The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimates that over 100,000 motorcycle injuries a year occur within the United States; Virginia alone suffers over 2,000 injuries annually. NHTSA also estimates that over half of these motorcycle injuries can be attributed to road rash.
Treatment Instructions for Severe Road Rash
Road rash is an extremely painful abrasion, which could cover more than ten percent of your body and cause severe scarring, life-threatening infections, and deformity. This is why it is extremely important that you know how to properly clean and treat even a small patch of road rash.
Proper cleaning, care, and treatment are essential for road rash recovery, and could help prevent scarring and deep tissue damage. When you suffer a painful scrape or motorcycle abrasion, seek medical attention and follow these steps to help prevent infection and long-term scarring:
- Stop severe bleeding. Apply pressure to badly bleeding areas and call for emergency medical care.
- Identify the severity of the wound. Does it need stitches, cleaning or patching?
- Assess your general condition. Make sure you’re not seriously injured anywhere else, especially around the head, neck or spine.
- Clean minor wounds. Allow minor bleeding to help clean debris out of the wound. If the wound is anything more than a nasty scrape, do not attempt to clean it yourself; seek medical treatment right away.
Although all road rash injuries should be seen by a medical professional, if you’re not able to see a doctor immediately, you can clean and treat minor wounds yourself by following these simple instructions:
- Clean area with warm water. Wash away debris and dirt from the wound, as they can easily and quickly cause infections. Use sterilized tweezers to remove embedded debris.
- Prevent bacterial infections. Apply antibiotic ointment and a loose bandage to cover area and prevent further debris from having contact with the wound.
- Continue care. Gently wash the wound at least once a day with soap and warm water.
- Let it breathe when healing. Once the wound stops oozing and is no longer shiny, remove the dressing to allow air to continue the healing process and form a scab.
Protecting Yourself from Further Harm
Properly cleaning and treating your wounds are essential for recovery, but what do you do after you begin to heal? As a result of someone else’s mistake, the emotional, physical, and possible psychological trauma that you suffered may never go away. Don’t allow another person’s negligent actions to leave you with nothing but pain.
If you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle accident and need help with your injury claim, contact us today. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can help protect you from future harm and get you the treatment and help you need, in addition to the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate—call now!
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