While motorcycles offer an easy and exhilarating way to navigate the city, motorcycle accidents in Seattle happen on an unfortunately frequent basis. With little to protect them, motorcyclists often suffer devastating personal injuries. One of the most common and painful types is road rash.
Rainy weather and heavy traffic on roads throughout the area increase the risks, but road rash motorcycle accident injuries most often happen due to recklessness on the part of car or truck drivers involved. Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer explains more about road rash and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Road Rash: The Risks For Seattle Area Bikers
Washington State offers plenty of scenic sights that appeal to bikers, and motorcycle rallies, group rides, and other events draw crowds throughout the state. However, whether you ride for fun or as your primary means of transportation, you need to be aware of the risks.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, more than 1,800 motorcycle crashes are reported each year, and are particularly common in and around Seattle. Heavy traffic from major interstates running through our area and quickly changing weather conditions increase the risks, but one of the most common causes is reckless behavior on the part of other road users. This includes:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or taking calls.
- Failing to yield to motorcyclists at intersections.
- Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots.
- Speeding or aggressive driving.
- Impaired driving, involving drugs or alcohol.
Road rash from motorcycle accidents in Seattle happens when the skin is scraped away by contact with the road. These are painful injuries and can cause varying degrees of damage, from surface abrasions to deep tissue trauma extending over large parts of the body. Even when motorcyclists wear protective gear, impact with pavement can cause severe and potentially life-threatening harm.
The Impact Of Road Rash From Motorcycle Accidents In Seattle
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that motorcycle accident road rash is a common type of burn injury and can vary widely in terms of severity. While more minor cases may be treatable at home with basic first aid, more serious road rashes may require skin grafts, surgery, or long-term care.
As with other burn injuries, road rash is generally classified into three categories:
- First-degree road rash: Minor scrapes and redness, similar to a bad sunburn. Usually treatable with topical ointments and regular cleaning.
- Second-degree road rash: Involves broken skin and bleeding, but does not expose underlying muscles or fat. There is a higher risk of infection which may cause scarring.
- Third-degree road rash: Severe skin loss that may expose muscles, tendons, or even bone. This level often requires surgical intervention, including skin grafts, and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Beyond the pain and trauma surrounding a crash, the long-term impacts of road rash motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating.
Nerve damage in the affected area and permanent scarring or disfigurement are unfortunately common. For many bikers, the aftermath can impact their health, financial security, and ability to ride or engage in other activities for years to come.
Your Rights To Compensation for Road Rash Motorcycle Accident Injuries In Seattle
Rainy or foggy weather, heavy traffic, and poor road conditions increase the risk of motorcycle accidents in Seattle, but ultimately, reckless behavior on the part of other motorists is to blame.
Under the Revised Code of Washington, victims have the right to hold those at fault accountable, either through their insurance company or by filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit against them.
While each case is different, compensation available for road rash from motorcycle accidents generally includes payment for the following:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays.
- Follow-up medical testing, treatment, or surgeries.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Lost income during recovery.
- Future medical care and lost earnings if you suffer long-term impairments.
- Emotional anguish, pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment in life.
- Damage to your motorcycle and other property.
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule when it comes to compensation in a Seattle motorcycle accident claim. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still get payment for your losses, though the amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. Getting legal help as soon as possible helps ensure insurance companies don’t unfairly shift blame onto you.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Seattle
If you suffer road rash in a Seattle motorcycle accident, taking the following steps immediately afterward can make all the difference in both your physical recovery and in protecting your rights in an injury claim. We recommend:
- Call the police: A police report helps document the scene, establishes fault, and preserves evidence.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries: Visual documentation can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Get witness contact information: If anyone saw the crash, their statement could help support your version of events.
- Get medical attention: Even if motorcycle accident road rash injuries seem minor, it’s essential to document your injuries and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurer: Representatives take advantage of your injured state and may pressure you to admit fault or accept a low settlement.
- Contact an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney: The sooner you get legal help, the more likely you are to get full and fair compensation.
Remember, you only have one chance to get compensation for motorcycle accident injuries, and Washington State’s statute of limitations for claims is three years from the date of the crash. If you miss that window or accept less than what you are entitled to, you could face heavy out-of-pocket losses.
Contact Our Experienced Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffer road rash motorcycle accident injuries in Seattle or anywhere in King County, get legal help. At Washington Injury Law, we investigate your crash, explain your legal options, and take swift action to hold those at fault accountable.
Road rash is a serious injury that can impact your life for a long time after. To get justice and the compensation you deserve, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation with our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer today.