Infected Road Rash After a Crash
A motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences, as motorcyclists are vulnerable to many severe and costly injuries when they crash. One of the most common injuries that motorcyclists sustain is road rash.
Road rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with the abrasive road surface during a crash. While it may sound like a minor injury, road rash can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. In some cases, road rash wounds can become infected, resulting in additional pain, suffering, and financial burdens for motorcyclists.
Anyone who suffers injuries when a driver hits their motorcycle should immediately consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA. Never underestimate the effects of your injuries, as costs can add up quickly. Seek legal help today if you have suffered this type of injury.
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Motorcyclists Are Highly Susceptible to Road Rash
Unlike car occupants, who a metal frame, airbags, and seat belts protect, accidents directly expose motorcyclists to the impact and the road surface. This makes them highly susceptible to road rash injuries.
Road rash happens when the skin gets scraped or torn off due to the friction between the body and the pavement. The severity of road rash can vary from mild abrasions to deep wounds that require extensive medical treatment, similar to serious burns.
Even With Treatment, Road Rash Can Become Infected
Road rash injuries may seem like minor wounds that can heal on their own. However, road rash has a higher risk of infection due to the exposure of the underlying tissues and potential contamination from the road surface. Even with proper initial treatment, road rash can become infected if not carefully monitored and cared for.
Infection can occur due to delayed or improper medical treatment.
Sometimes, infections can occur even if you receive all the proper treatment and take the right steps to keep the wound clean and dressed. Once infected, road rash complications can quickly escalate and put your health at risk.
Road Rash Infections Can be Serious and Even Life-Threatening
Infected road rash can lead to serious health complications.
In some cases, the infection can spread to deeper tissues and even enter the bloodstream, causing a condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can result in organ failure and death if not treated promptly and effectively.
The signs of road rash infection include:
- Increased pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms, always seek immediate medical attention. Never assume an infected road rash wound will heal on its own, as it usually only gets worse and can put your life at risk.
Additional Costs and Losses from Road Rash Infections
There are additional consequences of infected road rash besides the health risks. Victims may also face more costs and losses due to the infection. These can include:
Extra medical bills and medications
Treatment for an infected road rash costs and hurts a lot more than treating a non-infected wound. Antibiotics, wound care supplies, and additional medical appointments may need to address the infection. These additional expenses can quickly add up, placing a financial burden on the victim.
Extra time to heal when you cannot work
An infected road rash can significantly prolong healing, forcing the victim to take additional time off work. This loss of income can further compound the financial strain of the accident and subsequent infection.
Extra pain and suffering
Dealing with an infected road rash can be extremely painful and debilitating. The physical and emotional distress caused by the infection can significantly reduce the victim’s quality of life and overall well-being.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will take the effects of your infection seriously and account for them when seeking compensation for you.
Who Should Be Liable for Your Motorcycle Accident Losses?
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident case can be difficult. In general, if another party, such as a careless driver, caused the accident, then that party should pay for your losses and damages.
Other parties might also share liability, such as an employer of the negligent driver if they were on the job when they caused the collision. You want a lawyer to identify all sources of liability.
Furthermore, proving liability requires evidence, as insurance companies will not simply take your word that a driver caused the accident.
A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case. They will also assess the full extent of your injuries, including any infections and related complications, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Even if the infection occurred after the initial accident, a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can demonstrate the connection between the crash and the subsequent infection to establish liability and seek appropriate compensation.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Immediately About a Potential Claim
If you suffered an infected road rash after a motorcycle accident, never wait to consult a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will provide the guidance and support you need to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims, so do not delay seeking legal representation. There is limited time to collect evidence and file your claim, so you want a lawyer to get started as soon as possible.
With the help of a dedicated personal injury attorney, you can focus on your recovery from your infection while they handle the legal process. This ensures you can keep up with all necessary treatment to prevent further complications and allow your road rash to heal so you can move forward.