Can I Get My Belongings from My Towed Car in Long Beach?

Jul 31, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

A few days after you were involved in a car collision on Long Beach Boulevard, you call the storage yard or drive out to it and are told that nothing will come out of the car until the bill is paid. So you ask the obvious question: can I get my belongings from my towed car? Yes. The tow company’s right to hold your vehicle does not extend to the things inside it, and the tow bill does not have to be paid first. Your property is owed to you upon demand, at no charge, during normal business hours. If a Long Beach crash has left you without your car and without your personal belongings, contact The Beliz Law Firm. We can help contact the storage yard, confirm which agency authorized the tow, ensure the vehicle is photographed before it is released, and handle the adjuster regarding storage charges while you recover. What Does the Lien Cover and What Does It Never Touch? When a vehicle is towed at the direction of law enforcement, and the yard has received the notices required by statute, the yard is given a lien on the vehicle itself, meaning a legal claim that allows it to hold the property until the debt is paid. That is why the car cannot be driven off the lot until the bill is settled. Possession can begin before the car ever leaves the scene, either once it is in transit or once recovery work requested by law enforcement has started. That is why an owner who is still on their feet cannot simply drive away, but can take the car back by paying only the tow charge. What is rarely explained is that the lien reaches the car, not its contents. The statute never defines which objects are the vehicle and which are merely inside it, which is why the argument happens at all. In practice, the line is drawn by local policy, and Long Beach draws it based on whether the item can be carried out without tools. Items such as clothing, paperwork, and baby seats come out. Batteries, tires, and installed stereo equipment need tools, so they stay with the car. What Are the Hours, Gate Fees, and the Notice You Can Ask For? Normal business hours for releasing personal property are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays. Within that window, the property is handed over at no charge. Outside of it, a gate fee may be charged, capped at one-half of the hourly tow rate. Facilities must also return after-hours messages within six business hours. A storage facility must be open and accessible during those hours, and every facility that charges for towing or storage must post a Towing and Storage Fees and Access Notice in plain view and provide a copy upon request. Asking for it tends to end disagreements quickly. Some yards’ post retrieval hours are narrower than that window. The statute is worded carefully here: the property is owed to you upon demand. A demand made only in conversation is hard to prove later, while a short email or voicemail naming the property sought is not. Where these requirements are ignored, the facility can be held civilly liable for up to twice the amount charged, capped at $500 per vehicle. How Can a Police Hold Change the Answer? One exception matters, and it arises more often after serious collisions than people expect. If the vehicle has been placed on an investigative hold, nothing may be seen, touched, or removed until the investigating officer authorizes release. Holds follow fatalities, suspected impairment, and any crash where the vehicle itself is being examined. The hold is lifted by the law enforcement agency that ordered the tow, not by the storage yard, and that agency is named on the notice of stored vehicle you receive. For most Long Beach collisions, it is the Long Beach Police Department, or the California Highway Patrol if the crash happened on the freeway. Where the car was taken as evidence, the law also provides that no lien attaches to the vehicle at all unless the owner permitted the person accused of the crime to drive it, so an innocent owner should not be absorbing storage charges for someone else’s offense. When Does Your Right to the Property Run Out? The right to demand your belongings does not last forever. A storage lien can ripen into a lien sale of the vehicle, and the statute provides that once the vehicle has been disposed of, the lienholder is no longer responsible for any property inside it. Until that day, the yard is what the law calls a depositary for hire and must use at least ordinary care over what is left with it. After that day, there is no custodian left to demand anything from. Can Your Belonging Be Considered Evidence? The contents of a wrecked car often carry proof that exists nowhere else. A dashcam card holds the seconds before impact. A phone holds the timestamps showing you were not on a call. Bent frames, cracked lenses, and a deformed child seat are physical evidence of forces no repair estimate will convey. Photograph everything where it sits before it is removed. California does not recognize a separate cause of action for destroyed evidence, so the practical answer is to preserve it now rather than seek a remedy later. On the same visit, and under the same rule that allows you to take your property before paying anything, you are also entitled to inspect the vehicle at no charge. You May Recover Everything But the Car If your car was towed after a collision, you may be asking, Can I get my belongings from my towed car? In California, yes, and without paying the tow bill first. The storage lien covers the vehicle, not its contents; loose items come out, while bolted equipment stays. A police investigative hold is the one thing that overrides all of it,...

