Road Rash from a Motorcycle Accident

A Tampa attorney dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured motorcyclists

Road rash is a common and often painful consequence of motorcycle accidents. It occurs when a rider’s skin makes contact with the asphalt on the road. This abrasive encounter can range from minor scrapes to severe wounds, depending on speed, protective gear, and the nature of your motorcycle accident.

Recognizing the varying degrees of severity, knowing appropriate treatment methods, and being aware of potential legal options can make a difference in your recovery and compensation.

If you suffered a road rash injury in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for your right to fair compensation.

What is road rash?

Road rash refers to skin abrasions resulting from friction between the skin and a rough road surface during a motorcycle accident. Riders are particularly susceptible due to the lack of protective barriers between them and the pavement. When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle, the momentum can cause them to slide across the road surface, which can lead to varying degrees of skin injury.

What are the different degrees of road rash from a motorcycle accident?

Road rash injuries are classified into three degrees based on severity:

First-degree: First-degree road rash affects only the outer layer of skin, and it causes redness and minor irritation. This is the mildest form and usually heals without medical intervention.
Second-degree: Second-degree road rash involves breaking of the skin, which causes more intense pain and an increased risk of necrotizing infection. Prompt medical attention is often recommended to ensure proper healing.
Third-degree: This involves severe damage extending through all skin layers, which potentially exposes underlying muscles and bone. This degree requires immediate medical attention and may require skin grafts.

What are common symptoms of road rash from a motorcycle accident?

Common symptoms of motorcycle accident road rash include:

Redness and swelling due to inflammation.
Pain and tenderness at the injury site.
Bleeding ranging from minor to severe.
Exposed underlying tissues.
Debris embedded in the wound.
A road rash burn.
Facial road rash that causes scarring and infection.

How long does it take for a road rash infection to show up?

Infections can develop rapidly, often within 24 to 72 hours after the injury. It’s important to monitor the wound closely during this period. If any signs of infection appear, seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications. Symptoms of a road rash infection might include:

Worsening redness or swelling around the wound.
Yellow or greenish discharge from the wound.
Elevated body temperature indicating systemic infection.
Pain that intensifies instead of diminishing over time.
Warm and red streaks around the wound.

How should I treat road rash after a motorcycle accident in Tampa?

If you suffered a road rash injury, don’t wait to get medical attention. Delayed medical treatment can lead to serious complications such as infection, permanent scarring, and nerve damage. Plus, if you wait too long, insurance companies can dispute your claim if you’re seeking compensation for your damages.

Road rash treatment typically begins with washing your hands thoroughly to prevent introducing bacteria into the wound. Gently rinse the affected area with cool, clean water to remove debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly on the wound, as these can irritate the tissue.

After cleaning the wound, apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and keep the wound moist. Cover the area with a sterile, non-stick bandage or gauze to protect it from further injury and contamination. Once the wound has been stabilized, get to a doctor immediately to get it checked out. Initially, your doctor can prescribe you an antibiotic and pain reliever, and a provide a suitable dressing for the wound to keep it protected.

What is the road rash healing timeline?

The healing duration for road rash from a motorcycle accident varies based on severity. Superficial abrasions affecting only the outer skin layer typically heal within 1 to 2 weeks with proper care. Injuries involving deeper skin layers may require 2 to 4 weeks to heal. However, deep wounds that expose underlying tissues may take several months to heal completely and could require skin grafts.

At Armando Personal Injury Law, we take your recovery seriously. We’ll keep track of all medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement.

Who pays for my road rash injury after a Florida motorcycle accident?

If another party is at fault for your motorcycle accident, their liability insurance may be responsible for covering your medical expenses. However, obtaining compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer can be a complicated process.

Insurance companies don’t immediately cover your medical bills, and you might need to pay for some of your medical expenses upfront and later seek reimbursement. Additionally, insurance companies will pay as little as possible or nothing at all if they can get away with it.

That’s why it’s important to let an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorney handle all communications and negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. An attorney can act as a buffer between you and the insurance companies. This way, they can’t take advantage of your situation to reduce or deny compensation.

