San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney Susan Handel

Susan Handel, San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Serving all of San Diego

Owner of Quaid Harley Davidson Chooses Susan Handel To Be His Lawyer
Click to see why!

Brandon Quaid
Owner Of Quaid Harley Davidson

Susan Handel focuses her San Diego practice in helping victims who have been severely injured or killed as a result of San Diego motorcycle accidents. Susan Handel has the experience, resources and knowledge to handle large, complex and difficult Motorcycle-related cases, while at the same time maintaining the compassion and understanding to recognize the significant impact these cases have on her clients and their families. Susan Handel is widely regarded as a one of the San Diego’s expert motorcycle injury attorneys, with a record of very successful results for her clients who have been involved in motorcycle accidents.

Susan Handel has a staff that will do everything possible to get her clients through the physical, financial and emotional challenges they face after a motorcycle accident. Susan Handel hires the best experts, and utilizes the most current technology in order to give her clients an advantage over the opposing motorcycle insurance company. Susan Handel will recognize the unique circumstances involved in your motorcycle case and ensure that you will receive the superior compensation that you deserve, whether you’ve been in a motorcycle accident or a truck accident.

All too often due to facts surrounding San Diego motorcycle accidents, the motorcycle rider is held liable for the incident even though it was not their fault.  Motorcycle accident cases challenge Susan Handel to overcome the often unfair myths and prejudices many have against motorcyclists. Motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges on the road as other motorists, such as those involved in a truck or car accident. Susan Handel is absolutely committed to protecting the legal rights of motorcycle riders who have been injured by the negligent actions of others and will defend you aggressively against the unfair accusations of the other driver’s insurance company.

Because of the lack of physical protection offered on a motorcycle, the injury sustained will often be more serious and complex, requiring expert medical recognition and evaluation. Susan Handel has access to the country’s best medical experts.  For those in need of medical assistance, Susan Handel can provide excellent medical referrals at no up-front cost to you.

Susan Handel Prevails for Severely Injured Marine Despite Bad Police Report!



The Odds were against Matthew Bonus until Susan Handel took over his case. The Police report placed Matthew at fault. There were no independent witnesses. Matthew did not recall any Aspects of his accident.

A police report can be a very helpful tool in assisting victims of motorcycle accidents to secure compensation for their injuries when the report is in their favor. If the police report is in their favor, and against the other driver, it will help establish liability for their motorcycle accident. What if the police report is against you? Fortunately, the police report is not the final word on liability for your motorcycle accident.

When I receive a police report that is against my client, I do not throw in the towel and give up! Instead, I do everything possible to turn the liability around, including, but not limited to, taking independent witness statements, hiring an accident reconstruction expert to reconstruct the motorcycle accident, calling the police officer to discuss the accident and persuade him to change his report based on new information that he may not have considered, taking the deposition of the defendant driver and pinning them down on the facts of the accident, and more, depending on the particulars of each motorcycle accident. I frequently will do a background check on the defendant driver and all independent witnesses listed on the police report in order to secure information that can impeach their testimony in a deposition and/or trial. If I believe in a case, I do not give up easily.

Matthew Bonus, a then 32 year old Marine, was involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained injuries which included, but were not limited to a closed head injury, skull fractures, left carotid artery dissection, left scapular fracture, facial nerve palsy, left fibular fracture and cognitive injuries. He was hospitalized for approximately one month and was unconscious for most of that time. He was not able to tell his side of the story at the scene of the accident because he was unconscious. He was never able to tell his side of the story because of the massive head injuries he sustained that caused him to lose his memory as to the facts of his accident. The defendant claimed that Matthew tried to pass her unsafely on her right side and t-boned her car as she was making a right hand turn onto a street that had been closed due to flooding. The police report was against Matthew and concluded that he had violated California Vehicle Code Section 21755 which regards Unsafe Passing on the Right.

When Matthew became conscious in the hospital, he was befriended by the other patient in his room who was also involved in a catastrophic motorcycle accident. I had been contacted by, but declined, the case of the other patient because clearly, the motorcycle accident was his fault as a result of excessive speed. However, at this patient’s urging, Matthew called me.

In addition to having the police report assessed against Matthew, there were no independent witnesses who observed the actual accident occur. Matthew could not remember how the accident happened as a result of his head injuries. The physical evidence at the scene of the accident revealed that Matthew could have very well caused this collision.

