What Is a Low-Side and High-Side Motorcycle Crash?

David J. Muñoz | September 18, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are subject to very different forces than automobiles. Since they ride on two wheels, the rider can use their balance and strength to maneuver a motorcycle in ways that automobiles cannot.

However, inexperience, defective tires, and improperly maintained roads can turn a fun maneuver into a tragic crash. Low- and high-side motorcycle accidents are examples of a maneuver gone wrong.

How Can Cornering Cause a Low- or High-Side Motorcycle Accident?

Low- and high-side motorcycle crashes most often occur while cornering. Cornering requires the rider to lean the motorcycle into a curve. The low side is the side closest to the ground during the lean, while the high side is the opposite side.

A low-side crash can happen when the motorcycle loses traction and falls toward the inside of the turn. This may occur if the rider leans too far or the tires begin sliding away from the curve.

A high-side crash can begin with the same loss of traction. However, instead of continuing to slide, the tires suddenly regain traction, causing the motorcycle to snap upright and potentially throw the rider over the high side.

What Else Can Cause a Low- or High-Side Motorcycle Crash?

Rider error can also contribute to low- and high-side crashes. Inexperience or a lack of training may make it harder for a rider to control the motorcycle when traction changes unexpectedly.

Road conditions can also play a role. Rain, gravel, sand, and other road dangers can reduce tire traction and contribute to a low-side crash. Rough or unusually grippy pavement may also cause a sliding tire to regain traction suddenly, which can lead to a high-side crash.

Other potential causes include defective tires and abrupt rider inputs. For example, suddenly braking, downshifting, or releasing the throttle during a slide may cause the tires to regain traction and trigger a high-side accident.

How Can You Avoid a Low-Side or High-Side Crash?

While not every accident is completely avoidable, motorcyclists can take some precautions to reduce their crash risk.

For example, riders can reduce their risk of low-side and high-side crashes by:

Taking a motorcycle safety course: Although California only requires riders under 21 to complete a course, formal instruction can help riders of any age improve braking, cornering, and emergency maneuvering skills.
Reducing speed before entering a turn: Entering a curve too quickly can make it more difficult to maintain traction and control.
Braking smoothly: Sudden or excessive braking, particularly while leaning into a turn, can cause the tires to lose traction and contribute to a low-side crash.
Accelerating gradually: Applying too much throttle can cause the rear tire to lose traction. If traction suddenly returns, the motorcycle may rapidly straighten and throw the rider in a high-side crash.
Watching for road hazards: Gravel, sand, oil, water, potholes, and other hazards can reduce tire traction, especially while cornering.
Maintaining the motorcycle: Proper tire pressure, adequate tread, and well-maintained brakes and suspension can help riders maintain control.

Although no safety practice can prevent every motorcycle accident, developing strong riding skills and using smooth, controlled inputs can reduce the risk of losing traction and control.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Low- and High-Side Motorcycle Accidents?

The severity of injuries in a low-side crash often depends on the rider’s speed, whether the motorcycle traps the rider against the road, and whether the rider was wearing a helmet. Higher speeds generally increase the force involved, while a heavy motorcycle can crush a rider’s leg or drag it along the pavement.

Common injuries may include:

Broken bones and soft tissue injuries: The force of the crash can fracture bones and damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Leg and lower-body injuries: A motorcycle can trap or crush a rider’s leg against the road.
Road rash: Sliding or being dragged along the pavement can cause serious skin abrasions.
Facial and scalp injuries: A rider’s head may strike or drag along the road, especially without a helmet.
Brain injuries: Head impacts can cause concussions, cerebral contusions, or subdural hematomas.

Helmets can help protect the face and scalp and absorb some of the force from a head impact. High-side crashes can cause similar injuries, but they are often more severe because the rider may be launched into the air and injured again when they land.

Contact the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a low-side or high-side motorcycle crash in San Diego, Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from the responsible party. Our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000