Car Accidents

How to Find My Towed Car After a Long Beach Car Accident

Jul 30, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

A towed car is rarely lost. It is sitting in a yard that knows exactly where it is. What is missing is the name of whoever ordered it towed. That is the real problem behind how to find my towed car after a collision. Start with the City of Long Beach lookup at findmytowedcar.org, which searches vehicles held at the City’s Towing Operations and Vehicle Storage Facility. If the search comes back empty, two calls cover most of what is left. Towing Operations keeps a 24-hour recorded line at (562) 570-2828, and the Long Beach Police Department maintains Auto Records at (562) 570-7475 for the status of towed and impounded vehicles. If the crash happened on the 405, the 710, the 605, or the 91, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) probably ordered the tow, and the CHP office covering that stretch of freeway is where to ask. If you were hurt in a Long Beach car accident and are left to track down the car, The Beliz Law Firm can help. Locating the car, identifying which agency ordered the tow, obtaining the traffic collision report that names it, and finding out whether a hold has been placed are all things that can be handled for you. Contact The Beliz Law Firm for a free consultation. How Does a Car Leave a Crash Scene? After a collision, there are three scenarios for where your car can be towed: The Paper Trail Somebody Is Required to Keep The system generates more records than most people realize. A tow operator summoned to a collision scene by a law enforcement officer or public agency must have written information in hand before leaving, including the name of that agency and either the log, call, incident, or dispatch number, or the officer’s surname and badge number. That written record is the thread connecting the car to whoever ordered it moved. When a public agency directs the storage of a vehicle, notice must be mailed or delivered to the registered and legal owners’ address on the vehicle registration within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, stating the storage location, describing the vehicle, and explaining the authority for the removal. When a vehicle is removed from private property, the towing company must notify local law enforcement within roughly half an hour once the vehicle is in transit. A police record of the tow should therefore exist well before you start looking for it, which means calling the police is worth doing even when a private yard has the car. Where Does Long Beach Keep Vehicles? The City’s Towing Operations and Vehicle Storage Facility sits at 3111 E. Willow Street. Vehicles and property are released Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with releases outside those hours available for an added fee. Expect to be asked for identification and proof that you are the registered or legal owner. Someone else can go in your place with written authorization if you are unable to travel. What Happens When the Notice Never Comes? The 48-hour notice requirement does not apply to a vehicle removed from private property or taken in for inspection after a hit-and-run. In those two situations, no notice is owed, and the first call must come from you. The hit-and-run exception carries its own limit, which is worth knowing. A vehicle removed for inspection must be released within 48 hours of the removal on the owner’s demand, and weekends and holidays are not counted toward that period. Getting Back What the Crash Took The answer to how to find my towed car is less about searching than about identifying who ordered the tow. Start with the City’s online lookup and the Willow Street facility, call Auto Records if the agency is unclear, and remember that a freeway crash was probably a CHP tow. A written record of the tow must exist, and the 48-hour notice does not cover private property removals or hit-and-run inspections, which is why the first call usually has to come from the owner. At The Beliz Law Firm, we believe a person recovering from a collision should not have to become their own investigator. Michael A. Beliz has represented people hurt in Southern California collisions since 2006 and has practiced in Long Beach since the firm opened in 2011. Clients are kept informed at every stage, and the work of tracking down a vehicle and an agency is handled by the firm rather than by the person recovering. If your vehicle was towed after a collision and you do not know where it is, contact The Beliz Law Firm for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Long Beach.

