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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.

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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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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?

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?

Recent Blog Posts

Attorney Portrait

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take in California?

Jun 27, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 5 minutes

Being the victim of a motorcycle accident is a terrible experience. It can leave you and your loved ones struggling financially and mentally. If your medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work, you may be concerned about how long it will take to get compensation from the person who caused your accident. So how long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?  A motorcycle accident lawsuit can take a few months to a few years to settle in California, depending on your individual circumstances. A California motorcycle injury lawyer can examine the facts of your case and give you the best idea of how long your claim is likely to take. Factors That Affect How Long a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Takes No two accidents are the same. Every motorcycle accident lawsuit has different facts that affect the time it takes to resolve. So how long can a lawsuit drag out for a motorcycle accident? It depends on certain factors, including the following. Disputed Liability In some accidents, the person at fault is easy to identify. These cases tend to settle more quickly because the parties will not spend time arguing about who is responsible for the accident. When an ancient is more complex, it may be difficult to determine which party is at fault. Both parties may be at fault, but the percentage of liability may be unclear.  California is a pure comparative negligence state. That means if you are partially at fault for the accident, it may reduce the value of your claim. If you disagree with the insurance company regarding how much fault—if any—should be allocated to you, it may take longer to resolve your claim. A complex accident may take several months of negotiation to come to an agreement. And if the disputed issues require a trial, the case may take years. Disputed Damages Damages from some accidents may be easy to calculate. If there is no dispute over the extent of your injuries, you may be able to agree with the insurance company on an appropriate number. But sometimes damages can be difficult to calculate, especially if there is psychological and emotional trauma or you need to estimate future medical costs. It can also be difficult to place a value on intangible losses like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and lost enjoyment of life. The insurance company may resist paying you what you believe these losses are worth, and that may delay the progression of your case. How Long It Takes You to Recover from Your Injuries Some injuries take longer to heal than others. A broken leg heals differently than a pierced lung. Some injuries will heal in a few weeks while others can take months or years. And you may never fully recover from some injuries. Typically, you will want to wait until you fully recover from your injuries or know the extent of permanent damage before making your claim. This way, you will be able to make an accurate calculation of damages. But be sure to consult with an attorney to make sure you don’t miss important deadlines for filing your claim. Steps of a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in California Despite different facts, the steps of a motorcycle accident lawsuit are the same. Each step impacts the overall time it takes to resolve your motorcycle accident claim. In many cases, you will be able to resolve your claim within a few months through negotiation, possibly without even filing a lawsuit. However, if you have to take your claim all the way to trial, it may take several years to resolve. Investigating and Gathering Evidence  The next step involves investigating the accident and gathering evidence, such as  This step is crucial because this evidence provides information on fault. It also assists in the calculation of damages. Preparing a Demand Letter After you have collected all the evidence, the next step is to build your claim. If you have an attorney, they will prepare a demand letter to send to the insurance company. In the demand letter, you will list the amount of damages you suffered and request payment. Damages in California include economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering are subjective and more difficult to calculate.  An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you estimate all your damages and ensure that you ask for the full value of your losses. Negotiating with the Insurance Company Once the insurance company receives your demand letter, they will typically work to negotiate a settlement with you.  Know that insurance companies are notorious for offering less compensation than you deserve. Consult a lawyer to ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.  Negotiations with the insurance company can last from a couple months to over a year. It all depends on how complex the case is. Filing a Lawsuit The next stage of a motorcycle accident lawsuit is to file a personal injury claim in court. Accident victims take this step if negotiations with the insurance company fail. If you have not already, you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at this stage. They can defend your rights in court and ensure you get the highest available damages. Always be aware of the motorcycle accident lawsuit time limit. You don’t have forever to bring a lawsuit in court. California law sets a two-year deadline on filing a personal injury action. The clock starts to tick on the date of the accident.  If you do not sue by the two-year deadline, you will likely be prohibited from bringing a personal injury claim in court and fail to recover any damages. Discovery After you file your claim, you will have the opportunity to gather additional evidence through the discovery process. Discovery allows you to do the following: The more evidence, witnesses, and experts are involved in the case, the longer the lawsuit will take. Trial If you cannot reach a settlement...

