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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:

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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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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

Average Broken Hand Car Accident Settlement in Long Beach

Nov 10, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

You were driving down Long Beach Blvd when another vehicle clipped you. An X-ray revealed a broken bone in your hand. You’re now in a splint, missing work, and trying to work out what the other driver’s insurance should cover. After a broken hand in a car accident, a settlement offer may be quickly proposed by an insurance adjuster. The figure might initially seem reasonable, but then you start to add up the follow-up visits, the physical therapy, and whether your hand will ever be the same again, and wonder how you can get help paying for the costs of your broken hand. The Beliz Law Firm has been representing people with injuries since 2011. When you or a loved one has a broken hand after a car accident, we can investigate disputed fault, review available policies, and identify potential sources of compensation for your injuries.  What Is the Average Broken Hand Car Accident Settlement in Long Beach? There is no standard average settlement for a broken hand caused by a car accident in Long Beach. The amount depends on the severity of the injury, the treatment required, and how the injury affects your work and daily life. Serious fractures requiring surgery, extensive rehabilitation, or permanent limitations may justify substantially higher compensation. Your final settlement may also depend on disputed liability and available insurance coverage. For instance, your nondisplaced fracture may heal with immobilization, while a displaced or comminuted fracture may require surgery. Complications such as reduced grip strength, limited finger movement, or chronic pain may also affect the value of your claim, particularly if they interfere with your ability to work. How Do Broken Hand Injuries Occur in Car Accidents? Hand fractures can occur when your airbag deploys, your hand strikes the dashboard, or a vehicle door crushes your fingers. The force of a collision can fracture the small bones in your fingers or the longer bones in your palm, known as metacarpals. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, you may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty gripping objects. How Is a Broken Hand Treated After a Long Beach Crash? Treatment for a broken hand depends on which bones are fractured and how severe the injury is. Some fractures can heal with a splint or cast, while others may require surgery to realign or stabilize the bones. Depending on your injury, your doctor may recommend orthopedic evaluation, hand surgery, or occupational therapy. Keep your imaging reports, discharge instructions, specialist referrals, and therapy records. They help establish not just that your hand was fractured, but how the injury affected your recovery. After a collision, prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record documenting the injury and when you sought treatment, which helps connect the injury to the accident. What Damages Can You Recover for a Broken Hand After an Accident in California? California personal injury law generally allows injured people to pursue compensation for economic and noneconomic damages when another party’s negligence caused their injuries. Economic damages may include: Medical records documenting the precise bones involved, whether the fracture extends into a joint, and any nerve or tendon damage can make a substantial difference in settlement negotiations. When gripping heavy objects causes pain even after the cast comes off, you may be able to recover noneconomic damages for: Your claim may involve more than your initial hospital bill, especially if your doctor has restricted lifting and your employer cannot offer you modified duties. It may also include documented missed shifts, future therapy, and lasting functional limitations. How Do California Insurance Laws Affect My Long Beach Settlement? Since January 2025, California’s minimum bodily injury liability coverage for standard automobile policies has been $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, additional coverage or other legally responsible parties may become important. Also, California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that an injured person’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault, even if they share responsibility for the accident. If you are found to be 20% responsible for the collision, the amount of your recoverable damages would generally be reduced by 20%. How Do I Obtain a Long Beach Traffic Collision Report? If Long Beach police investigated your crash, the collision report may help establish what happened. You can request it through the Long Beach Police Department at 400 West Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. The department currently lists a $29 processing fee for report requests and warns that processing times can vary significantly. While your report is pending, preserve the following evidence: This type of information may be useful evidence if the insurance company disputes your claim or a lawsuit becomes necessary to pursue fair compensation. How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit Over a Broken Hand from a Car Accident in Long Beach? California generally gives injured people two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government entities may have claim-presentation deadlines and additional procedural requirements. Speak to a Long Beach car accident attorney as soon as you can after your injury occurs. Waiting to file can make it harder to obtain evidence. Nearby businesses may overwrite surveillance footage, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and the medical records may be more difficult to link to your original collision. Talk to a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement You may be able to drive again, but your hand still hurts when you grip the steering wheel. Your employer wants to know when you’ll return. Meanwhile, the insurance adjuster is asking whether you’re ready to settle. Signing a release could permanently close your claim. Before accepting a settlement, consider speaking with The Beliz Law Firm about your options. Our services include examining the collision evidence, reviewing medical records, documenting lost earnings, and evaluating how your hand injury may affect your work and daily activities. As a small Long Beach firm, we provide personal...

