Lowside vs. Highside Motorcycle Crashes

When riding a motorcycle, there’s a lot you need to be aware of in order to avoid an accident. Motorcycles are different from passenger vehicles in many ways. They offer minimal protection and function similar to bicycles in that a rider can be easily ejected and seriously injured.

A motorcycle rider may be involved in two main types of crashes: lowside and highside crashes. Here’s a look at what these mean and how a rider can protect themselves.

Lowside Crashes

 In a lowside crash, the bike slides under the rider, typically on the same side of the road they’re turning towards. This often happens due to a lack of traction.

In order to keep their balance, a motorcyclist has to maintain the right speed for the right situation. Going around corners can upset this delicate balance. The front or back wheel of the bike can slide out and cause a low-side accident if the rider is going too fast while going into or coming out of the turn. A crash can also occur if the rider brakes too hard, miscalculates the lean angle, or is riding on a rough road surface, such as gravel.

While a lowside crash is less likely than highside crashes to cause serious injuries, a rider can still suffer painful injuries such as road rash, abrasions, and soft tissue injuries.

Highside Crashes

In a highside motorcycle crash, the back tire is always the one that loses traction. Then, the tire quickly regains traction, which makes the bike very unstable. The rider is thrown from the motorcycle, often over the handlebars, as the bike spins out or flips over.

Highside crashes are often caused by locking the rear brake or over-braking, which causes the rear wheel to lose and regain traction. The rider may be thrown in front of the bike, potentially into oncoming traffic or other objects. These accidents often result in more severe injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and head trauma.

When Negligence Causes Highside and Lowside Crashes

You can sue for negligence if someone else caused your crash. Some examples include:

• A driver getting distracted and not keeping an eye out for motorcyclists.
• Another motorcyclist not giving you enough space to maneuver.
• A motorcycle manufacturer that allows people to purchase motorcycles knowing that there are issues with the bike.
• A government agency that leaves potholes in the road and causes you to make a sudden turn.

To recover damages for your own injuries, you can file a claim for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability

 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Motorcycle accidents can happen in a number of ways. Since riders have little protection, injuries and fatalities are common.

No matter how you crash, count on a Houston motorcycle accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC to help you understand your legal rights. We will review the full extent of your injuries and help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today by calling (281) 347-3247 or filling out the online form.

Source:

driverknowledgetests.com/resources/motorbike-crashes-highside-and-lowside-crashes-explained/