Riverside Road Rash Injury Lawyer

Road rash injuries from motorcycle accidents are often more serious than they appear. In California, riders who suffer these injuries due to another driver’s negligence have the right to seek compensation.

What Is Road Rash?

Road rash occurs when a rider is thrown or dragged across the asphalt during a vehicle crash. As the skin scrapes against the rough surface, layers of tissue are worn away. Road rash can affect any exposed skin, especially the arms, legs, back, and face. Even riders wearing gear can suffer abrasions through torn clothing or at points where the body armor shifts on impact.

Types of Road Rash Injuries

Medical professionals classify road rash into three degrees:

First-Degree Road Rash: This involves mild redness, swelling, and surface-level scraping. It resembles a bad sunburn and usually heals without medical treatment.
Second-Degree Road Rash: The skin is broken, and bleeding may occur. Dirt or gravel may be embedded in the wound. Medical care is often needed to prevent infection and assist in proper healing.
Third-Degree Road Rash: This severe form removes all layers of skin and can expose muscle, tendons, or bone. Victims often require surgery, skin grafts, and long-term wound care. Scarring and nerve damage are common.

Risks Associated With Road Rash

While some abrasions may appear minor, road rash can lead to serious medical complications if not treated correctly:

Infection

Bacteria and debris from the road can enter open wounds. Without prompt cleaning and antibiotics, infections can spread.

Scarring

Deeper abrasions often heal with visible scars, which may require cosmetic surgery.

Nerve Damage

Severe road rash can permanently damage nerve endings, leading to chronic pain or numbness.

Limited Mobility

If the injury affects joints or large areas of skin, healing may involve physical therapy and restricted movement for weeks or months.

Causes of Motorcycle Road Rash Accidents

Road rash results from falls or being thrown from a bike. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in California include:

Drivers failing to yield or check blind spots
Sudden stops or unsafe lane changes by other vehicles
Hazardous road conditions like potholes or debris
Left-turn accidents at intersections
Drunk or distracted drivers

California law allows injured riders to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence caused the crash.

Compensation for Road Rash Injuries

Victims of motorcycle accidents can seek damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Compensation may include:

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, wound treatment, and follow-up visits
Lost Wages: Time away from work during recovery
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Scarring or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent visible damage

In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or road rage.

How a Riverside Road Rash Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Riverside Motorcycle Accident Attorney can play a critical role in securing fair compensation for road rash injuries. Insurance companies often try to downplay these injuries, especially when there are no broken bones. A Riverside road rash lawyer gathers medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to prove the extent of the injury and who caused the crash. They also negotiate directly with insurers to prevent undervalued settlements and, if necessary, will file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation in court.

Contact Our Riverside Road Rash Attorney Today

If you suffered road rash or other injuries in a motorcycle accident, our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Hanson & Mouri today for a free consultation and let us fight for your recovery.