If you have recently been in a motorcycle accident and suffered from road rash, you are likely experiencing pain and distress from your injuries. Road rash, characterized by abrasions and cuts caused by contact with the road or other surfaces during an accident, can be painful and require significant medical treatment. At this time, it is essential to seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. A motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure you understand your rights and options. Contact a motorcycle attorney near you to discuss your case and find out how they can help you get the justice you deserve.
You can speak with a motorcycle accident attorney during a free initial consultation, where they will evaluate your case and inform you of your legal rights. The good news is that a motorcycle attorney will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything to speak with them initially, and you will not owe them any money unless you get paid for your accident injuries. Then, they will take an agreed-on percentage of your settlement or jury award. You will owe them nothing if they do not win your case.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is a common injury motorcyclists suffer in accidents. It results from direct contact between the skin and the road or other abrasive surfaces. In nearly every case, the force of impact throws the motorcyclist from their bike to the pavement, and they may skid along the pavement for a considerable distance before their body stops.
The friction caused by the contact leads to abrasions and cuts. The motorcyclist can suffer road rash, even if they wear specialized gear to protect their skin from these injuries. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to severe wounds that penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
Occasionally, road rash may require stitches or surgical intervention to promote proper healing. Road rash occurs most often on the arms and legs because they are the parts of the body that most commonly come into contact with the pavement when the biker falls to the ground. Motorcyclists often land on these extremities, making them the most vulnerable to road rash.
Common Medical Conditions Associated with Road Rash
Road rash injuries can be more than just superficial wounds. Depending on the severity, road rash can lead to various medical conditions, including:
Infections
One of the primary concerns regarding road rash is the risk of infection. When the skin gets scraped or torn, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, and increased pain. Timely medical treatment is vital to prevent and treat infections associated with road rash.
Scarring
Road rash injuries can result in scarring, especially if the wounds are deep or someone does not adequately care for them. Severe road rash injuries may require skin grafts or other cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the scars.
Nerve Damage
Depending on the location and severity of the road rash, nerve damage can occur. Nerve damage can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent.
Chronic Pain
Road rash injuries can also lead to chronic pain. The constant exposure of damaged nerves and tissues can result in discomfort and reduced quality of life. Chronic pain can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being.
Road rash has the potential to become something far more serious. You must seek prompt medical treatment to lower the risk of infection. Further, the sooner you have a doctor treat your road rash, the more you can avoid the risk of permanent injury. Nonetheless, you may not be the same again if you have suffered a severe road rash in a motorcycle accident.
What Should I Do if I Have Suffered Road Rash in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have suffered road rash in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Promptly seek medical attention to assess and treat your injuries. Even if your road rash seems minor, it is essential to have a professional evaluate the extent of your injuries.
- Document the accident scene: If you can physically do so, take pictures of the accident scene and gather any evidence that may support your case later on. This documentation includes photographs of your injuries, motorcycle damage, and other relevant details.
- Collect witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their contact information. Their statements may be valuable in establishing liability and proving your case.
- Report the accident: Contact the appropriate authorities, such as the police or highway patrol, to report the accident. A formal report can be significant evidence when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Provide it with accurate and detailed information regarding the accident and your injuries.
- Hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer: You need to go through a legal process in which you prove fault for the accident and negotiate compensation if you want full payment for your injuries. A motorcycle accident attorney will handle all the details of your case and stand up to the insurance company on your behalf.
There are a lot of things that you need to do, even when you are dealing with physical injuries. A motorcycle accident attorney can at least take some pressure off of you while fighting for your legal rights. An experienced lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders by handling all the legal aspects of your case while you concentrate on healing. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Dealing with the legal process after a motorcycle accident can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with physical and emotional trauma. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the support and experience needed to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Here are some ways a lawyer can assist you:
- Legal representation: A motorcycle accident lawyer will represent you throughout the entire legal process. They will handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, negotiate settlement offers, and, if necessary, litigate your case in court.
- Investigation: An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim. They will review police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts when necessary.
- Evaluation of damages: A lawyer will help you understand the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. They will work with medical professionals and expert witnesses to accurately calculate your damages. Before you file anything, you need to know the value of your case so you are not vulnerable to accepting a settlement offer that does not fully and fairly pay you for your injuries.
- Communication: A motorcycle accident attorney can speak with the insurance company on your behalf, keeping you from dealing with it yourself. Insurance companies want to talk to you whenever they can, and it is not in your best interest to communicate with them because they will take your words out of context and try to use them against you.
- Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than what victims have the legal right to. A motorcycle accident lawyer will skillfully negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Court representation: If you cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, a lawyer will represent you in court and present your case to a judge and jury. They will advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. A lawsuit is a way to put pressure on insurance companies because they often do not like to face a jury. An angry jury may order them to pay punitive damages, which can be substantial.
Even though the term “road rash” seems relatively innocuous, it can lead to serious long-term effects in your life. Accordingly, your case is potentially worth a considerable amount of money.
For example, your road rash may cause significant scarring in a visible place. Alternatively, you may have suffered severe nerve damage affecting your movement and ability to use one or more limbs.
Road rash is typically not the only injury that you suffer in a motorcycle accident; you usually will suffer one or more other injuries that can cause you damage. Thus, you may have the legal right to significant financial compensation that the insurance company does not always want to pay.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Fight Insurance Company Bias
Insurance companies are businesses that aim to maximize their profits. Unfortunately, this often means they will try to minimize the compensation they pay accident victims. Insurance adjusters may employ biased assessments, delay tactics, or outright denial of claims.
One preferred strategy the insurance company uses is blaming the motorcycle for the accident. Insurance companies think a jury may perceive the biker as more of a risk taker than the average person, causing them to side with the insurance company. When that happens, it is up to you to fight back. Letting the insurance company make these wrongful allegations may impact your ability to receive financial compensation and how much money you get.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Get You More Compensation
If the insurance company accepts liability in your motorcycle accident case, it will make you an initial settlement offer. This number will be far lower than the amount your motorcycle accident lawyer told you that your case was worth. However, the initial settlement offer is just the beginning of the negotiation process. Your attorney needs to pressure the insurance company into offering you a reasonable settlement that reflects the full value of your case.
A motorcycle accident attorney will spearhead the negotiations with the insurance company. When you receive a settlement offer, your motorcycle accident lawyer will review it and advise on whether it makes sense to accept it—accepting the initial offer may not be in your best interests. If so, your motorcycle accident attorney will reject the offer.
Depending on the guidance of your motorcycle accident lawyer, you will choose whether to continue with settlement negotiations or take your case to court. The presence of your motorcycle accident attorney and the possibility that they may take your case to a jury trial is often enough to force the insurance company to act more reasonably in settlement negotiations.
You Cannot Go Up Against the Insurance Company Without the Help of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Attempting to handle the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies on your own after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming; it may result in receiving less compensation than you deserve. Insurance companies have legal teams and adjusters who are well-versed in minimizing payouts to accident victims. A personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and level the playing field. They will guide you through the complex legal process, help you understand your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered a road rash injury in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek legal help to ensure that you receive the compensation and support you deserve. A motorcycle accident lawyer with experience in personal injury cases can provide you with guidance, representation, and peace of mind during this challenging time. Contact an attorney near you to discuss your case and find out how they can assist you in getting the justice you deserve.
