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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

Attorney Portrait

What Is the Average Settlement for Elbow Injury?

Jan 30, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

If you suffered an elbow injury in a car accident or a slip and fall, you may be wondering: What is the average settlement for elbow injury? While it is a reasonable question, the answer is not so simple. There is no standard dollar amount that applies to every case. Settlements for elbow injuries vary widely depending on several key factors. In most cases, the value of an elbow injury claim depends on the unique facts of your situation, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the available insurance coverage. Confidential settlements also make it difficult to calculate a true average. Still, understanding what goes into a settlement can help you know what to expect. Why There Is No True Average Elbow Injury Settlement? Many people search for the average settlement for elbow injury figures to understand what their claim might be worth. However, most settlements are confidential, and even when public information is available, the circumstances behind each case can differ significantly. Someone with a minor soft tissue injury may reach a quick settlement that covers a few thousand dollars in medical bills. A person with a fractured elbow that requires surgery and months of physical therapy may receive more compensation due to the extended recovery and lasting effects. Rather than focusing on an average number, looking at the factors that influence settlement value is more helpful. Factors Affecting Elbow Injury Compensation Amounts Every elbow injury case is different, and so are the potential outcomes. While it may be tempting to compare your case to others, the reality is that the value of a claim depends on many moving parts. Understanding these elements can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and help you make informed decisions. Several factors may increase or decrease the potential settlement for your elbow injury. Injury Severity The extent of damage to the elbow plays a major role in compensation. Common elbow injuries include the following: Settlements for minor bruises or sprains are often lower than for more serious injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, which can justify higher settlements. Type of Treatment and Recovery Time Injuries requiring surgery, extended medical care, or physical therapy tend to result in higher settlement offers. The same is true for injuries that lead to long-term pain, stiffness, or limited motion. Treatment-related expenses may include: The greater the impact of the injury on your life moving forward, the higher the compensation award is likely to be. Impact on Work and Daily Activities You may be eligible for additional compensation if your injury affects your ability to work or perform routine tasks. Loss of function can lead to substantial disruptions in daily life. For example, disruptions like the inability to lift, push, or carry as part of your job, or having to depend on others for household or childcare duties, can justify higher elbow injury compensation amounts. Insurance Policy Limits Even when your losses are clear, compensation may be limited by the other party’s insurance coverage. California drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits may be insufficient to cover serious injuries. In some cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage through your own policy may offer additional compensation. We can review all applicable insurance to identify available resources. Liability and Comparative Fault Your settlement may also depend on who was responsible for the accident. California uses pure comparative negligence, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share fault for the accident. For example, if you slipped in a store while distracted and are found 20% at fault, your settlement could be reduced by that percentage. Proving liability clearly can help strengthen your case. Together, these factors create the foundation for determining the value of your elbow injury claim. Understanding how each element influences your compensation can help set realistic expectations. With the proper support, you can navigate the process with more clarity and confidence. Other Damages in an Elbow Injury Claim In addition to medical expenses and lost income, you may also recover damages that reflect the broader impact of your injury. These may include: These losses are evaluated individually. We can help document and present them clearly to support your claim. How a California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help If your elbow injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you recover the compensation you deserve. At The Beliz Law Firm, we support injury victims throughout California by: We know how disruptive an elbow injury can be. We aim to help you move forward with support, clarity, and personalized attention. Speak with The Beliz Law Firm Today There is no simple formula for calculating the average settlement for elbow injury. Every case is unique, and compensation depends on your injury, your recovery, and who was responsible. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. At The Beliz Law Firm, we bring decades of personal injury experience and a commitment to providing personalized legal representation to every client we serve. We work to pursue the full compensation our clients are entitled to under California law. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you chart a course to obtain the resolution you need and deserve.

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What Happens When a Car Accident Exceeds Policy Limits in California?

