Broken Bones and Road Rash After a Motorcycle Accident: What to Do First

Your guide to handling serious injuries after a motorcycle crash in Georgia

The wind in your hair, the rumble of the engine beneath you, and the freedom of Georgia’s scenic highways – motorcycle riding offers thrills unlike any other mode of transportation. But when a perfect ride turns into a nightmare crash, the consequences can be life-altering. Broken bones and road rash are among the most common and devastating injuries motorcyclists face.

In the chaos following a motorcycle accident, knowing what actions to take can make all the difference in your physical recovery and financial future. This guide walks you through the crucial first steps after suffering broken bones or road rash in a Georgia motorcycle accident.

The Reality of Motorcycle Injuries in Georgia

Georgia’s highways see thousands of motorcycle accidents yearly. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, motorcyclists are approximately 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 6 times more likely to be injured.

Without the protective shell of a vehicle surrounding them, riders often suffer direct impact with the road surface, other vehicles, or roadside objects. Two of the most prevalent injuries include:

Broken Bones: More Than Just a Cast

Fractures from motorcycle accidents typically aren’t simple breaks. They’re often:

• Compound fractures (where bone penetrates the skin)
• Comminuted fractures (where bone shatters into multiple pieces)
• Crush injuries (where bones are compressed by tremendous force)

Common locations for fractures include:

• Wrists and arms (from instinctively bracing for impact)
• Legs and pelvis (direct impact or being crushed under the motorcycle)
• Ribs and clavicle (from impact with handlebars or road surface)
• Skull fractures (even with helmets, though helmets significantly reduce severity)

Road Rash: Beyond Surface Wounds

Road rash occurs when skin scrapes against pavement at high speeds. What many dismiss as “just a scrape” can actually be a serious injury with long-term consequences:

• First-degree road rash: Reddening of the skin, similar to a rug burn
• Second-degree road rash: Broken skin with possible bleeding but no damage to deeper tissue
• Third-degree road rash: Complete removal of skin layers, exposing fat or even muscle tissue

Complications from road rash include:

• Serious infection
• Permanent scarring
• Nerve damage
• “Road tattoos” (embedded road debris in skin)

Immediate Actions: The First 24 Hours

1. Prioritize Medical Attention

If you’re conscious after a motorcycle accident with broken bones or road rash, your first priority must be medical care. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked immediately.

Why immediate care matters:

• Internal bleeding can accompany broken bones
• Road rash requires thorough cleaning to prevent infection
• Shock can mask pain and other symptoms
• Documentation begins your evidence trail

For serious injuries, paramedics should be called to the scene. For less severe cases where you’re able to transport yourself, head to the nearest emergency room or urgent care. Georgia law requires calling law enforcement for any accident involving injuries (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273).

2. Document Everything at the Scene (If Possible)

If your injuries permit and before leaving the accident scene:

• Take photos of your injuries, damaged motorcycle, and accident scene
• Collect contact information from witnesses
• Note road conditions, weather, and any hazards
• Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information
• Note the responding officer’s name and badge number

If your injuries prevent this documentation, ask a bystander or friend to help, or return to document the scene as soon as medically possible.

3. File a Police Report

Georgia law requires reporting any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273). The responding officer should file this report, but confirm it’s been completed.

Request a copy of the accident report for your records. In Georgia, you can obtain accident reports through the Georgia Department of Transportation or local police departments, usually for a small fee.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but be careful what you say. Stick to the facts without admitting fault or downplaying injuries. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), meaning your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Important insurance considerations for Georgia motorcyclists:

• Georgia requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended
• Medical payments coverage can help with immediate medical expenses regardless of fault

The Crucial First Week: Managing Your Recovery and Claim

Follow Medical Advice Precisely

After initial treatment for broken bones or road rash:

• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Complete prescribed physical therapy
• Take medications as directed
• Watch for signs of infection (especially with road rash)
• Keep all medical documentation and receipts

Failing to follow treatment recommendations can both jeopardize your health and undermine your legal claim.

