Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Discusses How Road Rash Is More Serious Than You Might Think
Motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injury than people driving other passenger vehicles. They are not protected by the external shell of a car, truck, or SUV. Riders can also be flung from their bikes, sliding across the pavement. Road rash injuries are remarkably common. Small cuts and scrapes may heal quickly, but road rash injuries can be much more severe than that. Speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys today if you’ve suffered road rash in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City.
What Is Motorcycle Road Rash?
Road rash is one of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. The term refers to when the skin scrapes across a rough surface, like the pavement. Victims suffer from painful abrasions. Their open wounds may pick up gravel and other small debris.
The severity of road rash varies widely. A rider wearing protective clothing may not suffer any road rash at all. By contrast, a person wearing a tank top and shorts may suffer deep wounds. The asphalt may rub away several layers of skin across a broad area.
Whereas first-degree road rash only damages the epidermis, third-degree injuries can break through and reveal the muscle tissue underneath. The latter victim can suffer significant blood loss and scarring.
How Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Road Rash
Road rash typically occurs in a motorcycle crash when the rider falls over. They may fall over with their vehicle or be flung completely off their bike. As they slide, their skin gets dragged across the road surface, causing road rash.
There are many possible causes of motorcycle accidents, including traffic infractions and road rage. Speeding and impact with much larger vehicles can result in more severe injuries. Hazardous road or weather conditions can also cause more serious injuries.
Even if there is no impact with another vehicle, motorcyclists can still fall from their bikes and suffer road rash injuries. Similarly, passengers on motorcycles have equal rights to pursue damages if they are hurt in an accident. Evidence like photographs and traffic reports can support these compensation claims.
Road Rash Treatment Options
The cumulative cost of medical bills can add up quickly after an accident. Even so, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Your doctor may suggest:
- Cleaning the wound of any dirt, debris, and other foreign substances
- Applying ointments and salves to fight infection and speed healing
- Covering the wound in bandages to keep the area clean
- Booking skin graft surgery to treat deeper road rash injuries
Possible Complications From Road Rash Injuries
The superficial scrapes and abrasions of road rash only touch the surface of possible injuries. Road rash can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
- Infections from foreign debris in open wounds
- Nerve damage, including instances of rider’s arm injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement that may justify cosmetic surgery
- Secondary burning from open contact with hot road surfaces
- Temporary reduced mobility from painful wounds
- Emotional distress and trauma
Do not be too eager to settle a motorcycle crash case as quickly as possible. Insurance companies are motivated to pay the least amount of money for your injuries and losses. A lower settlement offer may ignore complications and long-term consequences. Consult with Foster Wallace for a full case review. Pursue the full and fair compensation you rightfully deserve.
Damages You May Recover in a Personal Injury Claim
Figuring out what to do after a devastating motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming. As you take time off work, you may be stressed about where to turn for financial relief. Damages that could be awarded after an accident can be extensive. If you are not completely at fault for causing the crash, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Lost income and benefits because you are unable to work for a period of time
- Impact on potential future earnings due to long-term consequences
- Emergency medical bills for hospital visits and critical exams
- Costs of ongoing treatments and rehabilitation therapies
- The cost to repair or replace the damaged motorcycle
- Other property damage, like clothing, helmets, and electronic devices
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Punitive or exemplary damages
The total recoverable damages from a claim can be significant. Foster Wallace represented a young man who was hurt while riding his motorcycle in Independence, Kansas. We consulted with a certified life care plan doctor to estimate the cost of future medical needs. Through skilled negotiation, we secured a $127,500 settlement for our client. He was very happy with the result.
The Vital Importance of Skilled Legal Representation
Sound legal advice and guidance are crucial to securing a positive outcome. It’s important to choose the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Kansas City to represent your best interests. Foster Wallace will carefully investigate your accident and craft the strongest case possible.
The state of Missouri observes the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. Even if you are partially at fault, you still have the legal right to seek compensation. Our lawyers will strive to reduce your percentage of responsibility, which directly impacts your settlement amount. We bring years of skilled legal experience, applying relevant laws and precedents to your situation.
This can involve identifying all potentially liable parties. Your instinct may be that the only person you can sue for damages is the driver of the other vehicle. In some drunk driving cases, you may be able to sue the bar that overserved them. If the accident involves a commercial truck, you may file a claim against the trucking company and not just the driver. Your lawyer can explore these legal options with you.
Insurance companies may also be eager to undervalue your claim. The legal team at Foster Wallace can speak with insurers on your behalf, ensuring we protect your fair legal rights. Insurance adjusters may ask trick questions to get you to admit fault. We can help you avoid these possible traps and negotiate effectively for maximum compensation.