Jan 29, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 6 minutes

Can a Car Accident Settlement Exceed the Policy Limit? Yes, it is possible for a car accident settlement to exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, but it can be challenging. When the damages from a car accident—such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are greater than the limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, victims must explore other options for compensation. These options might include leveraging their own insurance coverage, filing a lawsuit, or negotiating with the insurance company to open the policy limits. Even though, as a whole, people drove less in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, auto accidents were unfortunately widespread. Distracted driving accounted for approximately 14% of all car accidents resulting in injuries in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration (NHTSA). Also in 2020, over 1,100 people lost their lives due to alcohol-related car accidents in California. NHTSA estimates that in 2021, over 4,000 lost their lives in a traffic accident. Car insurance serves to help make sure that a crash victim receives a minimum amount of compensation for their injuries and damages. But what if the damages are more than the insurance policy limit? Can an auto accident settlement exceed the policy limit in California?  Key Points Insurance companies only pay up to policy limits. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance, the insurer will not cover the excess amount. You may pursue the driver personally for additional compensation. In California, injured parties can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages beyond insurance coverage. Other sources of compensation may be available. Options like your own underinsured motorist coverage or third-party liability claims may help bridge the gap. Legal guidance is crucial in high-damage cases. An experienced California car accident attorney can identify all avenues for recovery and protect your rights. California Insurance Policies and Limits California has special laws when it comes to car insurance. By law, individuals can carry traditional motor vehicle insurance or provide proof of financial responsibility in lieu of insurance. This allows individuals flexibility to choose how they would like to cover car accident liability. Additionally, it protects the public by requiring individuals to secure a method to compensate car accident victims for losses.  Types of California Insurance Policies California allows drivers to carry the following types of liability policies:  Some individuals may qualify for a low-cost insurance program. This program improves access to insurance coverage to individuals who can’t afford traditional car insurance. In return, however, the policy limits and coverage are less than those of traditional insurance.  California Insurance Policy Limits California’s drivers must provide evidence of the following minimum amounts of financial responsibility in case of an accident: If the individual carries a low-cost automobile insurance policy, the following limits apply: These are the minimum amounts of coverage that California’s drivers must carry or bear responsibility for. But drivers can opt to take out policies with higher coverage amounts.  Can You Recover More Than the Policy Limit in a California Car Accident Case? It depends. Part of the insurance contract is that the driver agrees to pay the insurance company X amount in exchange for the insurance covering losses totaling X amount or less.  Typically, insurance policies and limits represent the highest amounts that the insurance company may agree to pay if there’s an accident.  In California, you have to give the at-fault insurance company one opportunity to resolve the claim within their limits by sending over enough information to show the limit amount should be tendered. If the insurance company disagrees and does not pay, then the insurance policy limit is open.    You can still negotiate with the insurance company and at-fault parties to reach a settlement agreement that works for everyone. Additionally, if you have underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company may cover some of your damages.  Having an experienced auto accident lawyer to help you increases your chances of recovering. The Beliz Law Firm helps people like you negotiate with the insurance company. We’re not afraid to go to court to help victims and their families get the compensation they need and deserve.  What Can I Do If My Damages Exceed Insurance Policy Limits? Some car accident injuries like traumatic brain injury can incur a lifetime cost for medical treatment of thousands to over $1 million dollars. Aside from medical costs, you or your loved one may be missing out on wages, enduring pain and suffering, and going through other hardships because of the accident. Do you have options?  If you’re unable to negotiate a suitable settlement outside of court, filing a lawsuit may be your best option. If you go to court, the money award you receive isn’t limited by the insurance policy limits. California’s personal injury damages laws set how much you can receive from the at-fault party or parties.  Under California law, you may be entitled to full, fair, and reasonable compensation for the damages that the at-fault party caused. This includes direct damages, like to your car and your body during the accident. Additionally, you may receive compensation for the harm to you, your life, and your family because of the accident. In other words, compensation for your pain and suffering and lost wages. Unfortunately, just because a court may award you damages does not mean you will be able to collect them. Underinsured drivers often lack the resources to pay a judgment. Your attorney can investigate to help you determine whether filing a lawsuit will be worthwhile. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy, you can make a claim with your own insurance company up to the limits of that policy. A lawyer can help you navigate claims with both the at-fault driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company. Hiring a knowledgeable and trustworthy auto accident lawyer helps you maximize the recovery you receive.  Challenges in Securing High Settlements Pursuing compensation that exceeds policy limits in California is not straightforward. Insurance companies often resist paying...

