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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.

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.

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.

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 Should I Do If I Was Hit By a Company Vehicle?

| Read Time: 6 minutes

Pursuing a personal injury claim for compensation following a car accident can be complicated, especially one involving a company vehicle. If you were hit by a company vehicle, contact an attorney right away to receive legal advice. A company vehicle is any vehicle owned by a business and driven by an employee or other “agent” of the business. The vehicle could transport equipment or goods or be an employee’s assigned company car. Understandably, prospective clients come to us to find out, “What should I do if I was hit by a company vehicle?” If you suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact the Beliz Law Firm. We can help you determine the best course of legal action when a negligent driver in a company vehicle causes an accident. Injured by a Company Vehicle? Understand Your Rights and Maximize Your Claim – Reach Out to Beliz Law Firm for a Free Consultation! What To Do Immediately Following an Accident with a Company Car The steps you take immediately following an accident can impact your injury claim later. Here are some helpful things to remember following an accident with a company-owned vehicle in California. Contact the Police It’s crucial to contact the police following an accident with injuries, especially when a company vehicle is involved. In a traffic collision report, it usually states the driver’s name and the owner’s name. An officer may determine that the vehicle being driven was a company vehicle. In addition, the report will state the insurance information like company and policy number.  This insurance information may also lead to the finding of the vehicle and/or the insurance being with a company.   Exchange Contact Information Be sure to exchange all information with the other driver. Exchanging information will get you details on insurance and the owner of the vehicle. The insurance information will lead to the value of the policy limits. If the other driver was in the course and scope of employment and driving under their employer’s insurance plan, the policy limits may be higher. Most company insurance is higher than the average personal auto insurance limits.    Further, remember to gather information on independent witnesses. Witnesses are essential in these collisions because the insurance adjuster will strongly argue that the company representative was not at fault. Take Scene Photos If you can do so safely and not further injure yourself, take photos of the damage and surrounding scene. You don’t need a professional camera; cell phone images are fine. Try to get pictures of all vehicle damage, debris on the ground, skid marks, or any element of the scene that might be important to your claim. Most importantly take photos of the other vehicles. There may be a decal that shows it was a company vehicle. Don’t forget other factors like weather conditions, road hazards, a broken or blocked traffic sign, or any other relevant detail. Seek Medical Treatment Right Away If you do not require emergency medical transport from the scene, you still need to seek medical treatment right away. Even if you do not think you are severely injured, it’s crucial to get checked out. You could have internal injuries or soft tissue injuries that are not visible. If you delay treatment, the defendant’s representatives will likely use that fact to say that you weren’t that injured. Or they might suggest that another intervening event—that happened after the crash but before seeking treatment—caused your injuries. Contact an Attorney The other driver’s insurance will try to dissuade you, but it’s best to hire a lawyer right away. The sooner you have legal representation, the more your rights are protected. Having a legal advocate from the start will allow your attorney to do your talking for you, thereby keeping you from saying something that could harm your case. Examples of Accidents Involving Company Vehicles in California 1. Delivery Driver Runs a Red LightA delivery driver for a major shipping company runs a red light while making a scheduled delivery, striking your vehicle. If the driver was on duty, the employer is likely liable under vicarious liability. 2. Rideshare Vehicle Causes an AccidentA rideshare driver carrying passengers rear-ends you while working. The rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy may apply if the driver was actively engaged in transporting or picking up a passenger. 3. Company Car Used for Work ErrandsAn employee driving a company car to a client meeting sideswipes your vehicle. Since the driver was performing work duties, their employer’s insurance is typically responsible for damages. 4. Commercial Vehicle Overloaded with CargoA commercial truck overloaded with cargo causes a crash because the weight made the vehicle harder to control. Both the trucking company and the driver may be held liable for negligence. 5. Personal Use During Work HoursAn employee runs a personal errand in a company car during work hours and causes an accident. In this case, liability may depend on whether the errand was a minor deviation from work duties or a complete departure. Determining Liability if a Company Car Hits You in California California follows the rule of pure comparative negligence. This means that you can still collect compensation if you share fault for the accident. However, your award or settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So someone who is 20% liable would not receive more than 80% of their total damages. Claims involving company vehicles differ from other common accidents in several ways. Company vehicles can be commercial vehicles, but it doesn’t only mean 18-wheeler trucks. It could be a delivery van, shuttle, courier, etc. The driver could also drive a company car because they do outside sales, conduct inspections, attend meetings, and more.   If the other driver was acting within the course and scope of their employment at the time of the crash, the company would likely be responsible for the driver’s actions. Company vehicles typically have commercial insurance policies with higher limits than a personal auto insurance policy. That could be important if you sustained severe...

