Laird Hammons Laird | March 4, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve ever taken a fall on pavement, you know how painful even a small scrape can be. Now imagine sliding across asphalt at a high speed.
That’s what happens in most accidents where victims are left with road rash. Some cases aren’t so bad, but others can be severe enough to cause deep wounds, infections, and even permanent scarring.
What Is Road Rash?
Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that happens when a person’s body scrapes against a rough surface, usually asphalt or pavement. It’s an injury commonly seen in motorcycle and bicycle accidents, but it can also happen in car crashes and even falls while skating or running.
The severity of road rash can range from mild scrapes to deep gashes that expose muscles and bone. While the name might make it sound like little more than a badly scuffed-up knee, it can actually lead to severe complications if it’s not treated properly.
What Causes Road Rash?
Road rash usually happens in situations that involve high-speed movement and a sudden impact with the ground.
Motorcycle and bicycle riders who crash or get thrown from their bike tend to slide across the pavement, and passengers who get ejected from their vehicles can suffer from terrible road rash when they skid across the road. The same is true for pedestrians struck by any kind of vehicle.
People who participate in sports often encounter road rash. Fast falls while skateboarding and scootering can lead to painful abrasions, especially if people aren’t wearing the right protective gear. Runners, football players, and even hikers can get road rash if they take a hard enough fall on a rough surface.
How Serious Is Road Rash?
Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that take time to heal.
The severity is typically classified into three levels:
- First-Degree: The mildest form, where the skin becomes red, scratched, and possibly bruised; it may cause discomfort but usually heals with basic care, such as cleaning and covering the area
- Second-Degree: This type goes deeper, affecting multiple layers of skin, and symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, and tenderness — proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and support healing
- Third-Degree: The most severe form, where the skin is completely scraped away, exposing deeper layers such as fat or muscle — these cases often require medical treatment, and healing can take longer
Regardless of the severity, keeping wounds clean and protected is important for healing. Even minor cases can become problematic if not properly cared for. Seeking medical advice when necessary can help prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery.
The Risk of Infection
One of the biggest dangers of road rash is infection. Because the skin acts as a barrier against bacteria, any deep scrapes or abrasions leave the body vulnerable. Debris, dirt, and bacteria from the road can get trapped in the wound and increase the chances of complications.
Signs of infection include:
- Pus or fluid drainage from the injury
- Warmth around the wound
- Increased redness and swelling
- Fever
- Chills
If infection sets in, it can spread and lead to more serious problems like cellulitis or sepsis.
Healing and Moving Forward
A serious road rash injury can take time to heal and may impact daily life. Taking care of the wound properly and following medical advice can help ensure a smoother recovery. If your injury was caused by an accident, learning more about the next steps can help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 497-0480