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What Is the Average Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in California?

Jun 27, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

Rear-end collisions are typically unexpected and can result in serious injuries and major property damage. California allows the victim of a rear-end crash to file a personal injury claim when the collision occurred due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful act. Every rear-end collision is different, so every rear-end crash settlement is different. Thus, there is no average rear-end collision settlement in California. The settlement for a rear-end crash will depend on a variety of different factors, like the extent of the victim’s injuries and their chances of a full recovery. Contact a California car accident attorney at Beliz Law today to discuss a fair rear-end collision settlement amount for your case. What Losses Count Toward a Rear-End Collision Settlement? In California, a personal injury judgment is designed to compensate you for the losses you suffered as a result of the at-fault party’s negligence. Therefore, it is impossible to calculate the average payout for a rear-end collision without reviewing the details of a case. After a rear-end crash, common economic losses include:  Proving economic damages is relatively straightforward as long as you keep a record of the costs you incur due to the accident. Medical expenses can make up a large chunk of your economic losses. Thus, someone who suffers a more serious injury in a rear-end collision will likely incur more losses stemming from medical costs alone. In addition to economic damages, plaintiffs can recover non-economic damages in a personal injury claim. Non-economic damages represent a more abstract form of damages that aim to compensate you for things like: The abstract nature of non-economic damages makes them more confusing to understand and harder to calculate. Our team can consult with economic experts who can give an accurate market value for your losses to help calculate a fair settlement offer. What Is Considered a Rear-End Collision? A rear-end car accident occurs when a car collides with the vehicle in front of it.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 5,250,837 police-reported car accidents occurred throughout the United States in 2020, resulting in 2,282,015 injuries. Inevitably, some of these accidents are rear-end collisions. In the United States, there are more than eight million car accidents annually, with rear-end collisions accounting for about 41.6% of all accidents between two vehicles. Causes of Rear-End Collisions in California Though avoiding a rear-end crash may seem easy, they occur with alarming regularity. In many cases, rear-end collisions happen when one car is stopped or moving very slowly, and a second vehicle strikes it from behind. This scenario frequently occurs in high-traffic areas when drivers need to stop with little notice. Factors that may cause a rear-end collision include: The cause of the rear-end collision will help determine whether you can successfully recover through a personal injury claim.  Even if you share some blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover. California applies the rule of pure comparative negligence to personal injury claims. That means even if you were partially responsible for the collision, you can still bring a personal injury claim against the other party and collect compensation. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the judge finds you 30% at fault for the accident and awards you $200,000, you will recover $140,000. How Can I Maximize My Rear-End Collision Settlement? No one anticipates a rear-end collision. As a result, many people think their hands are tied until they contact an attorney to review their case. However, there are a few steps you can take to maximize the amount of information you can provide your lawyer to build a case. Report Your Collision to Authorities You should contact law enforcement and request that an officer come to the accident scene as soon as possible. Someone else may contact law enforcement for you upon seeing the collision, but you should call 9-1-1 just in case. The police officer who responds to the scene will create an accident report that contains basic information about the crash and the officer’s impression of who caused the accident. Seek Treatment for Your Injuries If you suffer an injury in your rear-end accident, you should seek medical treatment immediately.  Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, which can result in injuries to your neck and spinal cord. In some cases, spinal cord injuries do not present themselves immediately. Thus, even if you do not see apparent injuries, you should still seek a medical evaluation to verify that you did not suffer a hidden injury.  Additionally, you can start preserving documentation of your medical expenses with your first doctor visit.  Collect Evidence from the Accident Scene The strength of your rear-end accident case will depend on what evidence your attorney can present to prove the opposing party’s fault. You can collect some of this evidence at the accident scene immediately after the collision. You may be able to collect the following information at the scene: Your attorney cannot recreate the accident scene once it gets cleaned up. That means the information you collect at the scene may be the best picture they get of the accident.  Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Beliz Law Firm to Discuss Rear-End Settlement Amounts A car accident lawyer can help you recover a rear-end collision settlement that fairly compensates you for your financial losses. Our team of attorneys has years of experience handling car accident cases. Whether you are seeking a minor rear-end collision settlement or suffered a significant injury, the Beliz Law Firm is here for you. Contact us today.

