After getting into a car accident I called Barbara and it was the best decision I ever made. She is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. She got me the best settlement to pay back my medi...
The fight with insurance companies is just as hard as fighting for your life after an accident. As long as you dont give up on yourself Barbara will fight for you. The staff at Kidwell and Gallagher were great as well. I...
These two are specialists in two related fields, personal injury and workmen’s comp. Both they and their staff were VERY responsive to me and my questions, and handled my case with patience and competence. I would,...
I feel like kidwell & Gallagher went above and beyond for me. Craig himself and his staff are so nice and helpful. I would highly recommend this law office for your workmans comp/injury needs. You will not be disappo...
The best place to go if you need good hometown lawyers. They are very informative and kept us updated on what was going to happen through out our case.
Was the best experience, we told them the problem and they took over everything, was such a relief. Always there to answer any questions and help is fast is possible.
I was at my job mountain crew changes there in the basement of kidwell and Gallagher
They weren’t able to help with my case, but they directed me to someone who could.
Which condition would need to be corrected before you start your motorcycle? It’s more than a checklist question—it could be the difference between a smooth ride and a devastating accident. Skipping even one safety check can lead to mechanical failure, loss of control, or a collision that leaves lasting damage. Every rider in Reno, Nevada, deserves to hit the road with confidence, and that starts with knowing what to look for before the engine ever turns over. Our Reno motorcycle accident lawyers are here to assist you.
You must address any mechanical issues that could compromise your control, visibility, or vehicle function. These include tires, the electrical system, mirrors, and engine oil. Each plays a critical role in avoiding crashes that could result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Neglecting your tires is one of the most common causes of avoidable motorcycle accidents. Uneven tread, cracks, low pressure, or dry rot can all lead to blowouts or skids. Before every ride, we recommend visually inspecting and checking the air pressure with a gauge.
According to Consumer Reports, worn or improperly inflated tires drastically increase the risk of tire failure, especially at high speeds. Don’t assume that a tire that “looks fine” is safe—check the tread depth and valve stems regularly.
Electrical failures at night or during turns can directly impact visibility or alertness to other vehicles, putting riders at serious risk. Before hitting the road, confirm that all lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals—work. Also, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure your horn functions.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends performing a pre-ride electrical check as part of the T-CLOCS inspection system, which helps prevent preventable crashes and injuries.
Riding with damaged or misaligned mirrors limits your visibility and reaction time. This can be especially dangerous in city traffic or when lane splitting is illegal in Nevada, but some riders still attempt it.
Make sure mirrors are tightly fastened, clean, and provide a wide enough view behind and beside you. Improper mirror alignment can lead to blind spots, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or unsafe lane changes—scenarios we’ve seen turn into complex legal battles for injured clients.
Without sufficient engine oil, your motorcycle’s engine may overheat, seize, or fail mid-ride. Always check the oil level and color before you start your engine. If the oil is dark or low, replace or refill it immediately.
Neglecting engine maintenance can lead to mechanical breakdowns and reduce your reaction time if your motorcycle stalls at a critical moment. The consequences can be severe if that happens during a busy Reno commute or while turning left across traffic.
Even when riders do everything right, accidents can happen, often due to another driver’s negligence. Don’t go it alone if you’ve been injured in a crash. A Reno personal injury lawyer at Kidwell & Gallagher can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We’ve helped riders like you recover after serious motorcycle accidents, and we’re ready to stand with you.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Craig W. Kidwell who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.