Road rash is an abrasive or burning injury to the flesh. It occurs when a rider scrapes against a rough surface and rubs off a section of their skin. Common physical symptoms include pain within a few hours of the accident (sometimes as long as a day), inflammation, redness, fluid drainage, and occasionally chills or fever.

Many cases of road rash are immediately treatable and may not even require professional care
to heal within a week or two. In uncommon, extreme cases, road rash can develop into a severe, life-threatening condition, such as blood poisoning or organ failures.