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Average Settlement for Dog Bite in California

May 12, 2023 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

The average dog bite settlement can vary significantly from case to case. If the dog caused severe injuries, the person might have incurred more expenses, possibly meriting a higher settlement. In contrast, if the victim suffers minor bruises or no physical injuries at all, the damage award may be lower. An attorney can help you understand and assert your legal rights to help maximize your settlement.  Michael Beliz has successfully helped numerous clients recover compensation in many personal injury cases, including claims involving dog bites. He understands the trauma and risks that his clients experience when they suffer a dog attack. He and his team provide aggressive yet compassionate legal representation to clients throughout California to help them reclaim their lives and recover compensation.  What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite Case? Every situation leading to a dog bite is unique. For that reason, there is no average settlement for a dog bite case in California. Your chance of recovering compensation depends on a host of factors, such as:  The best way to determine if you have a claim against a dog owner and how much that might be is to talk to a legal professional who regularly practices in this area of law. An attorney understands the nuances of California’s dog bite and personal injury laws and may give you some information on what to expect if you pursue damages.  What Might Affect the Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts? While no one can reasonably guarantee a particular outcome, there are common types of damages that may arise in a given case. Three common sources of compensation include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The specific amount of these (or whether the victim receives these at all) depends on the surrounding circumstances.  Medical Expenses Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and infections. These can result in the victim paying hospital bills, co-pays, prescription drug fees, and rehabilitation costs. Medical expenses are a common source of damages in a dog bite case. To recover these damages, you’ll need to show that they resulted from the dog bite. In addition, there may be future medical expenses like plastic surgery once the dog bite heals.    Lost Wages Many dog bite victims may have to miss work while they quarantine, receive treatment for their injuries, or recover after an attack. You may be entitled to reimbursement from the dog’s owner to cover the time you could not work because you had to attend attack-related medical treatments or stay home and recover.  Pain and Suffering Pain and suffering is another type of compensation dog bite victims may receive. This type of damage award compensates you for the pain and trauma involved in suffering a dog bite. It can include the trauma of the event and the effects you experience later on.  How Can I Maximize the Average Payout for a Dog Bite? There are steps you can take to help maximize the payout you may receive for a dog bite. These steps include seeking medical attention, taking swift action, and hiring an attorney. While none of these guarantee a particular outcome, they help set you up for possible success.  Take Photos Take photos of the dog and your injuries.  Keep taking photos of your injuries to show the healing process. Documenting your injuries from the very beginning will show the defendant how your life was affected from the attack. Call Animal Control  Call the local animal control. They will go out and gather information about the dog and the dog owner, in addition to getting statements from all interested parties and taking photos of the dog and any injuries. This information will all be put into a report that will be useful for your dog bite claim.    Seek Medical Attention Seeking medical attention after a dog bite is imperative to protect your health. Because dogs use their mouths so frequently and owners do not sanitize their pets’ mouths every day, dogs tend to have a lot of potentially dangerous bacteria in their saliva. The best practice is to go to the doctor even before you show signs of an infection. This helps protect your health and sets a strong foundation for your legal claim.  Take Swift Action California imposes a strict deadline on when injury victims can file a claim against an at-fault party for a personal injury. In most cases, this deadline is two years, but there are exceptions. Some claims may merit a longer or shorter time limit. An attorney can help you identify and meet this deadline.  Hire an Attorney Hiring an attorney can help you prepare, present, and effectively negotiate your settlement. Further, at-fault parties are more likely to take you and your dog bite claim seriously if you have an attorney to help you. A lawyer serves as your advocate to help ensure that your best interests are respected during the case.  The Beliz Law Firm Can Help Dog bites can be terrifying experiences, causing trauma and physical injuries. If you suffered an injury during a dog attack, acting quickly and effectively to protect your physical health and legal rights is essential.  Michael Beliz understands the pain and challenges experienced by California dog bite victims. He can help you understand the applicable laws in your situation and will listen to your dog attack story. He has over 15 years of experience fighting for injury victims throughout California. If you experienced a dog bite in California, contact Michael today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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