Motorcycles offer freedom and adrenaline that few other vehicles can match. But when something goes wrong, whether it’s a misjudged turn or a slippery road, that freedom can turn dangerous instantly. If you’ve recently been in a crash or want to understand the risks better, knowing the difference between a high-side vs low-side motorcycle crash is important.
Although these two types of accidents may look similar from the outside, they happen in very different ways and can lead to dramatically different outcomes. Learning what causes them, what they mean for your safety, and what to do afterward can help you stay safer and respond more effectively after a wreck.
Let’s break down the mechanics, risks, and legal implications of low- and high-side motorcycle crashes.
What Is a Low-Side Motorcycle Crash?
Low-side accidents are generally less severe, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. A low-side bike crash happens when your motorcycle loses traction and slides out from underneath you on the side you’re leaning into. That’s why it’s called a “low side” crash. The bike and rider go down on the inside of the curve.
Here’s a typical example: you lean into a corner, your tires hit a patch of gravel or water, and the bike suddenly loses grip. With nothing holding it up, the motorcycle tips further into the lean, and you slide along the pavement as both you and the bike hit the ground.
Low-siding a motorcycle can result in scrapes, bruises, and what riders call “road rash,” a skin injury caused by sliding across rough pavement. Depending on speed and conditions, it can also result in broken bones or more serious injuries if you strike another object or vehicle.
Low-side crashes are especially common among newer riders. They often happen when a rider:
- Brakes too hard in a curve,
- Enters a turn at too high a speed,
- Leans too far into a corner,
- Rides with worn or underinflated tires, and
- Encounters slick or uneven road surfaces.
While a low-side crash might sound minor compared to a high-side, it still deserves medical attention and legal follow-up. These crashes can total your bike and leave you with long-term injuries, especially if safety gear wasn’t in use.
What Is a High-Side Motorcycle Crash?
A high-side bike crash is far more violent and dangerous. Unlike a low-side crash, where the bike slides out, a high-side occurs when the rear wheel suddenly regains traction after sliding and violently snaps back into line. This sudden jolt can launch the rider up and over the motorcycle.
Imagine you’re coming out of a curve, accelerating too quickly, and the rear tire begins to spin. For a moment, you’re skidding, but then the tire suddenly catches the pavement again. The force of that snap can catapult the rider into the air, often resulting in a hard landing far from the bike.
High-siding a motorcycle frequently causes:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones and spinal damage,
- Internal injuries,
- Loss of limbs, and
- Long-term disability or death.
These crashes typically happen at higher speeds or in emergency maneuvers. Causes include:
- Accelerating too aggressively after a rear-wheel skid,
- Downshifting too quickly,
- Overcorrecting after a slide,
- Slick roads causing intermittent traction, and
- Collision with another vehicle or object.
High-side crashes are especially dangerous because the rider is often ejected and may land on their head or back, or worse, in the path of oncoming traffic. Full protective gear can help reduce the severity of injuries, but even the best gear can’t always prevent catastrophic harm.
High Side vs Low Side Motorcycle Crash: What’s the Difference?
So, what’s the real difference in a high side vs low side motorcycle crash? The most significant difference is how the accident unfolds and the risks involved.
In a low-side motorcycle crash, the bike loses traction and slides out from under the rider, usually during a turn. A high-side motorcycle crash is far more violent. It happens when the rear tire loses and then suddenly regains traction, causing the bike to whip upright and throw the rider over the top. High-siding a motorcycle can lead to much more severe injuries.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Crash?
Whether you were involved in a high-side or low-side crash, what you do in the aftermath matters. Some injuries may not appear immediately but can surface days or weeks later.
Here’s what to do after a motorcycle crash:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think you’re fine, some conditions, such as concussions, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding, may not be visible right away. A complete medical exam protects your health and provides critical documentation.
- Call 911. Police and emergency personnel can secure the scene, file a report, and ensure medical treatment is on the way.
- Document everything. If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene: road conditions, damage to your bike, your injuries, skid marks, and any nearby signage. If witnesses are present, try to get their names and contact info.
- Avoid making statements of fault. Admitting fault, even casually, can harm your legal case later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or others at the scene.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame.
If you have questions about how to pursue an injury claim against the responsible party, speak with an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer.
Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Henderson Law
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, you deserve answers and support. Whether your crash involved low-siding a motorcycle, high-siding a motorcycle, or something in between, the legal aftermath can be complex.
At Henderson Law, we help motorcyclists in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County get the compensation they need to recover and rebuild. Attorney Michael Henderson brings over 25 years of trial experience and a deep understanding of severe injury cases, including motorcycle accidents involving high-side and low-side impacts.
We’ll take the time to understand what happened, build a clear case for your recovery, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact Henderson Law today to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney who will advocate for you every step of the way.