What’s the difference between high-side and low-side crashes?

On Behalf of | Aug 9, 2021 | Motorcycle Accident Injuries |

Motorcycle crashes could be frightening incidents. A mishap on a Louisiana road might leave a motorcyclist with broken bones, severe friction burns, and other injuries. Not all factors leading to a motorcycle crash are identical, and even the crashes fall under different descriptions. High-side and low-side accidents illustrate the variances, and both may result in terrible injuries to a motorcyclist.

High-side vs. low-side accidents

High-side and low-side accidents share similarities: they often happen without warning and catch a motorcyclist by surprise. Even routine actions turn deadly without any signs of trouble. For example, a motorcyclist must corner the bike, an ordinary step motorcyclists perform countless times. Then, one day, a problem arises that leads to a crash.

With a low-side crash, a motorcyclist falls in the direction that the bike corners. Turning a corner too fast could lead to this particular crash and its resulting injuries. Front and rear wheels might lose their grip on a turn. Careful braking may reduce the chances of these motorcycle accidents.

High-side crashes happen when a wheel locks, a disastrous situation that could lead to a motorcyclist being flung from the bike. A wheel might lock when an engine unexpectedly seizes, or the chain comes off, causing the wheels to lose and then quickly regain their grip. The potential injuries from a high-side crash could be severe.

Questions about liability

Motorcycle accidents may leave motorcyclists, passengers, pedestrians, and others with injuries. Asking questions about whether negligence played a role might follow an incident. Did a motorcyclist fail to brake properly, or did he or she travel at excessive speeds? Did a mechanic perform a poor maintenance job that led to engine problems?

When someone’s negligence caused an accident, expect a lawsuit. Perhaps a swift insurance settlement could settle the matter as well.