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 What’s the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?

| Read Time: 4 minutes

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can be life-changing. Suddenly, you’re faced with medical bills, physical pain, and, most likely, time away from work. You might wonder, What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Factors like the extent of your injuries, the driver’s insurance, and the nuances of California’s laws affect your potential settlement.  Understanding how these settlements work can help you make the best choices during this challenging time. If you’re in California and considering filing a claim, contact The Beliz Law Firm for guidance. We can help answer your questions, explain your rights, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Step 1: Understand What Goes into Pedestrian Accident Settlements When looking at the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car, it’s important to know what factors determine the final payout. Pedestrian accident settlements can vary widely depending on certain details, including: These factors will all affect your settlement amount. In your situation, it’s natural to wonder, “I was hit by a car; how much money will I get?” While it’s natural to look for a number, you should keep in mind that every case is unique. Even cases that look similar on paper can end in different outcomes due to small but important details. An attorney can help by carefully examining these details and presenting them in a way that strengthens your claim, ensuring that no factor is overlooked when negotiating your settlement. Step 2: Research Average Payouts for Pedestrian Accidents in California  The average payout for pedestrian hit-by-car cases in California can vary significantly. As mentioned, much of this depends on the unique details of your case.  Settlements for minor injuries, such as sprains or bruises, tend to be on the lower end, while more significant injuries, like fractures, usually result in higher payouts. For severe injuries, such as brain trauma or permanent disabilities, settlements can reach much higher amounts, sometimes covering substantial medical expenses and long-term needs. Your pedestrian hit-by-car settlement amount largely depends on the evidence you provide to demonstrate the accident’s impact on your life. Gathering documentation, like medical records, pay stubs, and photos of your injuries, can make a meaningful difference in negotiating a fair settlement.  Step 3: Take Steps to Start Your Claim If you’re considering seeking damages, follow these steps to make the process of starting your claim easier: The Beliz Law Firm can be your guide during this process. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and will work hard to make sure you get fair compensation. Don’t face this process alone—reach out to a firm that knows how to handle arguing for compensation for a pedestrian hit by a car. Considerations Affecting the Settlement of Pedestrian Accidents Several specific parameters can impact your settlement amount. Here are some that play a significant role in pedestrian settlements: California’s Comparative Fault Law  California follows a comparative fault rule. This means that if you, as the pedestrian, share any fault for the accident, it may lower your settlement. For instance, if you were jaywalking, the other party might argue that you are partly responsible. However, as long as the driver is found to have some share of fault, you can recover some damages. The Driver’s Insurance Limits The driver’s insurance coverage can also impact your settlement. California drivers must have liability insurance, but limits can vary. If the driver has minimum coverage, there may not be enough to cover your expenses. In such cases, underinsured motorist coverage or other options might help bridge the gap.  Pain and Suffering Damages Aside from covering direct costs like medical bills, settlements also include pain and suffering compensation. Pain and suffering damages include physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages can be more difficult to calculate, which is why we recommend using a journal. Sometimes, pain and suffering makes up a significant part of the settlement. Let The Beliz Law Firm Guide You to the Best Outcome The settlement process can feel overwhelming on your own. The Beliz Law Firm, founded by Michael A. Beliz, has a track record of helping injured clients across Southern California get the settlements they deserve. With years of experience in personal injury law and millions recovered for clients, Michael Beliz understands how to navigate complex cases, from car accidents to pedestrian injuries. Each pedestrian accident is unique, and having a professional evaluate your situation can give you a clearer picture of what compensation you might expect. With The Beliz Law Firm, you’ll have an advocate who understands the nuances of calculating an average payout for a pedestrian hit by car cases and can help you make the strongest case possible.  Call The Beliz Law Firm today or contact us online to set up a free consultation and learn more about your rights as a pedestrian hit by a car in California. 

