Skip to content
A high-side motorcycle crash occurs when the rear wheel of the bike loses traction and then suddenly regains it. This slip can quickly cause even experienced motorcycle riders to lose control; often, the rider is thrown from the bike and suffers grievous injuries.
Proper training and diligent awareness of road conditions can significantly reduce your risk of a high-side accident, although in some cases, it may be unavoidable. Even if you’re involved in a single-vehicle collision, an experienced West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you secure compensation if the loss of traction was due to circumstances outside of your control.
What causes high-side motorcycle accidents?
Unlike low-side crashes, in which the rider loses control of the bike and subsequently loses the bike itself, a high-side crash occurs when the loss of control causes the bike to eject the rider.
When the rear wheel loses traction, then regains it, the accumulated inertia in the rear tire is immediately transferred, causing a violent whipping motion that flings the rider over the handlebars or off the bike entirely.
These types of motorcycle crashes may be due to:
- Sudden release of brakes during hard braking
- Over-correcting after losing traction
- Downshifting improperly and locking the rear wheel
- Accelerating too aggressively on wet or loose terrain
- Making sharp moves on poor or unstable road surfaces
Preventing high-side motorcycle accidents
Rider skill and proper technique significantly reduce the chances of a high-side wreck. Taking motorcycle classes can help you develop smooth inputs (braking, throttle application, and cornering) that give you better control over the bike. And, getting a bike with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control also helps you have greater control over the bike.
Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect tread regularly to prevent wear-related loss of traction. Replacing worn tires before they fail reduces the risk of a high-side motorcycle crash. Riders can also take advanced motorcycle safety courses through the Florida Department of Transportation to sharpen handling skills and lower their risk of a personal injury crash.
The role road conditions play in high-side crashes
Poor road conditions reduce traction, causing a motorcycle rider to crash to the side through no fault of their own. Slippery surfaces, such as excessive oil, painted lines, or gravel, and uneven surfaces, cause a loss of rear wheel traction. Road debris is also a hazard; the rider may have to suddenly swerve or stop to avoid rocks, branches, and other debris, disrupting the bike’s balance and leading to a loss of traction.
Responsible road maintenance rests with the cities and counties where the roads run. Failure to do so, allowing dangerous conditions to persist, can be considered negligent on the part of the city or county, making them liable for the biker’s accident.
Legal support after high-side collisions
Pursuing compensation against a city or county responsible for maintaining safe roads is a more complex case than filing a suit against a negligent driver. There are specific restrictions on suing a government entity, as well as protocols that must be followed.
For the best chance of securing compensation after high-side crashes, turn to the legal team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. Our personal injury law firm has considerable resources to litigate complex claims against the government, a motorcycle manufacturer, or other powerful defendants. We have an impressive track record of success, and we want to hear your story. Contact our firm today at (561) 655-1990 for a complimentary case review.