I understand that there are different degrees of road rash associated with Virginia motorcycle crashes. Can you explain these, and what should I do if I’m in an accident?

A sad reality of riding a motorcycle in Virginia is that you must deal with erratic drivers on the road. These drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents in Norfolk. If you’re a motorcycle rider and have the unfortunate luck of being the victim of an accident, you will likely sustain injuries, including road rash.

Road rash is when skin comes in contact with the pavement, asphalt, dirt or gravel and causing damage to the skin. As you can imagine, this can be very painful and difficult to treat.

A road rash injury can be categorized into three degrees of severity:

  • First degree – A first degree road rash injury is when the first layer of skin in visibly red. First degree road rash does not typically need any emergency medical treatment. It is important to clean the area with water and mild soap. A topical antibiotic ointment may also be applied to aid in healing and alleviating discomfort. A first degree rash will most likely heal on its own with no visible scarring.
  • Second degree When the outermost layer of skin breaks from road rash, it is considered to be second degree. As with a first degree road rash injury, it will most likely heal on its own. Typically, there will be no scarring or permanent damage. But again, it is important to clean and treat the affected area.
  • Third degree –The third, and most severe, degree of road rash occurs when the skin is peeled away, leaving underlying tissue exposed. It is extremely important to get medical care as soon as possible. This type of road rash commonly requires the victim to undergo skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.

 

To get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident, contact a skilled Norfolk motorcycle accident attorney at Tavss Fletcher. Call 757-625-1214 today for a FREE legal consultation.