High-side motorcycle accidents occur when the motorcycle’s rear wheel loses traction, skids, and then regains traction, often throwing the rider off the bike. Low-side motorcycle accidents happen when either the front or rear wheel loses traction, causing the bike to fall to one side or the other.
You can learn more about these crashes with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can also help you secure compensation if you sustained injuries in a high or low-side motorcycle collision.
What’s a High-Side Motorcycle Accident?
A high-side (or highsider) motorcycle accident will happen if the bike’s rear wheel loses and then regains traction. Generally, the rear wheel will slip laterally at the start of a high-side accident before regaining traction.
Once the rear wheel regains traction, it will flip the bike to its outer (high) side, often launching a rider over the handlebars or from the side of the bike. Generally, these accidents occur with minimal warning.
What Causes High-Side Motorcycle Accidents?
High-side motorcycle crashes typically result from a loss of traction. The causes of this traction loss can vary. However, these accidents may occur when a motorcyclist:
- Locks up the rear wheel by braking excessively
- Uses an incorrect downshifting technique
- Applies too much throttle to exit a corner
- Oversteers while going into a turn
High-side accidents may also occur because of unexpected changes to the road’s surface friction. For example, passing onto a wet section of road could result in this kind of crash.
What’s a Low-Side Motorcycle Accident?
A low-side (or lowsider) is a kind of motorcycle collision that occurs when the front or rear wheel of the bike loses traction and slides out. Typically, these accidents occur in turns. The name refers to the fact that the “low” side of the motorcycle strikes the ground in these accidents.
What Causes Low-Side Motorcycle Accidents?
Low-side motorcycle collisions generally happen because a motorcyclist:
- Brakes too much in a corner
- Accelerates too much out of a corner
- Carries too much speed into a corner
Unexpected loose material (like gravel or dirt) or a slippery surface may also contribute to a low-side accident.
An attorney can provide more information about what high-side and low-side motorcycle accidents are.
Are High and Low-Side Motorcycle Crashes Fatal?
High or low-side motorcycle crashes can have deadly results. If someone else causes a fatal crash, you can turn to a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer for compassionate help.
An attorney can explain to your family what high-side and low-side motorcycle accidents are and go over options for filing a wrongful death claim.
What Should You Do After a Low or High-Side Motorcycle Collision?
If you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident, you should contact the police to report the collision, get immediate medical care, and reach out to a lawyer.
You should also collect as much evidence as possible about the causes of the crash. For example, take pictures of your injuries and get contact information from eyewitnesses. Legal professionals also recommend writing down everything you remember about the accident.
Can You Get Compensation After a High or Low-Side Motorcycle Accident?
You may qualify for compensation if someone else caused your high or low-side motorcycle collision. For example, you may have a valid claim for damages as a passenger on a motorcycle that crashed because the motorcyclist accelerated to an unsafe degree in a corner.
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can review your circumstances and determine if you qualify for a claim. If you qualify for a claim, you may receive funds to pay for your:
Medical Expenses
Both high and low-side motorcycle crashes can result in catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, paralysis, and concussions. An attorney may help you secure money for:
- Emergency treatment and transport to a hospital
- Medical tests and procedures
- Medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
Your lawyer can track all of these expenses on your behalf.
Lost Pay and Reduced Earning Potential
You may qualify for money to cover the wages you lose while recovering from a low or high-side motorcycle accident. In some cases, a crash may leave you with a disability that prevents you from returning to work. In these situations, you could get damages for your lost earning potential.
Pain and Emotional Anguish
Finally, you may receive funds to pay for the non-economic effects of your motorcycle collision. Your attorney may focus on bringing you compensation for emotional suffering, mental anguish, and pain that disrupts your life.
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Talk to Us About a High or Low-Side Motorcycle Collision
What are high-side and low-side motorcycle accidents? These accidents involve a loss of traction for a motorcycle’s wheels. While the wheel regains traction for a high-side accident, the situation still results in a collision.
You can learn more about these crashes with our team at Omega Law Group. We can review your situation after a collision and help you determine if you qualify for compensation. You can call or complete our online contact form for professional legal help.
