent dangers associated with riding a motorcycle, many of them drive defensively in order to minimize these risks. Unfortunately, however, far too many motorists fail to drive in a manner that protects motorcyclists. They may fail to see a motorcyclist before turning left or changing lanes, or they may fail to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Regardless of how a motorcycle accident occurs, a victim of one of these wrecks can be left with serious injuries.

While severe physical harm, such as brain and spinal cord injuries, are a real possibility, even seemingly minor injuries can have a profound impact on an individual. One example is “road rash.” Road rash occurs when an individual suffers from abrasions by being scraped by the road during the course of a crash. Essentially, the friction between a rider’s body and the road rubs away the skin, sometimes into the deeper layers of tissue. Although some road rash will heal on its own within a few weeks, other instances will require more extensive medical care, including skin grafting.

Another risk associated with road rash is infection. Even those who properly care for their wounds may develop an infection, thereby posing a greater threat to their well-being. Signs of infected road rash may include pus and drainage from the wound that emanates a bad odor, redness and swelling surrounding the wound and symptoms that are similar to the flu. Those who exhibit these symptoms need to obtain immediate medical attention.

Road rash can be painful, but it can also be expensive to treat, especially when operations are needed to correct the damage caused. Also, in some instances, it can leave a victim permanently disfigured. Fortunately, those victims whose harm is caused by the negligence of another may be able to recover compensation for their damages by filing and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

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