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Can I Get Compensation for my Whiplash Injury?

| Read Time: 4 minutes

Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down, especially if you’re dealing with a whiplash injury. This type of neck injury often leads to intense pain, headaches, and difficulty with daily tasks. You might wonder, Can you sue for whiplash in a car accident? In short, whiplash injuries can have lasting effects, and you have the right to explore compensation in a whiplash settlement. Although trying to understand your options can feel complicated—that’s where we come in.  At The Beliz Law Firm, we represent clients in all aspects of personal injury law, focusing on car and motorcycle accidents. Call us today or contact us online to discuss your claim. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about filing a car accident whiplash claim, calculating whiplash payout amounts, and understanding how much whiplash claims can typically cover. From the basics to the next steps, we have you covered. Understanding Whiplash and Your Right to a Claim  After a car accident, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a whiplash injury and how it can impact your life. Whiplash usually happens when your head jerks suddenly, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck. This injury may cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and even dizziness or blurred vision. You may need medical attention, physical therapy, or time off work to recover. Additionally, whiplash isn’t just about a temporary discomfort; it can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. If you experience these symptoms after an accident, filing a car accident whiplash claim can help you receive compensation for your injury and related expenses. California law allows you to pursue damages for whiplash pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. By filing a claim, you could ease the financial burden of your injury and focus on recovery.  Whiplash Pain and Suffering Pain and suffering compensation in whiplash claims goes beyond covering medical expenses; it seeks to address the physical and emotional toll of your injury. Unlike straightforward costs like medical bills, pain and suffering damages are more subjective, compensating you for the impact of your injuries on your daily life, such as limiting activities or affecting your mental well-being. To estimate these damages, insurers or courts often consider: Working with an attorney can help you calculate a fair amount for your pain and suffering, ensuring you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth. Filing a Car Accident Whiplash Claim in California  Filing a claim for your whiplash injury involves several key steps: By taking these steps, you can feel confident that your whiplash claim is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on your recovery. How Much for Whiplash Claims? You may be curious how much you could get in a whiplash settlement after a car accident. These types of settlements vary widely, with milder cases ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. More severe cases may settle for six figures or even more if they lead to long-term issues. Settlements are often higher if you have a lasting injury, high medical bills, or significant lost wages. An attorney can help you evaluate your specific situation to determine a fair amount. Remember, every whiplash claim is unique, and an experienced attorney will help you understand what’s realistic for your case. How Much Does Insurance Pay for Whiplash? One common question people ask is, How much does insurance pay for whiplash? Similar to the discussion above, because every case is unique, insurance settlements for whiplash can vary widely.  Often, insurance companies try to lowball the amount they offer, aiming to settle the case quickly and for less than the injury may be worth. This can be frustrating when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the pain of your injury. Working with an attorney can help you get the whiplash payout you deserve by negotiating with the insurance company and ensuring they consider the full impact of your injury. A lawyer can advocate on your behalf, pushing for a fair and comprehensive whiplash settlement that reflects your needs and hardships. Can You Sue for Whiplash in a Car Accident? In California, you can sue for whiplash after a car accident, even if whiplash is your only injury and your vehicle has minimal damage. California follows a “fault” system, allowing you to seek compensation if another driver’s negligence caused your injury. However, the insurance company might challenge the claim, arguing that minimal car damage means minimal injury. Even if you were partially at fault, California’s “pure comparative negligence” rule allows you to recover damages, though any settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This can still cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  When you sue for whiplash, your attorney will help prove that the other driver’s actions led to your injury and fight for fair compensation, even with minor vehicle damage or no other major injuries. Fight for a Whiplash Payout with The Beliz Law Firm  The experienced team at The Beliz Law Firm understands the challenges of recovering from an accident while managing insurance claims and legal companies. Led by Michael A. Beliz, Esq., who has successfully recovered millions for clients across Southern California, we’re committed to excellent client service and proven results.  Whether you’re facing low settlement offers or dealing with difficult insurance adjusters, our team will fight for the compensation you deserve, from whiplash claims to other personal injury matters.  Call or reach out online today to learn how we can support your recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve.  

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