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Helping Clients Navigate Injury Claims

We’re ready to help with a variety of case-types, here’s just a small example of how we can help:

Large Firm Results & Representation with Small Firm Personalized Attention & Care

Michael is determined to provide each of his clients with personal, one-on-one legal attention. With the Beliz Law Firm, you’re not a number. Each case is important to us, and we promise to treat our clients with respect. We firmly believe in providing you with a voice in your time of need. At the same time, our Long Beach Injury Lawyers focus on maximizing the value of your case - we’re ready to handle tough negotiations with the insurance company. Finally, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed.

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I would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm and should I need legal counsel or a personal injury lawyer in the future, Michael Beliz has become my new go-to guy.

- M.M.
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Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Beliz

Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has extensive experience with personal injury claims and has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

At the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael was a multiple-year recipient of the Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship and attained the high pass in Negotiation. In addition, he was a semi-finalist in the ATLA Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Prior to graduating from law school, Michael earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach where he was a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Michael A. Beliz is admitted to the State Bar of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.

What to Expect from Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Beliz Law Firm, we understand the wide range of emotions you experience after suffering injuries in an accident. It can be a scary time fueled by emotions of stress, anxiety, and anger. You may have many questions but no answers. Long Beach injury attorney Michael Beliz provides you with personal, one-on-one attention so you get the answers you need during the most difficult time in your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, each case is important to us, and we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

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Client Testimonials

  • "I was referred to the Beliz Law Firm by a family friend and was not disappointed. I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver and when I needed the services of an attorney, Michael Beliz came to my work to discuss my options. He is very friendly and explains everything in effectively and in detail. He recommended a great chiropractor whom I then sought treatment from and who helped me recover from my injuries. Michael created an excellent report used in my case which allowed me to receive the maximum return in my settlement. I have already referred a family friend and recommended another long time friend to seek his services. God forbid I ever get in another serious accident, but if I do I will for sure contact Michael again to seek his help. He’s a great guy who does great work!"

    Y.R.

  • Long beach personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz represented my personal injury case this year and I’m glad I found them. In summation Michael Beliz came across as intelligent, effective, friendly, and genuine. An excellent people person and well versed attorney is a hard combination to find. Michael walked us through everything; spoke to me like a person and not a case number. He just pretty much made the whole ordeal so much easier. Michael was extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my family and me the entire time. Michael regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on the status of the case and conversations with the other parties’ insurance company. My case wasn’t large but he treated me as if I was one of his only cases. I would highly recommend the Beliz firm to family and friends as the highest recommendation I could offer.”

    M.G.

  • "No one wants to involve an attorney in an auto claim, but sometimes you have no choice. Michael made an unpleasant situation so much easier. He really took the time to understand everything that was going on and always gave me prompt and personal attention. He was involved immediately and took over all the interactions with the insurance companies. He became the only one I had to deal with and there were never any games with him, only sound advice. My only mistake was not calling Michael sooner. I now recommend an attorney anytime an injury is involved in an auto accident, if only so they can deal with the insurance companies’ games, and you would be hard pressed to find someone better than Michael Beliz."

    T.V.

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Recent Results & Settlements

Michael has a long history of getting his clients the compensation they deserve. Here are a few of his recent results:

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Speak with a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

How Much Does a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

How Much is My Case Worth?

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Who Can Be Liable for My Injuries?

What Should I Expect During the Free Consultation?

Recent Blog Posts

Motorcycle vs Truck Accidents in California

Dec 7, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

California is one of the country’s most desirable destinations for riding a motorcycle. Scenic routes and temperate weather make it a dream. However, the risk of getting into an accident is high, especially with all the large trucks transporting cargo up and down the state. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle vs truck accident, you have the legal right to pursue a claim for damages.  The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be daunting. Victims likely face challenges with mounting medical bills, a slow recovery, and a stressful claims process. Hiring an experienced California accident lawyer can help. Read on to learn more about the causes of these collisions and what damages you can typically recover.  Common Causes of Truck-Motorcycle Collisions Accidents involving motorcycles versus trucks can happen for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include the following:  Numerous other factors can lead to a motorcycle vs truck accident, but these are some of the most common ones we see.  Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle vs Truck Accident Understandably, injured victims want to know what they can recover in a claim against the responsible party. Every case differs, but some of the most common damages available in these types of collisions include the following:  Hiring an experienced attorney is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovering the most compensation.  Injuries and Fatalities in Motorcycle and Truck Accidents  When you compare these two types of collisions, there’s no comprehensive data on motorcycle vs truck accident statistics in California. According to the California Highway Patrol, accidents involving motorcycles in 2019 resulted in 480 fatalities and 12,707 injuries. During the same year, truck accidents resulted in 344 deaths and 7,009 injuries across the state.  Contact a California Accident Attorney If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle vs truck accident, contact the Beliz Law Firm. Attorney Michael Beliz has nearly two decades of experience representing injured victims of accidents in Southern California. When you need assistance getting justice after someone else’s negligence caused an accident, our legal team stands ready to help. Schedule a consultation today and learn more about how we can assist you.

