The term “road rash” suggests a minor skin irritation, but motorcycle accident victims who have experienced road rash know that the reality is much more painful and traumatic. Road rash can cause significant physical impairments, disability, and mental distress. Riders injured in accidents caused by careless motorists deserve fair compensation, not the bare minimum from an insurance company.
Understanding the severity of road rash injuries and how to claim fair compensation from the party who caused them are the first steps in advocating for yourself and getting the money you deserve for your injuries. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you get started.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is an abrasion. It occurs when the skin is scraped off due to contact with a rough surface, most commonly the pavement. One of the most common causes of road rash is motorcycle riders getting hit by another vehicle and sliding across the road before they come to a stop. While leather chaps, gloves, and jackets can help take the brunt of the scrape, riders without this gear can suffer traumatic road rash injuries.
In mild cases, road rash may resemble a nasty scrape and can heal with basic wound care. However, more severe cases can cause abrasions that affect the top layers of skin and deeper tissues. Repairing these injuries may require stitches, surgery, or painful skin grafts.
Deep wounds are also prone to infection, scarring, and the potential for long-term nerve and tissue damage. In severe cases, disfigurement, loss of range of motion, and disability may also be long-term complications. Victims of severe rash wounds may also be prone to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the trauma of the accident and the emotional distress of living with disfiguring wounds.
How To Claim Compensation for Road Rash Injuries
Recovering fair compensation for road rash injuries can be complicated. In most cases, motorcycle accident victims attempt to pursue compensation by filing an insurance claim. Motorcycle riders must remember that insurance companies want to maintain their profitable businesses. That can mean denying or diminishing the value of accident claims. Without ample evidence and medical documentation to support your claim, an insurer may categorize road rash as a minor injury or skin irritation so they can limit your compensation.
In some instances, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the best option for recovering maximum compensation for severe road rash injuries. The value of any claim or case varies based on the facts of the situation. However, in many instances, an injured rider can pursue money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
While you can pursue a claim by yourself, it pays to involve a motorcycle accident attorney early in the process. With legal guidance, many victims find they can maximize their compensation and recover the money they deserve.
To claim fair compensation, start by contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and prepare a compelling claim. They can also manage communication between you and the insurer and negotiate on your behalf. When an insurer fails to make an appropriate settlement offer, moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit may be best, especially when debilitating or severe road rash injuries are involved.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney with Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, can advocate for you when you need it most. We understand the pain and trauma associated with road rash injuries and are prepared to help you claim compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Contact us online for more information and to arrange a free consultation.