Every year, motorcycle crashes cause tens of thousands of injuries across the United States. Despite accounting for merely a fraction of all motor vehicle miles driven around the country, motorcycle accidents are responsible for an overwhelming number of life-altering injuries and deaths on U.S. roadways.

Road rash and burn injuries are some of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents. These injuries can vary significantly in severity, with some appearing as minor abrasions and others resulting in catastrophic, life-altering skin trauma. The good news is, just because these injuries are common does not mean they are unavoidable. Here’s a brief overview of how burns and road rash occur in motorcycle crashes and how taking steps to prevent these injuries can help riders stay safe on the road while covering their legal bases.

What is road rash?

Road rash is a kind of friction wound that occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes against the pavement during a crash or slide. While it might be tempting to dismiss these injuries as being relatively minor, road rash can actually lead to multiple layers of skin damage, nerve injury, and – in some cases – serious infection. Severe cases of road rash may even require skin grafts or costly reconstructive surgery.

Road rash often occurs in accidents involving:

• Rider ejection
• Slides against rough surfaces like asphalt and gravel
• Inadequate or absent protective gear

If any or all of these factors are present in a crash, a rider may be at an increased risk of developing a serious case of road rash that will require dedicated medical care and recovery efforts. Failing to properly care for a case of road rash can lead to additional complications, resulting in longer recovery times and additional medical expenses.

Burns vs. road rash in motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accidents pose a variety of well-documented risks to riders. In addition to road rash, motorcyclists also face a high risk of burn injuries, many of which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Motorcyclists may be uniquely prone to burn injuries in a crash due to:

• Coming into contact with hot engine parts
• Fuel spills that ignite on impact
• Contact with chemicals from battery acid or road debris

Friction burns are also a common type of burn injury in motorcycle accidents. While road rash is technically a type of friction burn, not all friction burns can be considered road rash. Other kinds of friction burns may occur during motorcycle accidents as a result of riders’ skin experiencing intense friction caused by clothing items, protective gear, seat cushions, or other motorcycle components.

Any of the burn injuries outlined above can range from minor to catastrophic, with the worst burns leaving victims with permanent scarring, mobility issues, and long-term pain. Third-degree burns, in particular, often require extensive medical treatment and may require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and other long-term care.

How riders can prevent road rash and burns

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are roughly 5x more likely to be injured in an accident than passengers in motor vehicles. While motorcycle accidents aren’t always avoidable, the injuries they cause can be minimized or prevented if riders take the right precautions.

Here are a few key steps you can take to protect yourself from road rash, burns, and other catastrophic motorcycle injuries:

• Wear full protective gear: Research suggests that riders who wear protective gear like fitted motorcycle jackets, pants, and gloves are less likely to require hospitalization in the event of a crash. Subsequently, riders should invest in abrasion-resistant jackets, pants, gloves, and boots for an added layer of protection while riding.
• Use a DOT-approved helmet: According to the National Safety Council, wearing a helmet is roughly 37% effective at preventing fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents. Without a doubt, wearing a DOT-approved helmet is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from serious head injuries and facial abrasions in a collision.
• Perform regular bike maintenance: Mechanical failures can lead to avoidable crashes and increase the risk of burn-inducing fires.
• Practice safe riding techniques: In Tennessee, speeding and reckless driving behaviors contributed to nearly 16% of all motorcycle crashes in 2024. If you want to avoid devastating injuries and claims of liability in an accident, it’s important that you refrain from driving recklessly or violating recognized traffic laws.
• Stay visible: Bright clothing and working lights help reduce the risk of being hit by another driver, especially when riding after sundown.

Getting proactive about motorcycle safety is one of the best ways to prevent unnecessary injuries and ensure the safety of both yourself and your fellow Tennesseans.

How road rash and burn injuries can impact a personal injury claim

Victims of serious skin trauma after a motorcycle wreck often find themselves facing profound physical, emotional, and financial challenges. As a result, injured riders may wish to file claims for compensation to support their recovery efforts. The first step in this process typically involves filing an insurance claim.

Unfortunately, insurance adjusters may be inclined to downplay road rash or burns as “surface injuries” in an effort to avoid paying out the full value of a claim. When this happens, it is often necessary for injured victims to partner with experienced legal representation in order to fight for the maximum compensation available in their case. Professional motorcycle accident attorneys can help their clients gather the necessary documentation to support their claims and convey the full extent of their injuries in order to fight for their rights to the fullest extent of Tennessee law.

Damages available for road rash and burn victims

If your motorcycle accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. Compensation in these cases is intended to help accident victims cover expenses related to their injuries and to account for the pain and suffering caused by their crash.

Some of the economic and non-economic damages victims might seek after a motorcycle accident claim include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

However, Tennessee uses comparative fault laws, which can impact your claim for compensation. For example, if you contributed to your injuries by failing to wear protective gear, the court might reduce your compensation.

Additionally, while the state of Tennessee does not place a cap on economic damages, non-economic damages are generally capped at $750,000 – except in cases involving catastrophic injuries (TN Code § 29-39-104 (2024)).

Final thoughts

Even seemingly minor injuries like road rash and burns can have long-lasting implications for motorcycle accident victims and their families. At Banks & Jones, offer comprehensive, compassionate legal support for motorcycle accident victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious skin trauma in a Knoxville-area motorcycle accident, give us a call today to speak to a member of our team. We can help you assess your options, collect evidence, and build a comprehensive case for compensation.