Then there was the built in unfounded prejudice against a motorcyclist as being a reckless, irresponsible rider that I had to deal with- even though it is the defendant drivers of vehicles who frequently cause the accident because of their failure to observe the motorcyclist. The leading cause of motorcycle accidents continues to be the failure of vehicle drivers to observe and see the motorcyclist. Matthew’s case was no different. My lengthy investigation revealed that the defendant driver had become lost and confused at the time of this accident and was not familiar with the area. I also discovered that the defendant driver attempted to make a right hand turn onto a street that was closed due to flooding and that she attempted to make an illegal u-turn on that street in order to travel back onto the road . Clearly, this defendant driver was not thinking clearly and was not driving responsibly. My investigation revealed that the defendant driver was inattentive as to her surrounding traffic and that she never observed Matthew until he impacted with her vehicle. Had the defendant driver been aware of her surrounding traffic, she would have observed Matthew and been able to avoid the collision completely. The bottom line is that the defendant driver was not paying attention to her surrounding traffic, that she failed to observe Matthew, and that she made a right hand turn directly in Matthew’s path, and caused the resulting accident.

I made a demand for the defendant’s insurance policy limits of $1,500,000.00 ( one million five hundred thousand dollars ) with a zero offer from AAA, the defendant’s insurance carrier. I filed a lawsuit and litigated Matthew’s case vigorously. I noticed the defendant driver’s deposition, intending to prove that she was not truthful about the facts of the accident, that she was not a credible witness, and that she alone caused the accident. AAA contacted me before the defendant driver’s deposition was to take place, and tendered the defendant’s policy limits of $1,500,000.00 to Matthew. AAA was concerned that I would prove the defendant driver did in fact cause Matthew’s accident and clearly, they wanted this case settled with no chance of it ever going to Court.

The moral of the story-always ride safe-and never give up, even when the police report is against you!

Catastrophic Motorcycle Accident

Confidential Multi-Million Dollar Settlement


I was involved in a catastrophic motorcycle accident when a vehicle cut me off trying to make an illegal left turn right in front of me. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and admitted as a trauma patient. I was hospitalized for approximately one month and underwent eight surgeries to my jaw, shoulder, knee and more. I had head injuries as well and when I came to at the hospital I didn’t even know where I was. After I was discharged from the hospital I continued to suffer severe pain and functional limitations.

Everyone was telling me that I needed to get a lawyer. Four different people recommended Susan Handel. I can only say that I am very happy that I chose Susan Handel and did not go with anyone else. I knew after talking to Susan, that she was a very experienced personal injury lawyer. She was upfront, blunt, and let me know how everything was going to go down-like she had a crystal ball. She was compassionate and personal at the same time and was very involved in my case from day one. She made herself available whenever I needed to speak to her.

She assisted me with great referrals to medical providers I needed to see and I didn’t have to worry about my health insurance giving their seal of approval, authorization and long waits for appointments. The shoulder surgery done at the hospital was done so poorly that it failed and I had to have it re-done twice. The subsequent re-do surgeries were performed by a great orthopedic doctor Susan referred me to and I have had no problems since. Susan also assisted me with referrals to neurologists, physical therapy and pain management. Without her assistance, I would not have had the opportunity to be treated by these medical providers who helped me recover from the injuries I sufferred in the accident.

Susan also hired not one, but two of the finest motorcycle experts to beat up the other side because the driver of the vehicle tried to blame the accident on me, even though it was clearly her fault alone.

Susan got me a multi-million dollar settlement that is life changing in the most positive way for both me and my family.

I want to thank Susan for her hard work and for the fantastic results. And for being there for me every step of the way.

I would recommend Susan Handel to anyone who has been in a serious injury accident because in my opinion, she is the very best around!

“Thank you Susan Handel and Staff!” – Bryant and Danyle Layton

Bad Motorcycle Accident – Great Results!



