What Are the Degrees of Road Rash?

In 2024, Delaware’s Annual Traffic Statistical Report found that 395 traffic accidents took place in the state involving motorcycles. Of those crashes, 255 resulted in personal injuries and 21 tragically proved fatal, highlighting just how dangerous motorcycle accidents can be.

Road rash is one of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents, but just because it’s common does not mean it isn’t serious. Road rash injuries can range in severity and pose a variety of recovery challenges to victims from all walks of life. If you’re planning on hitting the open road in Delaware, it’s important that you understand the dangers posed by road rash injuries and what recourse might be available in the event that you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Here’s a brief overview of the different degrees of road rash and how these kinds of injuries can play a role in a Delaware motorcycle accident claim.

What is road rash?

Road rash is a type of burn injury that occurs as a result of intense friction. In motorcycle accident cases, road rash is often caused by a rider’s skin coming into close contact with the pavement after falling over or being thrown from their bike. This friction generates heat that can subsequently lead to serious burns, some of which can penetrate into the deepest layers of a victim’s skin.

Which parts of the body are usually affected by road rash?

While road rash can impact just about any part of a victim’s body, it most commonly occurs on uncovered or insufficiently covered skin. Abrasion-resistant full-coverage jackets and pants made from materials like leather or Kevlar, as well as boots, and helmets with face protection, are recommended.

Riders who fail to properly protect themselves may suffer severe cases of road rash on their:

• Arms
• Legs
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Hands
• Ankles/feet
• Face
• Scalp (in the absence of a helmet)

Any of these areas can be affected by road rash, though treatment may differ depending on where the victim’s burns are located and how severe the injury is.

What are the degrees of road rash?

Like other kinds of burn injuries, road rash cases are typically classified into different “degrees” depending on their severity. These degree determinations are usually made based on how deep the burn injury is. Human skin is comprised of 3 layers, resulting in 3 different degrees of road rash injuries:

First-degree road rash

First-degree road rash is the mildest form of road rash. First-degree injuries typically look like abrasions to the top, most superficial layer of skin, known as the epidermis. First-degree road rash victims may experience redness, tenderness, and scrapes that require ongoing cleaning and bandaging. While these injuries are typically considered “minor,” they can lead to days of pain and discomfort and make it difficult for motorcyclists to return to their daily routines.

Second-degree road rash

Second-degree road rash is far more serious than first-degree road rash because it affects deeper layers of skin. These burns extend into the second layer of skin— the dermis—and can cause severe bleeding, swelling, and even blistering. Second-degree wounds are extremely painful and carry a particularly high risk of infection, which makes it vital for victims to seek prompt medical care after an accident.

Second-degree burns typically require more intensive and costly medical care than first-degree wounds, including antibiotics, frequent dressing changes, and even outpatient procedures. Even when riders seek prompt medical care, they may end up with significant scarring and long-term discomfort that makes it difficult for them to return to work or other activities post-accident.

Third-degree road rash

Just like with third-degree burns, third-degree road rash is the most severe kind of road rash, and its consequences can be life-altering. Third-degree road rash is a severe skin injury where the outer and deeper layers of skin are removed, exposing muscle, fat, or even bone, leading victims to suffer extremely painful and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Treatment for third-degree road rash almost always involves hospitalization, and many victims receive skin grafts and reconstructive surgery as part of the recovery process. Even in the best of cases, these injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and functional impairments. In the worst cases, road rash injuries can ultimately prove fatal. Third-degree road rash cases are so severe that they often result in lasting physical and emotional trauma in addition to ongoing financial strain.

Can I sue for road rash?

When a motorcyclist suffers an injury like road rash, they may find themselves questioning whether or not it is appropriate to take legal action. Since motorcyclists are required to carry insurance just like passenger vehicle drivers, many road rash victims choose to file insurance claims to help offset costs related to their injuries.

In some cases, however, insurance might not cover the entire scope of a victim’s damages, or motorcyclists may be denied coverage due to anti-motorcycle bias or other common defense tactics. When this happens, some road rash victims may be within their rights to file a personal injury claim against the party or parties they believe are responsible for their accident. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured riders assess whether they may have standing to file a claim against another party for their negligence and help them navigate the legal system in the event that they choose to move forward with a claim.

Even if a motorcyclist was partially at-fault for their accident, they may still be entitled to damages under Delaware’s modified comparative negligence system. This statute entitles any person involved in an accident to recover damages as long as they were not more than 50% responsible for a crash, with one catch: If a rider is found partially responsible for their accident, they will have their final damage award reduced by a percentage that is equal to their level of fault. For example, if an investigation concludes that a road rash victim was 20% to blame for a crash, that individual will have their compensation reduced by 20%.

Final thoughts

As much as we might hope differently, the harsh reality is that riding a motorcycle is just as dangerous as it is exciting. However, that doesn’t mean injured riders should just accept the bare minimum after a crash. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, our Delaware personal injury lawyers know exactly how devastating road rash injuries can be for motorcyclists and their loved ones. From first-degree scrapes to third-degree trauma requiring surgery, our team has seen it all and is standing by to provide the legal support you need to recover compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered road rash in a motorcycle accident, get medical treatment first, and then get our team on the phone. Schedule your free consultation today by calling our office or filling out our online contact form. Let’s discuss what options might be available to help you get back on your feet and back on the road.