If a motorcycle ride in Las Vegas ends in a crash or collision, one of the injuries the motorcycle rider may sustain is road rash. Also called “road burn,” this injury can be painful and permanently damaging. A Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney can help injured riders understand their legal options, especially when serious injuries like road rash are involved. Doctors categorize road rash injuries into three degrees based on severity.
What Is Road Rash?
“Road rash” is the colloquial term for friction burns and traumatic abrasions from contact with asphalt or another road surface in an automobile accident. Road rash can affect both layers of skin (the epidermis and dermis) as well as deeper underlying tissues, down to the muscle and bone. Road rash is most common in motorcycle accidents, where riders may skid or be dragged against a rough surface with little to no skin protection.
First-Degree Road Rash
Minor road rash injuries are classified as first-degree. This type of injury may consist of minor scrapes and cuts, small bruises, and light bruising. The victim may experience symptoms such as light pain and tenderness in the affected area. First-degree road rash only damages the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. There is little chance of suffering any permanent scarring, disfigurement or long-term health complications from first-degree road rash. While a crash victim should always see a doctor for professional care, first-degree road rash can often be treated at home with warm water and soap to prevent infection.
Second-Degree Road Rash
Road rash that is classified as “second-degree” is moderate: it is not as minor as first-degree but not as severe as third-degree. Individuals with second-degree road rash may suffer from pain, moderate bleeding, deeper skin trauma and lacerations (affecting the dermis), swelling, and exposed tendons or soft tissues. These injuries may also cause nerve damage. Permanent scarring is common with second-degree road rash injuries due to the level of skin damage. These scars may also show signs of “traumatic tattooing,” or places where gravel or debris have become embedded. Second-degree road rash requires professional medical treatment to clean the open wound and avoid infection.
Third-Degree Road Rash
The most severe type is third-degree road rash. This injury affects the epidermis, dermis, muscles and bones (known as a full thickness friction burn). With this injury, the victim may suffer exposed muscle, fat or bone and severe bleeding or tissue loss. There may be an extreme level of pain, or numbness if the nerves have been destroyed. Third-degree road rash will leave permanent scarring or disfigurement and may require reconstructive surgeries, such as skin graft operations. Emergency medical attention is required as well as hospital admission, in most cases. Surgical cleaning and wound debridement may also be necessary, as well as long-term pain management, wound care and physical rehabilitation as the injury heals.
Road Rash Treatment Options
Treatment options for a motorcycle rider with a road rash injury will depend on the degree or severity of the damage, as well as the location of the injury on the victim’s body. Mild cases are often treated with cleanings and antibiotic ointments, as well as bandages changed daily. Treatments for moderate to severe road rash may involve more thorough cleaning and debridement, antibiotics, painkillers, and surgical intervention. Long-term therapy and rehabilitation may be needed in the most serious cases.