How To Treat Road Rash After A Motorcycle Crash?

motorcycle rider with road rash after falling on ground in motorcycle crash

Road rash is a common motorcycle accident injury, one that may require medical attention. If your collision had painful consequences, our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers can help. Trust our experienced team to maximize your compensation and provide trusted legal advice as you navigate the days ahead. Plus, we know a thing or two on how to treat road rash.

So – Let us explain!

What is Road Rash?

Road rash is a term referring to a skin abrasion caused by contact with road surfaces. While road rash is often associated with bicycling or motorcycle crashes, it can also result from running, skating, roller skating, skateboarding, etc.

Symptoms of Road Rash After a Motorcycle Crash

The skin abrasion will likely look red and swollen, and it may bleed as well. Pain and swelling occur immediately after the accident and may persist for days. Keep in mind that you may not feel any pain at the deepest part of the affected region, with the skin around the rash hurting the worse.

It is crucial to watch for signs of infection, including the following:

Swelling and increased redness
Warmth
Pus or fluid draining
Increased pain after the first day
Foul-smelling drainage
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and body aches

Common Ways to Treat Road Rash After a Motorcycle Crash

If you have been involved in a crash, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention at the accident scene if necessary. Our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers recommend visiting your doctor as soon as possible, even if you do not require emergency treatment. This not only reduces your risk of infection for injuries like road rash, but strengthens your accident claim as you pursue compensation.

Treatment for road rash involves the following:

Wash hands.
This crucial step helps prevent infection.

Gently rinse and clean the wound.
Using clean, lukewarm water, rinse and wash the affected area. If there are objects stuck inside, such as gravel or dirt, try to carefully remove them.

Use an antibiotic ointment.
Designed to prevent infection, over-the-counter antibiotic ointments can also help moisturize the area and promote healing.

Bandage the injury.
Be sure to use sterile bandages or gauze to protect road rash from further damage and irritation.

Replace bandages often.
Change the bandage as needed, at least once a day. If the bandage is stuck to the accident injury, soak it in saltwater before attempting to remove it. (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 gallon of water)

Watch carefully for possible infection.
If you notice the following, contact your doctor immediately: pain continues to increase, the wound area stays red, the wound discharges pus, or you develop a fever. Antibiotics may be necessary.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be taken to manage pain from your motorcycle accident injury. In severe road rash cases, your doctor may prescribe a pain medication to treat road rash.

It is normal for your skin to itch or feel tight or dry as the abrasion heals. An alcohol-free moisturizing lotion can help provide some relief.

Seek medical attention right away if any of the following apply:

Road rash is more than three times larger than the palm of your hand.
The wound occurs on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Muscle or bone is visible.
Foreign objects, such as glass or gravel, are embedded in the wound.
There is excessive bleeding.
Signs of infection are present.

How to Get Compensation For Motorcycle Accident Injury

Our Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys will handle your case from start to finish, offering proven legal representation when you need it most. We will first file an accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, then negotiate to secure maximum compensation. If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, our team will file a motorcycle accident lawsuit.

Trust our qualified team to handle the following:

In-depth accident investigation
Gathering of documentation
Confirmation of at-fault party
Motorcycle accident lawsuit filing
Negotiation process and settlement offer (if accepted, case is closed)
Courtroom trial

Common Causes of Road Rash

Road rash typically results from sports or outdoor activities, such as:

Motorcycling
Bicycling
Skateboarding
Walking/jogging/running outdoors
Baseball/softball

Motorcyclist Safety Tips: Ways to Prevent Road Rash

Protective gear is the best – and simplest – way to prevent painful road rash. Our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers also recommend these tips:

Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, helmet, closed toe shoes, etc.) every time you ride a motorcycle.
Follow the speed limit and rules of the road when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
Use elbow and knee pads when skateboarding or playing sports where falling is possible.

Injured After a Car Accident? Discover A Trusted Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me

Attorney David Hoffman and his personal injury law firm is proud to advocate for crash victims throughout the Lowcountry – and we are ready to fight for you! We have extensive experience handling motorcycle crashes, offering proven legal representation each step of the way.

Plus, you only pay us when we take your case – and win!

So schedule your free initial consultation with a skilled Charleston motorcycle accident attorney today!

Hoffman Law Firm offers trusted legal advice in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including:

Longshoreman & Maritime

Medical Malpractice

Dog Bite