Road Rash Injuries in Manhattan: Can I Sue?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) refers to road rash as a “unique” auto accident injury due to the presence of foreign debris and bacteria in wounds. Road rash can also be severely disfiguring, leading to various psychological burdens for patients. If you’re struggling with these consequences, you might want to assess your legal options. Is it possible to sue for road rash? Can a Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyer help?

How Do Road Rash Injuries Occur?

The most common cause of a road rash injury is a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter accident. When riders are ejected from these vehicles by various impacts, they may fall onto the roadway at relatively high speeds. They may subsequently skid across the roadway, causing considerable friction between their bodies and the road surface. This friction is so intense that it burns or rips through layers of clothing, skin, and even bone.

These injuries can be particularly severe if riders wear relatively light layers of clothing, such as shorts or t-shirts. In these situations, the skin suffers direct friction burns – increasing the chances of disfigurement and other serious consequences. This is why riders (especially motorcyclists) should consider wearing protective gear or “leathers” that cover their entire body.

That said, even the most modern and effective safety gear often fails to protect against serious friction burns. This is especially true after high-speed impacts involving motorcycles. In these situations, riders can skid for many hundreds of meters – and they may lose numerous layers of skin in the process.

Can a Motorcyclist Sue for Road Rash?

A motorcyclist in Manhattan can potentially file an auto accident claim after suffering road rash. Although New York is a no-fault state, the rules are slightly different for motorcyclists. Complex details regarding insurance may be something worth discussing with an experienced auto accident lawyer.

With all that said, it is possible to pursue compensation from negligent parties after a road rash injury. In order to pursue maximum compensation, it may be necessary to prove that someone else caused your injuries through negligence.

For example, a negligent driver might have struck you, causing you to fall off your bike. Someone might have veered wildly into your lane, causing you to veer off and lose control before falling onto the roadway. These are just a few examples of situations that can lead to lawsuits.

Key Takeaways 

• The official medical term for road rash is “friction burn”
• Road rash often occurs when motorcyclists skid across the roadway after ejection
• Road rash can become infected, and it may lead to permanent disfigurement

Can a Manhattan Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help After a Road Rash Injury?

A Manhattan motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help if you’re struggling with a road rash injury. These injuries can be deceptively life-altering, especially if they lead to permanent disfigurement. Before you accept a settlement, consider speaking with a lawyer about your legal options. A personal injury lawsuit can help you access effective medical treatment and cover your lost income. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC today to learn more.

Source:

 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8945498/