Suing for Road Rash After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina

Road rash is one of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists. Also known in the medical world as “friction burn,” this injury can potentially have life-altering consequences for riders who survive serious crashes. If you have experienced road rash after a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.

Road Rash Can Be Disfiguring 

Many dismiss road rash as a simple laceration. However, injured riders know that this injury can be much more severe than it might seem to the casual observer. Friction burns occur when riders are ejected from their motorcycles, something that happens in virtually every motorcycle crash due to the lack of seatbelts. After being ejected, the rider generally slides across the asphalt – sometimes at extremely high speeds.

Even if the rider is wearing proper “leathers” and protective gear, the asphalt can quickly grind through clothing and tear away layers of skin. Sometimes, these friction burns burn through all layers of skin – exposing the bones underneath. These wounds are not only caused by the grinding of fast-moving asphalt/concrete, but also the heat of intense friction.

Friction burns are associated with high infection risks. Pieces of asphalt, glass, dirt, and gravel can become embedded inside the skin, potentially causing serious infections that can spread to other parts of the body.

While many friction burns heal with time, some can lead to permanent disfigurements. Victims may lose self-confidence in their own bodies because of the permanent scars these injuries leave. This could potentially prevent victims from forming relationships or wearing clothing that reveals the scars.

Although skin grafts can help address severe road rash, this treatment is expensive. Victims may need to consider various sources of financial support to cover their medical costs – including motorcycle accident lawsuits.

Can I Pursue Compensation for Road Rash After a Motorcycle Accident? 

If you were thrown from your motorcycle due to a collision with a negligent driver, you may be able to file an accident lawsuit and recover the compensation you need for your medical costs. Even if you were not directly impacted by a negligent driver, you could hold them accountable if they forced you to swerve.

For example, a drunk driver might have ventured into your lane, causing you to swerve hard to the right to avoid an impact. If this maneuver caused you to lose control and slide across the road at high speed, you could sue the drunk driver – even if they never directly collided with you.

Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in South Carolina Help With Road Rash? 

Only a qualified medical professional can treat you for road rash. However, a Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer could help you cover your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages associated with your crash. This financial support could prove vital as you deal with the psychological and physical effects of road rash. To take the next steps, contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39288192/#:~:text=Friction%20burns%20are%20common%20after,and%20operative%20intervention%20is%20rare.

verywellhealth.com/road-rash-treatment-1298921#:~:text=It’s%20rare%20for%20road%20rash,to%20cover%20the%20injured%20part.