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Road Rash from Car Accidents
When Chicago residents think about car accident injuries, broken bones or head trauma might come to mind first. However, road rash is a painful, often underestimated injury that happens when skin scrapes against pavement or another rough surface during a collision. Road rash is most commonly associated with motorcycle accidents but car accidents where someone is ejected from their seat, thrown from a vehicle, or drags along the roadway after impact can also cause road rash.
Road rash can range from mild abrasions to deep wounds exposing muscle or bone. Even a “minor” case can involve stinging pain, bleeding, and a risk of infection. Severe road rash sometimes requires surgery, skin grafts, and months of recovery. Alongside the physical pain, victims can struggle with scarring, emotional distress, or even permanent disability.
Chicago’s busy downtown, unpredictable weather, and heavy traffic make road rash a constant risk, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and anyone involved in multi-vehicle accidents. The aftermath can be overwhelming with mounting medical bills and uncertainty about the healing process—both physically and emotionally. If you’re facing road rash after a Chicago car accident, understanding the injury is the first step in recovering your health and your rights.
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How Car Accidents Cause Road Rash in Chicago
You might wonder, how does road rash actually happen during a collision? While motorcyclists and bicyclists are at the highest risk, anyone involved in an auto accident can experience road rash if they come into direct contact with the road or another abrasive surface. A simple scenario—being thrown against the pavement or dragged as a vehicle spins out—can cause skin to be scraped off, sometimes in multiple layers.
Certain types of incidents make road rash more likely. For example, car occupants not wearing seat belts can be thrown from the vehicle, or even those belted in can hit interior surfaces or broken glass during a rollover. Chicago’s slick streets after rain or snow, high-speed intersections, and congested traffic all increase these risks. Pedestrians struck by vehicles may also be knocked down and dragged, resulting in serious abrasions.
What’s more, road rash isn’t just a “surface” injury. Debris like dirt, gravel, or glass often becomes embedded in the wound, making treatment more complicated and infection more likely. Understanding the ways road rash can occur helps victims and families recognize the seriousness of these injuries and the importance of thorough medical and legal follow-up.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Effects of Road Rash
If you suffer road rash in a car accident, getting prompt medical care should be your top priority. Why? Because road rash is highly vulnerable to infection—tiny stones, glass, or bacteria often get trapped in the wound. Without proper cleaning and medical attention, even a “minor” abrasion can develop into a serious infection or permanent scarring.
Healthcare providers typically classify road rash into three degrees. First-degree injuries affect the outer layer of skin and may heal within a week or two. Second-degree abrasions are deeper, often with significant pain, swelling, and longer healing times. The most severe, third-degree road rash, can expose muscles or bones, requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery and months of recovery. In some cases, nerve damage or restricted movement results from deep scarring.
The recovery process might also involve physical therapy, especially when scarring limits movement, and psychological support for the emotional impact—many people struggle with anxiety or depression after visible scarring. The Chicago medical community is well-equipped to handle these cases, but thorough follow-up care and documentation are crucial, both for your health and for any personal injury claim you pursue.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Road Rash Victims
If your road rash was caused by someone else’s carelessness, Illinois law gives you the right to seek compensation. The damages from a car accident go far beyond initial medical bills. You may be entitled to recover costs for ongoing treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma from lasting scars or disfigurement.
Working with a seasoned auto accident attorney can make a significant difference. Your attorney will investigate the crash, gather medical evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and—if needed—represent you in court. Illinois has a statute of limitations, which means you generally have only two years from the accident to file a claim, so acting quickly is essential.
Insurance companies often pressure victims with quick, lowball settlements that fail to consider the long-term impact of a serious road rash injury. That’s why having a dedicated legal team on your side can protect your interests, helping you recover not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well.
How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Supports Road Rash Victims
Coping with the aftermath of a car accident and a road rash injury is overwhelming. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our team understands the challenges you face—from the pain of treatment to the burden of medical bills and the uncertainty of your future. We are committed to helping Chicagoans and their families get the support they need.
When you reach out to us, you’ll find a compassionate team ready to listen and guide you through your options. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash scene to working with your doctors and fighting for your rights in negotiations or court. Our priority is to secure the compensation you need to focus on healing, not on financial stress.
Road rash after a car accident is a serious matter—don’t go through it alone. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to help you take the next step toward recovery and justice.
FAQs About Road Rash from Car Accidents
What should I do immediately after suffering road rash in a car accident?
First, seek medical attention as soon as possible—even if the wound seems minor. Clean the area gently, avoid picking at debris, and document your injuries with photos. Keep records of all medical visits and follow your doctor’s advice for wound care.
Can I receive compensation for the emotional impact of road rash scars?
Absolutely. Illinois law allows you to claim damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering caused by visible scars or disfigurement. Your attorney can help document these effects and ensure they are considered in your settlement.
How long do I have to file a road rash injury claim in Chicago?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Illinois. However, it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and gather crucial evidence.
Should I accept a quick settlement from the insurance company after my road rash injury?
It’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement. Insurance companies often offer quick payouts that may not cover all your medical costs or the long-term effects of your injuries. An attorney can review the offer and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.
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