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What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

Oct 16, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

Drunk driving remains a serious public safety problem in California. According to the most recent data from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), more than 1,000 people were killed in DUI crashes in the state in 2017. Many thousands more innocent victims suffered severe, even life-changing injuries in wholly avoidable DUI accidents. When a drunk driver hits you, it is a trying experience, especially if there are serious injuries. As you recover from injuries, it is natural to think about recovering compensation from the drunk driver who hit you. You have to consider medical bills, rehabilitation costs, missed work, and more. This raises an important question: How much can you expect to recover and what is the average drunk driving accident settlement in California? The truth is, each drunk driving accident claim is different. In that sense, there is no true ‘average’ drunk driving accident settlement amount. Each case is fact specific. However you deserve the maximum available compensation, to pay for your medical bills, cover for your lost of earnings, and the pains you have suffered. At The Beliz Law Firm, our top-rated Long Beach, CA drunk driving accident lawyer is standing by, ready to fight for your rights. Car accident lawyer Michael Beliz can help you understand what your case is worth. Consultations are always free – reach out today. Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California After an injury in a car accident, the driver at fault for the accident may be liable for your injuries. In some cases, the person that caused the accident was driving under the influence. If that happens to you, there is a good chance the other driver owes you compensation. An accident involving a drunk driver can often yield a higher settlement or judgment than a case in which the driver at fault was not impaired. However, the value of any personal injury or wrongful death claim depends on the case. Is There a Normal Drunk Driving Personal Injury Settlement? There is no “normal” settlement for car accident injuries caused by a drunk driver. In California, some personal injury awards are more than a million dollars. Other cases settle for under $10,000. The compensation owed in your personal injury case depends on many factors. They include the severity and permanence of your injuries, the economic loss you suffered, and the degree of comparative fault. The defendant’s insurance coverage and ability to pay will also play a large role in the value of a settlement. How Do We Calculate Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Cases There are two kinds of damages in personal injury cases: compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages compensate an injured person for his loss. We categorize these into economic (special) and non-economic (general) damages. Punitive damages (also called exemplary damages) punish the defendant for extreme neglect or bad behavior. To award punitive damages, California law requires the defendant must have “willfully and deliberately failed” to avoid the known consequences of his negligence. Not every drunk driving personal injury case will include punitive damages. In some cases, however, juries have awarded millions of dollars in punitive damages to the families of those killed by an intoxicated driver. How to Maximize Your Compensation After a DUI Accident in California Whether you are seeking compensation for direct economic losses — such as medical bills, lost wages, etc — or you are seeking compensation for non-economic damages — such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, or emotional distress — it is crucial that your damages are properly documented and effectively presented. Ultimately, compensatory damages must be tied to your losses. To obtain compensation through a settlement or personal injury verdict, your claim should be carefully documented with strong supporting evidence either through receipts, bills, photos, etc. Indeed, the key to obtaining successful results in the personal injury settlement process often lies in the evidence. Notably, the large insurance companies that typically defend DUI accident claims have a well-established reputation for being highly aggressive. It is rare that these insurers will lead with their best and final settlement offer at the beginning of the negotiation process. Their fundamental goal is to settle drunk driving accident claims for the lowest amount possible and as quickly as possible. Insurers train their representatives to look for any information that they can use against plaintiffs in order to reduce a personal injury settlement. For this and other reasons, it is highly recommended that you deal with the insurance company through your attorney. Your attorney will make sure that your interests are protected. When Can You Recover Punitive Damages in a California DUI Accident Case? Punitive damages will only be awarded in cases where there was gross negligence or extraordinarily reckless misconduct by the defendant. In DUI accident cases, California courts are instructed to look to the state’s statutes on punitive/exemplary damages (Civil Code § 3294). What is notable is that California requires plaintiffs to present ‘clear and compelling’ evidence in seeking punitive damages. This is a significantly higher legal threshold than the ‘preponderance of evidence’ standard that is used for compensatory damages. In order to recover punitive damages for a drunk driving accident, you must be able to clearly demonstrate that the defendant (the intoxicated driver) was grossly negligent or willfully reckless. The worse the behavior of the defendant, the more likely punitive damages are to be awarded. An example of willfully reckless behavior is a prior DUI conviction. If you are considering seeking punitive damages in your case, it is imperative that you seek guidance from an experienced Long Beach drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you prepare the strongest possible legal claim. Need Help Receiving a DUI Accident Settlement? Contact The Beliz Law Firm If you or a loved one is in a car accident, and you suspect the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speak with an attorney right away. A personal injury lawyer will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the dedicated personal injury attorneys...

