Nassau County Road Burn Injury Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, and road burns—also known as road rash—are one of the most common. This painful injury occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin scrapes against the asphalt, often leaving lasting physical and emotional scars.
At Kohan Law Group, we help clients in Nassau County, Long Island, and New York City pursue compensation for the severe injuries they suffer in motorcycle accidents, including road rash. Given the potential severity of road burn injuries, you need an attorney who will fight hard for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Road Burns?
Road burns (road rash) refer to skin abrasions caused by a motorcyclist being thrown or dragged across the pavement during an accident. The friction between the skin and the road can tear away layers of skin, and in severe cases, it can go deep enough to expose muscle or bone.
The term “road rash” may sound minor, but in reality, it can range from a mild scrape to a life-threatening injury. Immediate medical attention is often necessary to prevent infection, scarring, and other complications.
The Three Degrees of Road Burns
Road rash injuries are categorized into three degrees based on their severity:
- First-degree road burns: These are the mildest forms of road rash, causing redness and irritation, similar to a bad sunburn. There may be some minor scrapes, but the skin remains intact for the most part.
- Second-degree road rash: In this case, the skin is broken, leading to bleeding and open wounds. Although the damage typically only affects the top layers of skin, it can be painful and leave permanent scars if not properly treated.
- Third-degree road burns: The most severe form, third-degree road rash, involves the skin being completely torn away, potentially exposing muscle, fat, or bone. These injuries are prone to serious infections and may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery to heal.
Common Causes of Road Burns in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists in Nassau County and across Long Island face unique dangers on the road. Since they lack the protective barriers that drivers of other vehicles have, they are more vulnerable to road rash injuries when accidents occur. Here are some of the most common causes of road rash in motorcycle accidents:
- High-speed crashes: The faster a motorcyclist is going at the time of an accident, the more likely they are to be thrown from the bike, causing severe road rash upon impact with the road.
- Low-speed skids: Even low-speed accidents can cause a rider to slide across the pavement, leading to painful road rash injuries.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, and debris on the roads in Nassau County can cause a motorcyclist to lose control, increasing the risk of an accident and resulting in road rash.
- Lack of protective gear: While proper gear, such as gloves, leather jackets, and pants, can reduce the risk of road rash, many riders may choose not to wear it, particularly in warmer weather.
The Long-Term Effects of Road Rash
In addition to the immediate pain and discomfort, road rash injuries can lead to long-term complications, such as:
- Scarring: Even mild road rash can leave visible scars that may be permanent. Severe cases often require cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the scars.
- Infection: Open wounds from road rash are particularly susceptible to bacterial infections, which can lead to further complications if not properly treated.
- Nerve damage: When road rash is severe, it can damage the nerves beneath the skin, leading to loss of sensation or chronic pain in the affected areas.
- Emotional distress: The physical scars left by road rash can have a lasting psychological impact. Some accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression as a result of their injuries.
Pursuing Compensation for Road Burn Injuries
If you’ve suffered road burns in a motorcycle accident on Long Island, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Kohan Law Group, we understand the financial, emotional, and physical toll these injuries take.
We’re here to help you pursue a fair settlement or fight for compensation in court if necessary to win damages such as:
- Medical expenses: Hospital visits, surgeries, skin grafts, medication, and future medical costs related to your road rash injury.
- Lost wages: if your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll pursue compensation for lost income and any impact on your future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Road rash injuries can cause significant pain and emotional distress. You deserve compensation for the physical and emotional toll your injury has taken on your life.
Trust us to provide aggressive representation and personalized attention and fight for every dollar you deserve,
Helping People With Road Burn Injuries in New York and Long Island
At Kohan Law Group, we’re committed to helping motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve suffered road burns or other serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to get started.