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At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled, compassionate, and justice-driven advocates for riders who have sustained a road rash injury. Road rash can be painful, debilitating, and can even leave permanent scarring. If you or your loved one suffered a road rash injury in a motorcycle crash, we are here to help. Call us at 866-529-2453 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a Georgia motorcycle crash lawyer.

What is Road Rash?

Road Rash is a colloquial term used to describe the abrasions and injuries sustained by motorcyclists when they come into contact with the pavement during an accident. Typically, these injuries occur when a rider falls or slides across the road, causing friction between their skin and the surface. Road rash can vary in severity from minor scrapes to deep lacerations, sometimes requiring extensive medical treatment.

Possible Type of Road rash Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

Severity Of Road Rash Injuries

  • First Degree Road Rash: The mildest form of road rash injury, first degree road rash affects only the outermost layer of the skin. The injured motorcyclist will often have abrasions, scrapes, or general redness. Though painful, first degree road rash typically does not require extensive medical intervention. 
  • Second Degree Road Rash: Second degree road rash is a serious injury. With this type of injury, the damage extends beyond the outermost layer of the skin and it affects the deeper layer. A second degree road rash injury can result in open wounds, blisters, and possible scarring. With second degree road rash, the injured rider should seek medical care. 
  • Third Degree Road Rash: The most severe form of road rash occurs when the injury reaches the subcutaneous tissue, exposing fat, muscle, or even bone. Third degree road rash necessitates major medical intervention. A procedure called debridement may even be required to remove damaged tissue. There may also be sutures to close the wound. In the most severe cases of road rash, the victim may need a skin graft. 

The Kind Of Road Rash Injury

  • Linear Road Rash: Linear road rash is a type of injury that results from sliding across the pavement, creating a straight line or streak-like abrasion on the skin.
  • Avulsion Road Rash: An avulsion road rash injury occurs when layers of skin are torn away from the body, leaving an open wound. It is a type of injury that is typically more susceptible to infection and may require more extensive treatment.
  • Compression Road Rash: A compression road rash injury happens when a body part is caught between two objects, such as the motorcycle and the pavement, resulting in crushing and bruising of the affected area.

What to Know About Motorcycle Accident Liability in Georgia

Hurt in a motorcycle crash in Georgia? If you suffered a road rash injury, it is useful to have an understanding of how motorcycle accident liability and motorcycle accident claims more generally work in our state. Here are three central points that you should keep in mind after a motorcycle collision in Georgia: 

  • Liability is Based on Fault: In Georgia, liability for a motorcycle accident is based on fault. How does it work in practice? The party who is at least 50.1% at fault for a  motorcycle crash through careless or reckless actions/inactions (negligence) is responsible for the resulting injuries—including a road rash injury. To determine fault, the court will consider a variety of factors. A comprehensive investigation of a road rash injury motorcycle accident claim is a must. 
  • Comparative Negligence Applies: Georgia operates under comparative negligence law. If you are less than 50.1% for a motorcycle accident, your damages will be reduced in proportion to your level of blame. For instance, if you were found to be at fault for 25 percent of a motorcycle crash, you will be liable for 25 percent of your own road rash injury. 
  • Statute of Limitations: Under Georgia law, OCGA § 9-3-32, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You must act in a timely manner. If you do not file your motorcycle accident claim in time, you may not be able to get compensation at all. If you suffered a road rash injury in a motorcycle crash, initiate a claim as soon as possible. Be proactive: Consult with a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after suffering a road rash injury.

Recovering Compensation for a Road Rash Injury After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia

Did you suffer a road rash injury in a motorcycle crash? It is imperative that you are able to access compensation to pay your bills. In Georgia, injured riders can pursue financial relief for their economic and non-economic losses. A settlement or trial verdict for a road rash injury in a motorcycle accident may include compensation for: 

  • Motorcycle repairs or replacement; 
  • Emergency medical treatment; 
  • Hospital bills and other medical costs; 
  • Surgeries, including skin grafts; 
  • Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care; 
  • Lost wages and loss of earning power; 
  • Pain and suffering & emotional distress; and
  • Permanent scarring/disfigurement. 

Road Rash Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Does Road Rash Happen in Motorcycle Crashes?

Road rash is a term used to describe skin abrasions or lacerations caused by contact with the surface during a motorcycle crash. It typically occurs when a motorcyclist falls or is thrown from their bike and skids along the pavement. The friction between the rider’s body and the road surface can cause varying degrees of skin damage, ranging from mild scrapes to severe, deep wounds.

What are the Different Degrees of a Motorcycle Road Rash Injury?

Road rash injuries are commonly classified into three degrees, which are based on their severity. First-degree road rash involves mild abrasions or redness of the skin. Second-degree road rash includes more severe abrasions with skin damage and (often) bleeding. Third-degree road rash is the most severe. It involves the removal of multiple layers of skin, exposing underlying tissues, muscles, or even bones.

How Can Motorcyclists Reduce the Risk of Road Rash During an Accident?

To prevent or minimize the severity of road rash injuries, motorcyclists should wear proper protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots made from abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textiles. High-quality gear can provide a protective barrier between the rider’s skin and the road surface.

How Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Road Rash Injury

Road rash injury claims are complicated. As a legal practice solely focused on advocating for the rights and interests of motorcycle accident victims, Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers goes above and beyond to help victims and families get justice and the maximum financial compensation. We are proactive. Among other things, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to: 

  • Listen to your story and answer questions about road rash injury; 
  • Conduct a comprehensive, detail-focused investigation of your motorcycle crash; 
  • Advocate for you in any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; an
  • Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.  

Schedule a Free Consultation With our Georgia Road Rash Injury Attorney

At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorney has the skills and legal expertise to handle all types of road rash injury claims. Did you suffer a road rash injury in a motorcycle crash? We can help. Reach out to us by phone at 866-529-2453 or contact us online for your free, no commitment initial consultation. With a law office in Roswell, we handle road rash injury claims throughout Georgia, including in Atlanta, Marietta, Augusta, Savannah, and Macon. 

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER NOW

At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys are passionate, experienced specialists. We have what it takes to help injured motorcyclists get justice after a serious crash.

You do not have to take on the legal system alone. Call us now at 866-529-2453 or contact us online for a free, no commitment review of your case. With law offices in Atlanta and Roswell, we represent motorcycle accident victims throughout all of Georgia.