Manage Pain and Prevention

Road rash and broken bones can cause significant pain. Your medical provider will likely prescribe:

• Pain management medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antibiotics (for road rash or open fractures)

For road rash specifically:

• Keep wounds clean and dressed according to medical instructions
• Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus)
• Follow instructions for dressing changes

For broken bones:

• Use prescribed immobilization devices (casts, braces, splints)
• Elevate the injured area when possible
• Apply ice as directed to reduce swelling

Document Your Recovery

Keep a daily journal documenting:

• Pain levels and limitations
• Treatments and medication effects
• Mental and emotional impacts
• Missed work or activities
• Conversations with insurance adjusters

Take regular photos of visible injuries, especially road rash, to document healing progression.

Preserve Evidence

Secure and preserve:

• Damaged riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves)
• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Your motorcycle (don’t repair until after inspection)
• Medical records and bills
• Accident scene photos

Long-Term Considerations

The Real Cost of Serious Motorcycle Injuries

Broken bones and severe road rash often require:

• Surgery (sometimes multiple procedures)
• Extended hospitalization
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Wound care and possible skin grafts
• Pain management
• Time away from work

Georgia law allows injury victims to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Under Georgia’s statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

When to Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Consider consulting a personal injury attorney if:

• You have serious injuries (broken bones or third-degree road rash)
• The other driver was clearly at fault
• Multiple parties may share liability
• An insurance company pressures you to settle quickly
• You receive a low settlement offer
• Your injuries may have long-term consequences

An attorney familiar with Georgia motorcycle laws can:

• Investigate liability
• Calculate fair compensation
• Handle insurance negotiations
• Prepare your case for possible litigation
• Protect your rights under Georgia law

Preventing Future Injuries

While proper handling of current injuries is crucial, preventing future injuries is equally important:

Protective Gear that Works

Georgia law only requires helmets (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315), but full protective gear significantly reduces injury severity:

• DOT-approved helmet (required by law)
• Leather or reinforced riding jacket
• Riding pants (not regular jeans)
• Over-the-ankle boots
• Full-fingered gloves
• Reflective materials for visibility

Defensive Riding Techniques

• Assume other drivers don’t see you
• Maintain safe following distances
• Position yourself in lanes for maximum visibility
• Use appropriate signals
• Remain especially vigilant at intersections (where most motorcycle accidents occur)

Key Takeaways

• Seek immediate medical attention for broken bones and road rash, even if injuries seem minor
• Document everything: injuries, accident scene, medical care, and your recovery process
• Understand Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law and how it might affect your claim
• Follow all medical advice precisely to support both recovery and your legal claim
• Consider consulting a personal injury attorney experienced with Georgia motorcycle accidents
• Be aware of Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take broken bones to heal after a motorcycle accident?

Simple fractures typically heal in 6-8 weeks, but complex fractures from motorcycle accidents often take 3-6 months or longer. Some may require surgical intervention with plates, screws, or rods. Complete functional recovery can take significantly longer, especially for weight-bearing bones.

Will road rash leave permanent scars?

Third-degree road rash almost always leaves permanent scarring. Second-degree road rash may leave scars depending on depth, location, and individual healing factors. Proper immediate wound care can minimize scarring. In severe cases, future plastic surgery might be necessary.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I suffered my injuries?

Georgia law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315). Not wearing one could potentially reduce your compensation under Georgia’s comparative negligence rules (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). However, this doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation for your injuries.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What compensation might I receive for broken bones or road rash?

Potential compensation depends on injury severity but may include:

• All medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement (especially from severe road rash)
• Property damage to your motorcycle

How soon after a motorcycle accident should I contact an attorney?

It’s advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as your immediate medical needs are addressed. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, avoid insurance pitfalls, and protect your rights under Georgia law.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, it can help cover your expenses. Georgia law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage, though you can reject it in writing (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11).

Contact Us

Suffering broken bones or road rash in a motorcycle accident can be a painful, confusing, and costly experience. If you’re dealing with these serious injuries after a Georgia motorcycle crash, remember you don’t have to face the recovery journey alone.

Our Georgia personal injury attorneys have helped countless motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve while they focus on healing. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take, and we’re committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible.

Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or pressure you into inadequate settlements. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case. We’ll give you honest answers about your options and fight for the full compensation you deserve under Georgia law.

The road to recovery starts with one call – reach out today.