You may suffer serious burns if you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident. Why do motorcyclists suffer burns and what treatments could you need for these injuries?

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What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?

 

motorcycle burn injuriesWhether you ride a motorcycle for pleasure or as a cheaper mode of transportation, you are at greater risk of suffering serious injuries or death in an accident than if you were traveling in a motor vehicle. This is because of the lack of protection between your body, the other vehicle, and the road—even if you wear a motorcycle helmet and protective gear. One injury that is common in motorcycle collisions are burns. These injuries can be life-threatening and can cause long-term consequences due to the extensive medical care you may need and the permanent scarring and disfigurement you may have to live with.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accident Burn Injuries

There are a number of ways a motorcycle rider or passenger can suffer burns when another driver causes an accident. Some of these causes include:

  • HItting the pavement. Road rash, also called road burns, is caused when a rider is ejected from his motorcycle or dragged along the pavement in an accident. This is probably the most common type of burn a motorcyclist will experience. In serious cases, road rash scrapes off all layers of skin and exposes muscles, tendons, and bone.
  • Contacting the exhaust pipe. If a motorcycle rider or passenger touches the exhaust pipe in a motorcycle accident, this can cause a painful burn that may result in permanent scarring.
  • Exposure to chemicals. If the gas tank or other engine part of the motorcycle or motor vehicle leaks, the motorcyclist can be splashed by toxic chemicals that can cause him to suffer chemical burns.
  • Fire. If the vehicle or motorcycle gas tank or defective electrical wiring ignites and starts a fire, a motorcycle rider can suffer catastrophic burns that cause permanent disfigurement and scarring as well as other serious injuries or even death.

Treatments for Burn Injuries

Burn are classified by their severity, with first-degree burns affecting the outer layer of skin, second-degree burns affecting the outer and second layer of skin, and third-degree burns causing damage to all layers of skin down to the fat and nerves. In addition, a person can suffer complications, such as breathing problems, dangerously low temperature, and infection. Some of the treatments can include:

  • Over-the-counter medications and ointments for minor burns
  • Water-based treatments to clean the wound and stimulate tissue growth
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent and treat dehydration
  • Prescription pain and anxiety medications, ointments, antibiotics to treat infection—sometimes by IV—and dressings
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Skin grafts and plastic surgery
  • Tube feeding, breathing assistance, and other therapies to treat complications associated with burns

If you suffered burns in a motorcycle accident, the negligent driver’s insurance company could fight to deny or reduce your claim for compensation for your expensive medical treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation.

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