Illinois Motorcycle High-Side Crash Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Injured Riders

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions, and few are more violent than a high-side crash. Unlike other motorcycle accidents where a rider slides along the pavement, a high-side crash often launches the rider into the air, resulting in catastrophic injuries and complex legal claims.

Across the United States, motorcyclists remain disproportionately vulnerable on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are nearly 24 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than occupants of passenger vehicles. These risks are amplified in high-side crashes, which are widely regarded as one of the most severe types of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents.

“High-side motorcycle crashes are among the most violent accidents we see. Riders are often thrown without warning, and insurance companies are quick to blame them. A thorough investigation is critical to uncover what really caused the crash and to secure full compensation for our clients.” – John J. Malm, Naperville motorcycle accident attorney

What Is a Motorcycle High-Side Crash?

A high-side motorcycle crash occurs when the rear wheel of a motorcycle:

• Loses traction
• Begins to slide sideways
• Suddenly regains traction

This abrupt regain of grip causes the motorcycle to snap upright violently, often throwing the rider over the handlebars or off the bike entirely. Because of the physics involved, high-side crashes are typically far more dangerous than low-side crashes.

Key Characteristics of High-Side Crashes

• Sudden and unpredictable
• Extremely forceful rider ejection
• Minimal reaction time
• High risk of secondary impacts (vehicles, pavement, objects)

These crashes often happen in a fraction of a second, leaving even experienced riders unable to recover.

Why High-Side Crashes Are So Dangerous

High-side crashes are considered one of the most catastrophic motorcycle accident types because of how the rider is ejected.

Unlike a low-side crash, where the rider slides along the ground, a high-side crash:

• Launches the rider upward and forward
• Causes harder, uncontrolled impacts
• Increases the likelihood of head and spinal injuries

Riders may be thrown several feet into the air and land with tremendous force, significantly increasing the severity of injuries.

Common Causes of High-Side Motorcycle Accidents

High-side crashes rarely occur in isolation. They are usually the result of a chain reaction involving traction loss and sudden recovery.

1. Sudden Rear-Wheel Traction Loss and Recovery

This is the defining cause of every high-side crash.

Common triggers include:

• Locking the rear brake
• Skidding on slippery surfaces
• Abrupt throttle changes

When traction suddenly returns, the stored momentum violently snaps the motorcycle upright.

2. Improper Braking Techniques

Braking errors are a leading contributor to high-side crashes.

Examples include:

• Locking the rear wheel at high speeds
• Releasing the brake too quickly during a skid
• Over-braking while cornering

These actions create instability that can quickly escalate into a high-side event.

3. Speeding and Aggressive Riding

Speed is a major factor in motorcycle crashes nationwide.

• Higher speeds increase loss-of-control risk
• Greater momentum leads to more violent ejections
• Riders have less time to correct mistakes

In some states, over one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes involve speeding, highlighting the role of excessive speed in severe accidents.

4. Slippery or Hazardous Road Conditions

Road hazards significantly increase the risk of traction loss.

Common hazards include:

• Wet pavement
• Oil slicks
• Loose gravel
• Construction debris
• Potholes

Even a minor loss of traction can trigger a high-side crash if the tire suddenly regains grip.

5. Improper Throttle Control

Throttle mistakes, especially during turns, can destabilize the rear wheel.

High-risk behaviors include:

• Accelerating too quickly while leaning
• Rolling on the throttle too early in a turn
• Abruptly cutting throttle mid-turn

These actions can overload the rear tire and cause it to lose traction.

6. Mechanical Failures

Defective or poorly maintained motorcycles can contribute to high-side crashes.

Potential mechanical causes:

• Worn or defective tires
• Brake system failures
• Chain or drivetrain malfunctions
• Suspension issues

In these cases, liability may extend beyond the rider.

7. Negligent Drivers

Other drivers frequently create the dangerous conditions that lead to high-side crashes.

Examples include:

• Sudden lane changes
• Cutting off motorcyclists
• Failure to yield
• Distracted driving

These actions may force a rider to brake abruptly, triggering a loss of traction.

Statistics on Motorcycle Crashes and Severity

Motorcycle accidents remain a major safety concern across the United States.

Key Statistics

• Motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in crashes per mile traveled
• Thousands of motorcyclists are killed annually nationwide
• Speeding contributes to a significant percentage of fatal crashes
• Road hazards and driver negligence are leading contributing factors

Additionally:

• Adverse weather conditions can increase motorcycle crash risk by up to 15%
• High-side crashes are widely considered among the most severe single-vehicle motorcycle accidents due to rider ejection

Common Injuries in High-Side Motorcycle Crashes

Because of the violent nature of these crashes, injuries are often severe or life-threatening.

Frequent Injuries Include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe road rash and lacerations
• Neck and back injuries

In many cases, riders suffer multiple injuries requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Who Is Liable in a High-Side Motorcycle Accident?

Determining liability in a high-side crash can be complex. While some accidents may appear to be rider error, further investigation often reveals contributing factors.

Potentially Liable Parties

• Negligent drivers
• Government entities responsible for road maintenance
• Motorcycle manufacturers (defective parts)
• Maintenance providers

Evidence That Strengthens a High-Side Crash Claim

Building a strong case requires thorough evidence collection.

Key Evidence Includes:

• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Dash cam or traffic camera footage
• Motorcycle inspection reports
• Expert accident reconstruction analysis
• Medical records

Because high-side crashes happen so quickly, expert analysis is often critical to explaining how the crash occurred.

How Insurance Companies Handle High-Side Crash Claims

Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts in motorcycle accident cases.

Common Tactics

• Blaming the rider for loss of control
• Arguing the crash was unavoidable
• Disputing the severity of injuries
• Offering low settlement amounts

Without legal representation, injured riders may struggle to recover full compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about High-Side Motorcycle Accidents

Q: What is the difference between a high-side and low-side crash?

A: A high-side crash involves the rear wheel losing and then regaining traction, throwing the rider off the bike. A low-side crash occurs when the bike simply slides out from under the rider. High-side crashes are typically more severe.

Q: Are high-side crashes more dangerous?

A: Yes. High-side crashes often result in more severe injuries because the rider is launched into the air and lands with significant force.

Q: Can another driver be responsible for a high-side crash?

A: Absolutely. If another driver’s actions force a motorcyclist to brake or swerve suddenly, they may be liable for the resulting crash.

Q: What damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident?

A: You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Future medical care

Q: Should I hire a lawyer after a high-side crash?

A: Yes. These cases often involve complex liability issues and serious injuries. An experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorney can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

A high-side motorcycle crash can change your life in an instant. From devastating injuries to overwhelming medical bills and lost income, the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting. You should not have to face this alone.

The injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates have extensive experience handling serious motorcycle accident claims throughout Illinois. We understand the unique challenges of high-side crashes, including proving liability, countering insurance company defenses, and securing maximum compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle high-side crash, contact us today for a free consultation.

We will:

• Investigate the cause of your accident
• Preserve critical evidence
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve

Call us today or fill out our online form to get started. When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that knows how to win.