Dealing With Road Rash After A Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may want to discuss your case with a Tulsa, OK motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. An attorney from Wandres Law, P.C. can assist you with your claim and look out for your best interests.

Sustaining Road Rash in a Motorcycle Accident

Road rash is one of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents and is caused by friction. It occurs when skin gets scraped off by a hard surface, like the ground. Road rash can impact any part of the body, including the hands, knees, forearms, and elbows. Common symptoms of road rash include warmth in the area, swelling, pain, and fluid draining from the wound.

If not treated promptly, road rash can cause health complications, including infection. It can lead to sepsis shock, which can cause very low blood pressure and organ failure. The injury can also cause tissue and nerve damage, resulting in a lack of sensation in the area. 

Severe road rash can also leave a scar, which can make you feel self-conscious. You may need to undergo plastic surgery to improve your appearance.

Treating Road Rash

If you suffered road rash, it is critical to treat it immediately. If the injury is very minor, you may be able to treat it at home. After you have thoroughly washed your hands, gently clean the wound with water. Then, apply antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage.

If your road rash is severe, a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney may advise getting immediate medical attention. A doctor may first give you antibiotics to prevent infection. Then, he or she will assess the severity of the injury to determine the best course of treatment. For example, if road rash caused muscle or nerve damage, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. He or she may also suggest reconstructive surgery to treat scarring.

How to Avoid Road Rash

Since road rash can be painful and cause complications, it is best to avoid it in the first place. Luckily, with preparation, you may be able to reduce your chances of sustaining this painful injury. Here are a few helpful tips to reduce your risk of road rash.

Wear protective gear

As the legal professionals at Wandres Law, P.C. can confirm, it is important to wear the appropriate gear while on a motorcycle. A leather jacket, leather pants, and riding boots may reduce your risk of road rash in the event of an accident.

Drive responsibly

If you drive your motorcycle responsibly, you are less likely to get into an accident and suffer road rash. Obey all traffic laws, avoid distractions, and don’t get on a motorcycle after drinking alcohol. You should also try to avoid getting on your motorcycle in hazardous weather conditions.

If you need assistance with your motorcycle accident claim, you should schedule a consultation with a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney from Wandres Law, P.C. today.