Can I get compensated if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

Being injured in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver can be a frustrating experience. Since there is no third-party insurance company involved, you would have to seek damages from your own insurance provider. However, you must have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

In Florida, UM coverage is not required and can be rejected in writing. However, insurance companies must offer it to all drivers. If you don’t already have UM, it’s best to get it as soon as possible. This can ensure that you don’t pay for your damages out of your own pocket.

No matter which options are available to you, an attorney at our firm can help you explore the best path to recovery and fair compensation.

Can I pay for my road rash treatment with my health insurance?

You can use your health insurance to cover medical expenses for road rash treatment following a motorcycle accident. However, you may still be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses. These costs can accumulate, especially if your policy has high deductibles or limited coverage.

Also, be aware that if you receive a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance, your health insurance provider may seek reimbursement for the medical expenses they covered. This is a process known as subrogation.

It’s important to first speak to an experienced attorney, so you know what to expect before using your health insurance policy.

How much is my road rash settlement worth in Florida?

Initially, there is no pre-determined dollar amount on your compensation. Determining the exact settlement amount for a road rash injury from a motorcycle accident depends on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life.

Motorcycle accident settlements typically range from $10,000 to $100,000. Cases involving minor injuries, such as first-degree road rash, may settle for amounts on the lower end of the spectrum. More severe injuries that require surgeries or lead to significant scarring can result in higher settlements, which could potentially exceed $100,000. Third-degree road rash, which may involve nerve damage or require skin grafts, typically warrants higher settlements.

The damages you may be eligible for include:

Medical expenses: These are costs for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
Lost wages: If the injury results in time away from work, lost income is factored into your settlement. This includes both current and future earnings if the injury impacts long-term employment.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life, are subjective but will likely be factored into your settlement.

Before accepting a settlement, let an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer factor in all your current and future losses to determine how much money your claim is worth. While this can take time, a fair settlement should cover the full extent of your damages in the end. We won’t settle for less than you deserve.

What if the at-fault driver’s insurance company won’t settle?

In most cases, insurance companies will settle without your case going to trial. Insurance companies often don’t want the hassle of going to court. However, they may dispute your claim if they believe that you were fully or partially at fault for your motorcycle accident, or that you’re exaggerating your injuries.

If this happens, you’re not out of options. Our firm can file a lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to the courtroom. Here, we’ll present the evidence we find, call on witnesses and experts to testify, and present a compelling argument before a judge and jury.

Our goal is to ensure you’re fully compensated for your damages, whether through a settlement or a court verdict.

How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help me if I suffered motorcycle road rash?

Dealing with medical treatments, insurance claims, and lost wages can be exhausting. Dealing with pushy insurance companies only adds to the burden and frustration of pursuing a claim. This is where a skilled Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer comes in. An experienced attorney can meticulously assess the specifics of your motorcycle accident, determine liability, and fight for the full extent of your compensation.

We can gather strong evidence to support your case, including witness statements, surveillance and dashcam video, the official police report, and other key facts. Plus, we can work with crash reconstruction experts to map out events that led to your motorcycle crash.

Additionally, we can provide an accurate assessment of your damages and determine the true value of your claim. Then we’ll fight for every dollar owed to you. In addition, we will clearly explain your rights and keep you regularly updated about the status of your claim.

Protect your rights after a motorcycle accident in Tampa

If you’ve suffered road rash from a motorcycle accident in Tampa, an attorney at Armando Personal Injury Law can be your legal advocate throughout the course of your claim. Our law firm has a proven track record of winning maximum settlements and verdicts for our clients. That includes a $100,000 settlement for a client who suffered neck and back strains after being cut off by a motorist.

We understand the physical and emotional toll such a road rash injury can take, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. To help you get the legal representation you can afford, we operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Plus, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear legal guidance during a free consultation. If we’re not what you’re looking for, there is no obligation to hire us. To get started, contact us online or call our Tampa or St. Petersburg law office to set up your free initial consultation.

“The experience we had during this process the last 2 years was by far easier with the knowledge and guidance of Armando. His attention to details and professionalism that he showed was outstanding. He treated us more like family then just a client. He always went above and beyond our expectations. We couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer.” – JG, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