I was involved in a fairly bad accident when a vehicle attempted to make an illegal turn and collided with my motorcycle. I became separated from my bike, I impacted with the roadway and had serious injuries to my knee, ankle and shoulder. I was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and was in agonizing pain. I knew I needed a lawyer at this point to go after the guy who caused the accident and wasn’t sure who to call. I called a few of those so called “motorcycle lawyers” that do massive advertising and ended up speaking to “operators” and “office receptionists” who didn’t say anything that made me feel particularly comfortable that I had called the right office. And I never even spoke to a lawyer! Then I remembered that I met Susan Handel at an event and gave her a call. Wow! What a difference. I called on a weekend and she personally returned my call. I could tell immediately that she was a highly experienced motorcycle lawyer. She could answer any question I asked of her and gave me the run down as to what I needed to do , what she would do for me, and how the insurance companies would shaft my claim if given the opportunity. She knew everything from A-Z. I was very impressed with Susan and realized that I connected with a great lawyer. Susan referred me to very high profile medical providers who not only helped me recover from my injuries, but also advocated my claim to the opposing insurance company. I would never on my own, have been able to have the medical care that Susan arranged for me. The medical care Susan arranged was at no upfront cost. And I didn’t need approval or authorization from my health insurance. There were no long waits to see medical providers when I needed an appointment. Susan settled my case without trial and I can only say that I was very very happy with the results. I would recommend Susan Handel to anyone who gets into a motorcycle accident because she is good at what she does and will get results! She is no doubt, the best in the business.

“Thank you Susan and staff!” – Stephen Cook

Dominos Pizza Driver Doesn’t Report Motorcycle Accident

Susan Handel Prevails for Seriously Injured Husband & Wife!


Mike & Mindy Marzinsky Testimonial

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Catastrophic Injuries

To Motorcycle Passenger

Superior Results – Confidential Settlement


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Severe injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents

When a motorcycle rider is involved in a collision with an automobile or truck, the result is almost always a catastrophic injury or fatality. Because motorcycle riders do not have the impact-reducing shell that automobile drivers have to protect them during accidents, motorcycle riders are at an increased risk for severe injuries. Additionally, motorcycles are not equipped with safety features such as seatbelts and airbags. This results in riders suffering extensive injuries as a result of being thrown from their bike and colliding with another vehicle or the hard asphalt. Motorcyclists traveling at high speeds with little to protect them from the hard asphalt or another vehicle in the event of an accident are very vulnerable to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), disfigurement, broken bones, road rash, spinal cord injuries, and even death.

Road rash is one of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders. Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet makes riders particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, in the event of an accident. TBI is a serious brain injury that can affect personality, speech, cognitive thinking, motor skills, and all abilities. Many patients with TBI are no longer able to work; most of those require full-time care and suffer extreme financial hardship as a result of the mounting medical bills. The emotional trauma resulting from such a brain injury often affects the victim’s family as well.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents


Motorcycle accidents can be sudden, tragic, life-changing events.  If an accident is due to someone else’s negligence, you have a right to pursue economic damages in a number of areas including, but not limited to the following:

      • Lost wages, both past and future
      • Medical expenses, both past and future
      • Pain and suffering, both past and future
      • Mental anguish, both past and future
      • Damage to property
      • Funeral expenses
      • Loss of quality of life

Contact Susan Handel, a trusted San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer.

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics


California Motorcycle Statistics
Riding a motorcycle can be a risky proposition, as you are exposed and vulnerable when on the road. If you are a motorcyclist, or are considering getting your motorcycle license, you should be mindful of these risks so that you can take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety. However, while understanding the risk that you face is crucial to avoiding injury, it is also important that riders are aware of their legal rights. Being cognizant of these facts can help in the event of an accident, as knowing your rights will help you assert them. Forfeiting your rights after an accident, or falsely taking responsibility, can jeopardize your chances of recovering just and fair compensation for injuries sustained.  Get to know the San Diego motorcycle statistics and be aware of the risks.

  • Because of the lack of physical protection offered on a motorcycle, the injury sustained will often be serious and sometimes fatal
  • Failure of motorists to detect motorcycles in traffic is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents
  • One out of five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries
  • Motorcycle helmets reduce the number and severity of head injuries by 50%
  • Helmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets
  • Most motorcycle accidents are caused at speeds lower than 30 miles per hour
  • Motorcyclists represent 1% of traffic but account for 19% of motor vehicle deaths and serious injuries
  • Most motorcycle crashes happen on short trips (less than 5 miles long), just a few minutes after starting out
  • Motorcyclists are about 32 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and 6 times more likely to be injured

What if the Motorcycle Rider was not Wearing a Helmet or other Safety Gear, but was not at Fault?



