When a motorcycle loses traction or control, the way it crashes can affect the severity of the injuries — and the legal and insurance implications that follow. Two common crash types in these situations are high-side and low-side accidents. While both are dangerous, they occur differently and often lead to very different outcomes for the rider.
Understanding the difference between high-side and low-side motorcycle crashes is important for any rider injured in an accident, especially when determining fault and seeking compensation after a crash in Texas.
What Is a Low-Side Motorcycle Crash?
A low-side crash occurs when a motorcycle leans too far to one side and the tires lose traction, causing the bike to slide out from underneath the rider. In these situations, the rider typically falls to the inside of the turn or lean — the “low” side.
Common causes include:
- Entering a curve too fast
- Hitting a patch of oil, gravel, or water
- Braking too hard on a turn
- Tire blowouts or brake lockups
Low-side crashes often cause the rider to slide across the pavement. While these accidents can still result in serious injury, the force of impact is typically lower than in a high-side crash.
What Is a High-Side Motorcycle Crash?
A high-side crash is more violent. It happens when the rear wheel of the motorcycle loses traction (often during hard braking or downshifting) and then suddenly regains grip. This abrupt return of traction causes the bike to snap back upright — throwing the rider forcefully over the opposite side of the bike.
These crashes typically involve:
- Sudden release of the rear brake
- Slippery or uneven pavement
- Improper throttle control
- Locked-up rear wheels regaining traction mid-slide
Because high-side crashes involve a sudden launch, riders are often thrown high into the air and land far from the bike, often with significant force. These crashes carry a much higher risk of serious injury.
Common Injuries in High-Side and Low-Side Crashes
While both types of accidents can be dangerous, high-sides usually result in more traumatic injuries due to the height and violence of the ejection.
Injuries from low-side crashes may include:
- Road rash
- Broken bones (especially in arms, hips, and legs)
- Contusions and soft tissue damage
Injuries from high-side crashes often involve:
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Pelvic or shoulder fractures
- Severe impact-related trauma
Protective gear can reduce the severity of injuries, but high-speed or urban crashes often leave riders badly hurt regardless of precautions.
Who’s at Fault in These Types of Crashes?
In single-vehicle incidents — where no other driver was involved — fault may not be a legal issue. However, many high-side or low-side crashes are triggered by outside factors, such as:
- Sudden moves by other drivers
- Road hazards (like debris, potholes, or oil slicks)
- Mechanical failure caused by improper maintenance
- Defective parts or tires
- Unsafe conditions in construction zones
In those cases, a third party — such as a government agency, another driver, or a manufacturer — may bear legal responsibility for the crash.
Determining the Cause After the Crash
To understand what happened and whether another party may be liable, an investigation may include:
- Accident scene photos and roadway conditions
- Rider’s account and medical records
- Motorcycle maintenance history
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- Review of road design or construction records
This information can help establish whether the crash could have been prevented — and who should be held accountable.
Spagnoletti Law Firm Assists Riders Across Texas
If you were involved in a high-side or low-side motorcycle crash and believe someone else’s negligence played a role, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. These cases can be complex, especially when involving road conditions, construction zones, or faulty parts.
Spagnoletti Law Firm helps individuals in Houston and across Texas take legal action after serious accidents. Our team can help you understand the facts, evaluate your case, and pursue the compensation you may be owed.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 to schedule a free consultation. There are no fees unless a recovery is made.