Although road burns or road rashes may seem relatively minor when it comes to motorcycle injuries, this type of injury in some cases can be so severe that it requires skin grafts. These injuries are usually the most serious that occur in the event of a motorcycle accident.

Road burns are severe scrapes and bruises that occur when a cyclist is thrown from his bicycle or is dragged. The severity of the injuries generally depends on the force of the collision and the amount of terrain the victim encounters. These wounds are not only incredibly painful, but can also lead to disfigured scars, serious infections, and the need for reconstructive surgery.

These injuries are divided into three categories:

• Avulsion injuries: These are injuries that result in the shedding of all layers of the skin. If muscle and fat are visible, the avulsion injury is known as a full-thickness wound.

• Compression injuries: These are bruising or crushing injuries that usually occur when a limb is caught between the motorcycle and the road.

• Scrapes that require stitches: These are simply scrapes that are severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room for suturing. These usually won’t heal on their own.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and when road rash occurs over a large part of the body, it can cause internal disease and incredible vulnerability to infection.

Safety-conscious motorcyclists generally wear clothing to protect against these burns, usually tough leather, but a serious accident with a car will generally render this protection useless.

For more information on motorcycles and burnt roads, visit the Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers website of Habush Habush & Rottier, SC