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What Are Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Long Beach Truck Accident?

Nov 10, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

You were driving along the 710 Freeway in Long Beach when a commercial truck struck your vehicle. Your head hit the side window during the collision. You spoke to the responding officers and answered their questions, but now you’re home with a headache that won’t go away. You’re also feeling dizzy when you stand up and having trouble remembering parts of the accident. These could be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, even if you never lost consciousness. It may be time for you to seek medical attention and speak with a personal injury lawyer. Since 2011, The Beliz Law Firm has been helping people injured in accidents pursue the compensation they need to heal. If you’ve suffered a head injury in a Long Beach truck accident, we can look at the facts of the crash, assess the effect your injuries have had, and work to hold the at-fault parties accountable for your losses. What Are the Signs of a Mild TBI?  A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force disrupts normal brain function. During a truck collision, your head may strike a window, steering wheel, or another part of your vehicle. The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the impact can also injure your brain without a direct blow to your head. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of a mild TBI or concussion may include: You may notice these problems when you try to return to your normal activities. For example, you might struggle to follow a conversation at work, forget an appointment, or develop a headache while looking at your computer screen. These symptoms do not automatically establish that you have a TBI. A medical professional can evaluate your condition and determine whether further testing or treatment is necessary. What Are the Warning Signs of a Severe Brain Injury? Some symptoms following a truck accident require immediate emergency medical attention. A serious TBI can involve bleeding, swelling, or other damage that becomes life-threatening. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience: Do not drive yourself to the hospital if you experience these warning signs. Can TBI Symptoms Appear Days After a Long Beach Truck Accident? Some brain injury symptoms may not become noticeable until hours or days after the collision. For instance, you may walk away from a truck accident near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Atlantic Avenue without recognizing a serious injury. Two days later, you begin experiencing headaches, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to bright lights. The delay does not necessarily mean your symptoms are unrelated to the crash. Seek prompt medical attention after a head injury, even if your initial symptoms seem minor. Tell your healthcare provider when your Long Beach truck accident happened, how your head was struck or jolted, and when each symptom began. Where Can You Get Treatment for a Head Injury in Long Beach? A doctor may perform a neurological examination to assess your memory, coordination, balance, reflexes, and other functions. Depending on your symptoms and the circumstances of your injury, your physician may recommend a CT scan or other testing. Long Beach-area medical resources include: The appropriate facility will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the care you need. A concussion may not appear on routine CT or MRI imaging. These tests can help identify certain structural injuries, including bleeding, but a normal scan does not necessarily rule out a mild TBI. How Can a TBI Affect Your Life After a Truck Accident? A brain injury can interfere with your ability to work, drive, manage household responsibilities, and maintain relationships. You could lose wages while recovering, need additional medical appointments, or require rehabilitation. Some people experience persistent symptoms that affect their daily functioning for months or longer. The severity and duration of a TBI vary considerably. Not everyone with a concussion develops long-term complications. What Compensation Can You Recover for a TBI Caused by a Truck Accident? If another party’s negligence caused your truck accident, California law generally allows you to pursue compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. The compensation available will depend on the nature of your injuries, the evidence supporting your losses, and who is legally responsible for the crash. Recoverable losses may include: Truck accident claims may involve the truck driver, trucking company, or other potentially responsible parties. Determining liability may require a Long Beach traumatic brain injury lawyer to review driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, electronic data, and evidence from the collision scene. Keep records of your medical visits, symptoms, work restrictions, and missed earnings. These documents can help establish how your injury affected your health and financial circumstances. California generally gives injured people two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Certain claims, including those involving government entities, may have shorter deadlines and additional claim filing requirements. Talk to a Long Beach Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer About Your Brain Injury You may be back home after your truck accident, but headaches make it difficult to finish a full workday, and you’re forgetting things that used to come naturally. Meanwhile, the trucking company’s insurer wants to know when you’ll be ready to settle.  At The Beliz Law Firm, we can independently investigate the circumstances of your crash, gather evidence of your injuries, document how your brain injury has affected your life, and negotiate with insurers. Michael Beliz provide clear answers and realistic expectations so you can make informed decisions before accepting a brain injury settlement. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your next steps.

