Road rash is a common injury that results from accidents in which the victim is thrown against the pavement or another hard surface. It happens most frequently in the warmer seasons when people wear thinner clothes or have more exposed skin. Our attorneys explain what road rash is – and how you can receive compensation if your road rash was caused by someone else.

What Is Road Rash?

Road rash is another term used to refer to a skin abrasion wound. It happens when the skin on a certain area has been scraped off. This is often a result of an accident involving outdoor activities such as cycling or skateboarding but can also happen during an auto accident involving a motorcyclist who, for example, is ejected from their motorbike at highway speeds and ends up sliding on the pavement. Road rash can vary from just a superficial wound to a deeper wound that requires medical attention.

What Are the Symptoms of Road Rash?

The area affected by road rash usually looks raw, red, and bleeding may be present. The wound can be rather painful and look inflamed in some cases. Because the top layer of the skin is dragged away during an accident resulting in road rash, the natural protective barrier of the skin is gone and leaves the wound open to bacteria and other factors that may lead to inflammation. Road rash victims should closely monitor their wounds for signs of infection and seek the help of a medical professional if the wound is not healing.

How Do You Treat Road Rash?

The less serious cases of road rash can be treated at home, by simply keeping the wound clean and dry. You may use a first-aid kit to rinse the area and apply gauze and bandages to cover the wound. However, you will need to seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The wound is excessively large or won’t stop bleeding.
  • There are foreign objects in the wound such as rocks or road debris.
  • The wound is deep and muscle or bone is visible.
  • The victim becomes unconscious.

It may also be recommended for the victim to receive a tetanus shot or a booster shot after being affected by road rash. Always consult a doctor if you are unsure of how to treat road rash, and call 911 if there is an emergency.

Road rash is a painful condition and may be a compensable injury when caused by someone else’s actions. For example, if you are a motorcyclist who was hit by a distracted driver and ended up being dragged across the pavement, your injuries and any damages resulting from them may be part of your accident claim. If you suffered a road rash after an accident in Washington caused by another person, talk to the attorneys at Church & Page PLLC by calling (509) 638-1414.