WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | July 17, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Among the most dangerous accidents are low-side and high-side motorcycle crashes. Understanding the difference can help injured riders identify the cause of their accident, establish liability, and seek proper compensation for injuries and damages.
Here is what you need to know about low-side and high-side motorcycle crashes in Baltimore.
What Is a Low-Side Motorcycle Crash?
A low-side crash happens when a motorcycle loses traction and falls toward the inside of a turn. This usually happens on the side to which the bike is leaning. Common causes of low-side crashes include:
- Braking too hard while turning, especially on the front brake
- Hitting a patch of gravel, oil, sand, or wet pavement
- Over-leaning the bike during a turn
- Failing or underinflating tires
- Misjudging a curve
Riders may be able to slide away from traffic in a low-side crash, but this is not always the case. Sliding into another lane or object can be deadly.
What Is a High-Side Motorcycle Crash?
A high-side crash is often more dangerous and violent than a low-side crash. It happens when the rear wheel loses and then suddenly regains traction, causing the bike to flip and eject the rider violently.
Common causes of high-side crashes:
- Abruptly releasing the throttle or engine braking during a turn
- Suddenly regaining traction after a rear wheel slide
- Locking and then releasing the rear brake while cornering
- Improperly downshifting that locks the rear wheel
- Mechanical failure in the drivetrain
High-side crashes frequently result in more catastrophic injuries than low-side accidents because the rider is often thrown off the bike with tremendous force. These crashes usually occur so quickly that riders have little or no time to react or brace for impact.
Injuries Common in Low-Side and High-Side Crashes
Low-side and high-side motorcycle crashes often result in traumatic injuries. However, high-side crashes tend to cause more impact-based injuries because riders are often violently ejected from the bike.
Common injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Road rash and skin abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Pelvic or hip injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Dislocations
- Facial injuries or dental trauma
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
A high-speed crash can be devastating, even with full helmets and armored clothing. Medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and lost wages are common concerns for victims.
Determining Liability After Low-Side and High-Side Motorcycle Crashes
Proving liability for a motorcycle crash can be complicated, especially in cases involving sudden loss of control. Low-side and high-side are often attributed to driver error and other preventable factors.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Other drivers who cut off a rider, make unsafe lane changes, or cause left-turn collisions
- Government or maintenance entities responsible for potholes, loose gravel, or inadequate signage
- Motorcycle manufacturers, if a defect in the brakes, tires, or throttle played a role
- Repair shops that performed faulty maintenance or installed parts incorrectly
An experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. They may include gathering accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence when needed. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts or engineers may be brought in to determine the sequence of the crash and identify contributing mechanical or environmental factors.
How a Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Injured riders often face significant physical, emotional, and financial stress. An experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims:
- Investigate their low-side or high-side motorcycle crash
- Prove fault and negligence
- Document medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- File insurance claims and negotiate settlements
- Pursue full compensation from all liable parties
Working with a lawyer can make a serious difference in cases involving injuries or wrongful death.
Injured in a Low-Side or High-Side Motorcycle Crash? Reach Out to Us
Both low-side and high-side motorcycle crashes can be life-altering. They result in severe injuries or death, especially when other drivers or poor road conditions are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not face the aftermath alone.
An experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore motorcycle accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