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Legal Tips for Handling Long Beach Car Accident Deposition Questions

Oct 21, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 5 minutes

If your car accident case has reached the lawsuit stage, you will likely be required to give a deposition. For many injury victims, this is the most stressful part of litigation. You are placed under oath. Every word is recorded. And the defense attorney’s job is not to help you; it is to limit the value of your claim. Understanding how car accident deposition questions work and how to handle them properly can significantly affect the strength of your case. A deposition is not a casual conversation. It is sworn testimony, and preparation matters. What is a Car Accident Deposition in Long Beach? A deposition is part of the discovery process in a lawsuit. Discovery allows both sides to gather information before trial. During a deposition, the opposing attorney asks you questions under oath while a court reporter records your answers verbatim. There is no judge present. It may take place in a conference room rather than a courtroom. But it carries the same legal weight as testimony given in court. If your case proceeds to trial, your deposition transcript can be used to challenge inconsistencies in your testimony. Insurance companies use depositions to evaluate risk. They are assessing not only what you say, but how you say it. Credibility and consistency all matter. The Real Purpose Behind Deposition Questions in Long Beach Defense attorneys are not simply gathering facts. They are testing your case. When you are asked detailed questions about the collision, your injuries, or your medical treatment, the defense is looking for: Understanding this helps you stay focused. The goal is not to “win” the deposition. The goal is to answer truthfully and precisely without harming your case. What Are Common Areas Covered in Long Beach Car Accident Deposition Questions? You will likely be asked about your education, work history, and prior medical conditions. These questions are not random. They are designed to identify whether similar injuries existed before the crash. If you previously injured your back and are now claiming back pain from this collision, the defense will explore that history in detail. It does not automatically weaken your case. But inconsistencies between medical records and testimony can. Expect thorough questioning about how the crash occurred. Where were you going? What did you see? How fast were you traveling? Did you apply your brakes? Were you distracted? Defense counsel may ask the same question several different ways. That is intentional because they are testing whether your account remains consistent. Medical treatment is often the longest part of the deposition. You may be asked to describe every medical provider you saw, when treatment began, how long it continued, and whether you followed medical advice. Your answers should reflect reality. How to Prepare for a Long Beach Car Accident Deposition Preparation is not about memorizing answers. It is about understanding the process’s structure and reviewing key facts. You should review the police report, your medical treatment timeline, and major events related to missed work or activity restrictions. Being familiar with dates reduces hesitation and confusion. Equally important is understanding how to respond. Here’s what to focus on:   A short, accurate answer is usually the strongest answer. How Long Does a Long Beach Car Accident Deposition Take? Many clients want to know how long a deposition will take. The answer depends on the complexity of the case. Straightforward cases may last a few hours. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or extensive medical history may take longer. Length alone does not determine a deposition’s outcome. What matters is consistency and clarity. What Happens After a Deposition in a Long Beach Car Accident Case? Once depositions are completed, the defense attorney reports back to the insurance carrier. The carrier reassesses exposure. If testimony supports liability and damages are well documented, settlement discussions may intensify. If testimony introduces doubt, negotiations may stall. Mistakes That Can Weaken a Deposition Certain patterns can harm a case, such as: Most deposition damage does not come from dramatic admissions. It comes from small inconsistencies that affect credibility. The Role of a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney A qualified California car accident attorney does more than sit beside you during questioning. Proper representation includes: At The Beliz Law Firm, deposition preparation is not delegated to staff members. Attorney Michael Beliz prepares clients personally. The goal is not to script your testimony, but to help you understand the structure of the process and respond with confidence. Speak with The Beliz Law Firm Before Your Deposition A deposition is not simply a procedural step. It can influence the direction and value of your case. At The Beliz Law Firm, attorney Michael Beliz will work with you to help prepare for your deposition. Your testimony will be reviewed in the context of the full litigation strategy. No shortcuts, rushed preparation, or delegating to non-lawyer staff. If you have upcoming car accident deposition questions and want to be properly prepared, contact The Beliz Law Firm to discuss your case and next steps. Long Beach Car Accident Deposition FAQs What Should I Wear to a Car Accident Deposition? ▶ You should dress neatly and professionally for a car accident deposition, similar to how you would dress for an important meeting. While your clothing does not determine the outcome of your case, presenting yourself respectfully can help create a positive impression and demonstrate that you take the legal process seriously. Who Will Be Present During My Car Accident Deposition? ▶ A car accident deposition typically includes you, your attorney, the opposing attorney, and a court reporter who records your testimony. In some cases, an insurance company representative or videographer may also be present. Your attorney can explain who will attend and what to expect before the deposition begins. How Long Does a Car Accident Deposition Usually Last? ▶ Most car accident depositions last between two and four hours, although some cases may require additional time. The length depends on factors such as the complexity of the accident, the severity of your injuries,...

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