A motorcycle rider can still be compensated for their injuries, even if he or she was not wearing a helmet. Even in states where motorcycle helmet use is mandatory, riders can still recover damages if they were not at fault for the accident. However, helmets are recommended in every state and the other driver’s insurance company will likely argue that some of your injuries were caused more by you not wearing a helmet, than by the accident itself. If this argument is successful, it can decrease the amount of money you are awarded as compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Susan Handel is an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and will know how to combat these arguments and defend you aggressively against the unfair accusations of the other driver’s insurance company.

What Should you do if an Insurance Representative Contacts You after Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?



After a motorcycle accident, victims may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance representatives. Insurance companies are in danger of losing massive amounts of money as a result of these accidents, and will vigorously work to protect their financial interests. Therefore, it is important that you contact an attorney before speaking with the insurance company. Motorcycle accident attorney Susan Handel can advise you of your rights and work to ensure that any financial settlement with an insurance company is superior and fair.

What Should I Do After a Severe Motorcycle Accident?


motorbike accident
It is extremely important that you follow some basic rules beginning at the scene of the motorcycle accident, so you do not jeopardize your health and your right to compensation.

  • Stay at the scene of the motorcycle accident and wait for a police officer to come and make a full report of your accident.  The existence of a police report will strengthen your case.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.  Obtaining a complete examination from a doctor as soon as possible will serve two purposes.  First, the doctor can often detect injuries that you may not have noticed until several days after the accident and will be more easily treated if caught early; and second, a doctor’s examination will automatically create a complete medical record of any injuries you sustain during this accident and this will strengthen your case.
  • Get complete information from everyone at the scene of the motorcycle accident.  Obtain the name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of all of the drivers involved in the motorcycle accident, as well as the names of any emergency personnel and the contact information of any witnesses.
  • Do not admit guilt or sign any statements without talking to a lawyer first.  Be cooperative with the police, other drivers and emergency personnel at the scene of the motorcycle accident, but don’t say anything that can later be used as evidence to prove that you were responsible for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
  • Take photographs of your injuries and damage to your motorcycle. These photographs work best as evidence when they are taken at the scene of the motorcycle accident, but they can also be taken after the fact if you are severely injured and need immediate hospitalization.
  • Keep complete records of medical expenses and other costs related to your accident which can be used as evidence to help you verify these damages.
  • Contact your motorcycle insurance company and report the accident so they can begin processing your claim.  Make sure you give this information to your insurance company with an attorney’s assistance at the time you give the statement in order not to prejudice your claim.  Your own insurance company is in the business to make money, they are not there to assist you no matter how nice they may seem. They are looking to find ways to getting out of paying you the compensation you deserve – don’t be one of their victims!
  • Contact Susan Handel immediately.

What You Should NOT Do after You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

      • Do not panic.  Remain calm and call for help.
      • Do not leave the scene of the accident.
      • Do not discuss the accident with anyone but the police and your attorney.
      • Do not speak to anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company without an attorney.
      • Do not sign any papers from an insurance company or agree to a settlement without an attorney.

  • Do not wait.  Contact Susan Handel immediately.

Motorcycle Accident Compensation Claims


Motorcycle accidents can be sudden, tragic, life-changing events. Susan Handel understands that no monetary compensation can make up for the loss of one’s health or worse, the loss of a loved one. She also understands that victims of motorcycle accidents often face staggering medical costs, extensive property damage, and other financial and emotional hardships. Susan Handel can help motorcycle accident victims recover superior compensation for past and future medical care, past and future lost wages, loss of support, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and any other damages associated with your motorcycle accident.

In appropriate cases out of court settlements will be obtained for our clients, but if it is in your best interests to take the case to trial, Susan Handel has the resources, knowledge and experience to do so. Susan Handel will be pleased to answer any questions you may have regarding your motorcycle accident. You deserve the very best, so call Susan Handel now for your free, confidential consultation. For your convenience, Susan Handel also provides in person, free, confidential consultations in your home or at the hospital.

Should I trust a Motorcycle Insurance Company?


