Defining a Low-Side and High-Side Motorcycle Accident

In a low-side motorcycle accident, the bike loses traction and slides out from under the rider during a turn. Meanwhile, in a high-side motorcycle accident, the wheels briefly lose traction before regaining traction and flipping in the opposite direction of the turn. This can propel the rider over the top of the bike in the opposite direction to that in which they were turning.

Although both accidents have the potential to cause serious injury, high-side accidents more regularly result in severe damage to the rider. At Zanes Law Injury Lawyers, we have helped motorcyclists involved in both of these types of accidents recover compensation from the liable party. Learn more by contacting us today and scheduling a free case review.

Who is Liable for Low-Side and High-Side Motorcycle Accidents?

Although the rider can often be found at fault for these types of accidents, a variety of other parties could potentially hold a level of liability. Among those commonly responsible for low-side and high-side motorcycle accidents are:

The motorcycle manufacturer
A parts manufacturer
A maintenance company that worked on the bike
A third-party driver, who forced the motorcycle rider into a turn to avoid a collision
The municipality in charge of maintaining the road where the accident occurred

Unfortunately, proving fault in these types of cases can be challenging. Difficulties are amplified by a bias that is often present against motorcycle riders. Fortunately, when you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, they can significantly simplify the process. An experienced attorney will know exactly what to look for when attempting to prove liability.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Damages You Can Collect After a High-Side or Low-Side Motorcycle Accident

After suffering an injury in a high-side or low-side motorcycle crash where another party was at fault, you will likely be eligible to recover a variety of damages. Determining all the damages that apply to your case is critical for recovering the full amount you are entitled to.

Fortunately, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you identify which damages you qualify to pursue. Some of the most frequently available damages in a motorcycle accident case include:

Pain and suffering
Lost income
Lost earning ability
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Medical bills
Projected future medical costs
Loss of consortium
Loss of companionship
Property damage
Decreased quality of life

The above list is far from comprehensive. Your lawyer can help you determine what other compensatory damages you might also be eligible to claim.

Punitive Damages

In a small percentage of cases, punitive damages are also available. Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that their focus is not on replacing the losses suffered by the accident victim. Instead, the purpose of awarding punitive damages is to punish the liable party for the role they played in causing your damages.

You might be able to collect punitive damages if your high-side or low-side motorcycle accident was caused by gross negligence or an act committed with the intent of causing harm.

Filing Your Lawsuit on Time

When filing a lawsuit after suffering damages in a low-side or high-side motorcycle accident, it is essential that you pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations in the state in which you are filing. In Arizona, accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.

However, the two-year deadline does not apply to every case. In certain situations, an accident victim may be eligible to file a lawsuit long after the standard deadline has passed. Alternatively, some circumstances can put further limitations on the amount of time you have to take legal action.

The best way to ensure that you know the exact deadline that applies to your case is by hiring a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash. Your lawyer can examine your case to determine if any special conditions apply and ensure that all of the necessary paperwork gets filed on time.

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Pure Negligence in Arizona

Arizona uses a pure negligence rule when determining the ability to pursue damages after an accident. Under this rule, those who suffer damages can recover compensation from any other party that holds a level of fault in their accident. You can pursue compensation as long as you are not 100% to blame.

However, the amount of money you can recover will be limited proportionately to the level of fault that you hold. For example, if your damages are valued at $100,000, but you were 70% at fault for your crash, you will only be able to collect 30% of the value of your claim ($30,000).

Of course, if it is determined that you held no fault in your accident, you will be able to pursue the full worth of your damages.

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Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arizona to Schedule a Free Case Review

If you were injured in a high-side or low-side motorcycle accident caused by another party, it is essential that you seek experienced legal representation to help with your case. At Zanes Law Injury Lawyers, we have a long track record of securing favorable results for our clients both through settlements and court-ordered payouts.

Our team of Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys has handled countless motorcycle accident cases and is well aware of how these cases are handled by the court.

Reach out to us today by completing our online contact form or giving us a call and schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team. We will review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you of your legal options and how best to proceed.

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