Motorcycle Injury Types We Handle in Phoenix
Road Rash & Burns
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide array of serious injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to broken bones. But some of the most common of these serious injuries are road rash and burns, which often require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
If you suffered road rash or burn injuries in a Phoenix, Arizona, motorcycle accident, understanding your injuries and your rights is crucial for seeking the compensation you need.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is a term used to describe a type of abrasion injury caused by sliding across pavement, typically after falling from a motorcycle. Even when wearing protective gear, motorcycle riders and passengers are susceptible to these injuries as the friction can wear through clothes and cause burns.
There are three tiers of severity for road rash injuries:
- Superficial injuries affecting the outermost layer of the skin
- Partial-thickness injuries that penetrate the upper layers of the skin
- Full-thickness injuries that penetrate through all layers of the skin
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FAQ
Motorcycle Accident Burns
Burns can occur in two main ways during a motorcycle accident. The first is related to road rash, as sliding across pavement can generate significant friction heat. Even if your skin doesn’t come in direct contact with the road surface, you can suffer from burns through your protective gear due to this heat.
The second cause of burns is contact with hot motorcycle parts, including engines and exhaust pipes. Burns are typically classified in the same way as road rash injuries, with first-degree burns being superficial and third-degree burns penetrating the skin and damaging the soft tissue underneath.
Medical Complications Caused by Road Rash & Burns
Depending on their severity, road rash and burns can require extensive medical treatment. In severe cases, victims may require skin grafts and surgeries to repair damaged tissues. However, the initial treatment is only half the battle.
Because these injuries destroy the skin, and since road rash results in dirt, rocks, and other road debris getting into the wound, infection is a serious concern. Routinely changing bandages and taking antibiotics are essential to treating these injuries and preventing future medical complications.
Compensation for Road Rash & Burn Victims
Road rash and burn victims can seek compensation for their various losses after a motorcycle accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses, including emergency medical care, skin grafts and reconstruction, prescription medications, and physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity caused by the injury’s impact on the victim’s ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering experienced by the victim
When seeking compensation after a motorcycle crash, your first option is to file a liability coverage claim against the at-fault party’s auto insurance policy.
Preventing Road Rash & Burns
While you can’t always prevent a motorcycle crash from occurring, you can minimize your injuries by wearing the right protective gear, including a helmet, riding boots that support your ankles, and a jacket, pants, and gloves to protect against road rash and burns.
Jackets, pants, and gloves should be made of leather or other durable fabrics that resist abrasion. Even in hot weather, it’s recommended that you wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposed skin that could come in contact with the pavement or hot motorcycle parts.
How a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona, can handle your case from start to finish while you focus on recovering from your injuries. They can investigate the accident to identify the at-fault parties and gather the necessary evidence. Your lawyer will also file your lawsuit within the two-year deadline, represent you in negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and take your case to trial if need be.
Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The period after a motorcycle accident can be fraught with stress and anxiety, on top of the challenges associated with medical treatment and the healing process. Let Law Tigers make the process more straightforward by handling every detail of your claim. Contact a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney today to share your story and learn about your legal rights and options.