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Effects of Lane Splitting on Motorcycle Accidents in California

Dec 3, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

Motorcycle riders often want to know how lane splitting in California affects accident outcomes and liability. California has a unique approach to lane splitting, which can make injury claims following a crash feel confusing. At Beliz Law Firm, our Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyers work to explain these issues in plain language so injured riders understand both their rights and the limits of the law. Lane splitting can be helpful for riders. It can also be risky when other drivers are not paying attention or when traffic conditions change suddenly. Because of these factors, it is important to understand the law, what the research shows, and the typical approach to determining fault. Is Lane Splitting in California Legal? Yes. Lane splitting became officially recognized in 2016 when the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 51. This bill added California Vehicle Code section 21658.1, which defines lane splitting and authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop safety guidelines.  The law does not set specific speed limits or distances for lane splitting. Instead, riders are expected to use caution. The CHP has issued safety recommendations, and those suggestions encourage lane splitting only when traffic is slow and when the rider is not moving at a much higher speed than surrounding vehicles. Because the law recognizes lane splitting but does not provide specific rules, each accident must be analyzed based on the facts. California Lane Splitting Law: What It Means for Riders The California lane splitting law does not grant riders unlimited freedom. It gives a definition and allows the CHP to provide safety guidance, but riders must still act reasonably. “Reasonableness” is an important legal term. It means a rider must act in a way that a careful and cautious person would under the same conditions. Drivers of passenger vehicles should also expect that lane splitting may occur. When they make unsafe lane changes or fail to check their blind spots, they may cause collisions with motorcyclists who are legally lane splitting. The law sets the framework, but fault after a crash is still determined through general negligence principles. Lane Splitting Accident Statistics: What the Data Shows Riders often wonder whether lane splitting is more dangerous than riding in a regular lane. Reliable lane splitting accident statistics are limited, but one of the most often referenced studies was funded through the California Office of Traffic Safety and completed by UC Berkeley researchers in 2015. The study reviewed several thousand motorcycle crashes and found: A common question is: Does lane splitting cause more accidents? There is no official government publication stating that lane splitting causes more crashes overall. Instead, safety studies tend to focus on how lane splitting is performed. This research indicates that lane splitting can be safer under certain conditions, but it can become more hazardous when speeds increase or when drivers fail to anticipate the motorcycle’s position. Because all accidents are different, the statistics help explain trends but do not predict the outcome of any single case. Lane Splitting in California: Liability and Fault After a motorcycle accident, one of the first questions asked is who is at fault in a lane splitting accident. California is a comparative negligence state, meaning each party’s share of fault is assigned a percentage, and compensation is reduced by that percentage. Liability is not automatic just because the rider was lane splitting. Since the practice is legal, the rider’s actions are judged the same way any driver’s actions would be judged. The question becomes whether the rider was acting reasonably. Examples of factors that may affect fault include: These general factors often come up in lane-splitting claims. Because lane-splitting accidents tend to happen in heavy traffic, memory and visibility can be limited. That makes evidence such as photos, the police report, helmet-camera footage, and witness statements more important. Who Is at Fault in a Lane Splitting Accident? Determining fault in a lane splitting accident usually does not have a single answer. The assessment depends on whether the rider or the driver acted without reasonable care. Insurance companies may argue that lane splitting contributed to the crash even when the rider was doing it carefully. This is why the facts of the accident, such as the speed and movement of traffic, play a significant role in the analysis. If the driver made an unsafe lane change or failed to check mirrors, fault may fall mainly on the driver. If the rider was splitting at a high speed or weaving abruptly, more fault may be assigned to the rider. Often, both sides share some percentage of fault. Because of these details, injured riders should consult with a lawyer who can review the evidence and explain how comparative fault may apply. Contact Beliz Law Firm to Understand How Lane Splitting May Impact Your Case Lane splitting is a recognized and legal practice in California, but it adds complexity when accidents occur. Research shows that lane splitting can reduce some injuries when it is done in slow or stopped traffic. It can also increase risks at higher speeds or when other drivers do not expect it. The effects of lane splitting in California on accident outcomes depend on the behavior of both the motorcyclist and the other driver. Since fault is based on negligence, each case requires careful review. Beliz Law Firm works to explain these laws in clear and simple terms so injured riders know what to expect. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, our office can review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand how liability may be applied. If you would like help evaluating your case, please reach out to the Beliz Law Firm for a complimentary consultation.

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