Absolutely not! Motorcycle insurance companies are in the business to make money, they are not there to assist you. In order to avoid paying for the full extent and treatment of your personal injuries, insurance companies often try to settle quickly after a motorcycle accident, before the full extent of your injuries are apparent. The insurance companies are very sophisticated in how they go about setting up a claim, but their number one goal is to pay you as little as possible, and even nothing, if they can get away with that! If you try to go up against a large insurance company without knowing the system, you are not going to be treated fairly and you will not obtain the motorcycle accident compensation you deserve. Don’t be one of their victims.

Dealing with Motorcycle Insurance Companies


If a negligent vehicle operator causes an injury but is not insured, he or she may be required to pay for the damages resulting from the accident they caused. However, if that person is covered by automobile liability insurance, his or her insurance company will be responsible for paying the damages that the injured person proves are caused by the accident based on available insurance. However, the insurance companies fight injury cases vigorously because they want to avoid paying money to you. Unless the injured person can prove that the other driver was negligent, that negligence actually caused the accident, and that their injuries were caused by the accident, an insurance company will never pay. Even when liability for the accident is completely clear, insurance companies very often dispute the amount of damages an injured person must prove – not only the amount of damages, but the extent of the damages as well.

Experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Susan Handel will not only put together the facts with which to prove negligence, but she will gather all the applicable information including insurance coverage, medical records, wage losses, and assemble the damage evidence in a manner which will persuade the insurance company to pay the maximum reasonable compensation for your injuries suffered. If an out of court settlement is not possible, then a jury trial will result.

Why You Need San Diego Motorcycle Lawyer Susan Handel


You need to get the advice from attorney Susan Handel immediately after a motorcycle accident in order to avoid making mistakes which may affect your ability to receive superior compensation for the injuries you sustained in your accident. There is no charge for an initial consultation with Susan Handel, so you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by speaking with her immediately after your motorcycle accident.

One of the worst mistakes that motorcycle accident victims make is thinking they are guaranteed to receive fair compensation from insurance companies and responsible parties. Unfortunately, the insurance companies, even your own, are in the business to make money-they are not there to assist you. Trying to “go it alone” can lead to a very unfair relationship between you and the motorcycle insurance company. Keep in mind that the insurance companies have armies of adjusters, defense lawyers, and claims representatives whose number one goal is to pay you as little as possible and even nothing when you present your personal injury claim. Susan Handel’s goal is completely the opposite. She will see to it that you receive excellent medical care at no up-front cost to you and that you obtain superior recovery for your injuries.

Claims adjusters will be acting immediately to find ways to reduce the value of your claim. They will ask to take a recorded statement from you to get your description of the motorcycle accident. Later they will turn that around and use it against you if they can.

It is common practice for an insurance company to contact you immediately after a motorcycle accident and make a premature, low ball settlement offer to you. This is completely unfair and improper. You will not know the true value of your case until all of your medical treatment is completed because until then, the amount of your damages cannot be established. The insurance companies know this. However, they are in danger of losing massive amounts of money as a result of these accidents, and will work vigorously to protect their financial interests with complete disregard for your injuries and the consequences you will suffer from your motorcycle accident.

Insurance companies can be manipulative and difficult to work with. Susan Handel is not intimidated by a motorcycle insurance company, its motorcycle accident attorneys, or its claims adjusters. Susan Handel will work tirelessly to represent your rights until you receive the superior compensation to which you are entitled. Your case is important and Susan Handel knows how crucial the outcome can be to your future health and well-being.

Susan Handel has extensive experience and meticulous investigating talents. She is aided by qualified engineers, motorcycle accident reconstructionists, medical experts, vocational rehabilitation experts, and a team who will gather and analyze all of the relevant evidence in large damage cases involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Susan Handel, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer


If you or a loved one are involved in a serious motorcycle accident, it can be medically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. The Law Firm of Susan Handel will help your family and you cope with all of those difficulties.

Susan Handel has the experience, resources and knowledge to handle large, complex and difficult cases, while at the same time maintaining the compassion and understanding the significant impact that motorcycle accidents have on her clients and their families.

Susan Handel is widely regarded as an expert San Diego motorcycle accident attorney with a record of very successful results for her clients who have been seriously injured or have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents.

Your initial consultation with Susan Handel is both free and confidential. You deserve the very best motorcycle accident lawyer, so call Susan Handel now and she will be happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have regarding your accident. Susan Handel also provides in-person, free, confidential home and hospital visits for your convenience.