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How Much Is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury?

Oct 13, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

One of accident victims’ most commonly asked questions is, How much is the average settlement for a back injury? Although it is not the answer most people want to hear, the truth is that it is difficult to accurately determine the average payout for a back injury from a car accident, work incident, slip and fall, or any other type of accident. The value of a back injury depends on the strength of the liability, the severity of the injuries, and the size of the insurance policy. However, upon speaking with an experienced attorney and discussing the specific factors and circumstances surrounding your back injury, you may better understand what you might expect in a settlement or award. Average Back Injury Settlement The average payout for a back injury at work or elsewhere can vary significantly.  Because of the severity and complexity of many back injuries, it is common to see six- and even seven-figure payouts. Remember, every case is unique and presents facts and circumstances that will influence the exact settlement or jury award.  Factors that may impact your settlement or award include: Contact the Beliz Law Firm to discuss the specifics of your case. We can help you assess each factor and how it might affect your potential settlement. What Is the Average Payout for a Back Injury? While many factors play a role in determining the payout for a back injury victim, one significant factor significantly influences the outcome: whether surgery is necessary. A back injury settlement with a surgery recommendation vs. one without can differ drastically.  Any back injury can be life-altering and require significant medical intervention. Typically, the more severe the injury, the more damages you will be entitled to. It is undoubtedly challenging to calculate average back injury settlements. However, a reliable indicator of what your case may be worth is whether your back injury requires surgery.  Back Injury Settlements with Surgery Back injuries requiring surgery are typically severe and unlikely to resolve independently. Individuals necessitating back surgery are more likely to end up with a higher settlement because their economic damages (e.g., reimbursement for medical expenses), which are intended to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including surgery, will be higher. Surgery, and the rehabilitation and therapy that come after, will significantly increase an individual’s medical expenses. Back injuries requiring surgical repair are also more likely to increase other economic and noneconomic damages because of the extended recovery period. Extensive recovery might mean you will be unable to work for a long period of time, resulting in lost wages. It can also mean you cannot participate in your normal daily activities, leading to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.  Settlements Without Back Surgery While victims requiring surgery might see a higher settlement, surgery is generally a last resort option and should not be taken lightly. Your doctors and medical team will advise you on the best action for your injury and situation. Usually, a doctor will prescribe non-invasive treatments first to avoid surgery. While back injury settlements that do not require surgical repair tend to be overall lower than those requiring surgery, it does not mean you will not be entitled to significant compensation. In fact, some non-surgical treatment options can cost just as much as surgical repair. Every person and injury is unique, and what may be minor to one person could be catastrophic in another’s life, leading to a hefty settlement. Types of Back Injuries Many types of back injuries can result from a car or work accident, all with varying degrees of severity. Some are minor and will resolve with little to no medical intervention, while others are severe and permanent and can significantly impact your life. Common back injuries include:  Depending on the accident, it is possible to suffer from more than a back injury. Regardless of circumstances, you should always receive medical treatment, follow doctors’ orders, and seek legal guidance to identify your options. Back Injury Accident Attorney At The Beliz Law Firm, we have helped back injury victims recover millions of dollars. Here, we provide one-on-one attention to every client to ensure they receive the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

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