Category Name

Pacific Coast Highway Accidents: What Long Beach Victims Need to Know

Jul 29, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most photographed drives in America, usually pictured with cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other. The stretch running through Long Beach is a different road entirely. It runs inland, beneath the Terminal Island Freeway on the west side, through the Los Alamitos Traffic Circle, and past storefronts and a college campus out east. Long Beach paramedics and Long Beach police respond to crashes here, but the road itself is owned or maintained by the State of California. If a dangerous condition, a missing sign, or an unwarned hazard caused the collision, liability rests with the state, and a much shorter deadline for filing a lawsuit applies. That is what sets Pacific Coast Highway accidents apart from almost every other crash in the city. If you were injured on PCH, The Beliz Law Firm can help. Our Long Beach car accident lawyers can determine which agency is responsible for that segment, obtain traffic collision reports, preserve roadway conditions, meet filing deadlines, and deal with insurers. What Steps Should Be Taken After Pacific Coast Highway Accidents? The immediate steps you take after an accident are the same as after any serious crash, and include: The step unique to PCH accidents is determining whether the road itself was at fault, because a written claim against a public entity is due within six months rather than the two years allowed against a driver. Responsibility can also be divided. California owns the highway, but may share an individual intersection with the city under a maintenance agreement. Sidewalks, lighting, and driveways may belong to someone else. Sorting that out takes time, and the clock is already running. The Six-Month Clock Nobody Mentions Filing against the wrong entity preserves nothing, which is why the split between city and state matters in practice and not just on paper. The Long Beach stretch of Route 1 was never relinquished to the city, which is why a claim for a dangerous condition must be presented to the state rather than the city. To bring an injury claim against a public entity in California, a written claim must first be presented to it within six months of the incident. Once a claim is rejected, a further deadline for filing suit runs, measured in months rather than years. That six-month deadline runs independently of the two-year deadline for an injury claim against the at-fault driver, and surviving one does not extend the other. Why Is a Road Claim Harder Than a Driver Claim? A public entity is liable for injury caused by a dangerous condition of its property only where the condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury suffered and the entity had notice of it in time to have done something. Notice is frequently the fight, and prior collisions at the same location are how it gets proven. The state also has an added defense. Design immunity protects an approved roadway design where discretionary approval was given, and substantial evidence supports its reasonableness. That immunity can be lost if the design becomes dangerous because of changed physical conditions, the entity knew or should have known, and it had a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem or warn about it. On a corridor being actively studied and rebuilt for safety reasons, the record of what the state knew tends to be substantial. Which Deadlines Run No Matter Who Is at Fault? Separate from any government claim, an ordinary personal injury action in California generally must be filed within two years. California also requires drivers to report an accident within 24 hours if it results in an injury or death. Separately, the driver must personally file an SR-1 Accident Reporting Form with the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if the crash resulted in an injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage; a police officer’s report does not substitute for the SR-1. These deadlines are easy to miss from a hospital bed. A CA Pacific Coast Highway accident lawyer will usually take them over at the first meeting. What Actually Determines the Recovery Number? Expectations should be set carefully here. Let’s take a look at why. How Can Personal Insurance Impact Recovery Amounts? Most claims are resolved within the insurance available. California requires only modest minimum coverage, and where the at-fault driver carries the minimum, that figure is what their insurer will pay. It is not a cap on what the driver legally owes. A judgment can exceed the policy, with the difference becoming the driver’s personal debt. What Is the Difference Between Economic and Noneconomic Damages? Recovery generally consists of two categories: economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include documented costs, such as: Noneconomic damages cover harder-to-measure costs, including: Fault is divided rather than assigned, so recovery is still possible when you are partly to blame. Your share of fault reduces the amount, with each defendant paying only its own percentage of the noneconomic portion. Recovery is also generally capped for past medical care at the amount actually paid or still owed rather than the amount billed. The One Question That Changes Everything Pacific Coast Highway accidents in Long Beach turn on a question most collisions never raise: Was the road itself part of the cause? Everything that follows, which deadline applies, which entity gets the claims, and what the case is actually worth, depends on the answer. At The Beliz Law Firm, our founding partner, Michael A. Beliz, has spent two decades untangling exactly these kinds of jurisdictional questions in Southern California collisions. Our firm helps clients go up against agencies and insurers built to process claims like this routinely, at a moment when nothing about it feels routine to the person living through it. We guide clients through the process as it unfolds, so they are never the last to know where things stand. If you were hurt on the Pacific Coast Highway, contact The Beliz Law Firm for a free...

Category Name

What is the Average Car Accident Concussion Settlement in Long Beach?

Jul 28, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 5 minutes

In California, each year, nearly 200,000 people are treated and released from emergency departments, and over 30,000 more are hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of nonfatal traumatic brain injury. Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes, and most of these injuries are concussions. If you were in a car accident in Long Beach and suffered a concussion, the question that follows is usually what a car accident concussion settlement is worth in Long Beach. If a doctor has diagnosed you with a concussion after a crash, The Beliz Law Firm can help. We collect your medical records and imaging, work with your treating doctors to document symptoms that may not show up on scans, identify every policy that might pay, and handle communication with the adjuster so you can focus on your recovery. What Is a Concussion? A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is moved suddenly inside the skull, caused by a direct blow or from the whipping motion of a crash with no head contact at all. Most people who suffer from one never lose concussions. Symptoms are frequently delayed by hours or days, with some of the most common being: When these symptoms remain after roughly three months, the condition is often called post-concussion syndrome, and that diagnosis changes a claim’s value considerably. How Much Can I Expect from a Settlement? No official average is published because settlements are private and are not reported to any state agency. What can be described is a range. These claims are generally resolved between roughly $20,000 and $1,000,000. A concussion that clears up within a few weeks or months, with limited treatment and little time lost from work, is usually settled in the lower five figures. Where symptoms are documented past the three-month mark and specialists have been involved, values move into the mid-to-high five-figure range, sometimes six figures. While seven-figure outcomes exist, they require permanent impairment, proven lost earning capacity, and a policy large enough to pay it. Those cases are rare. What Is the Ceiling That Gets Mentioned Last? A claim can only be paid from existing insurance. Policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, must carry at least $30,000 per person in bodily injury coverage. If the at-fault driver carries the state minimum, that is the most the insurer will pay, no matter how strong the case is. Anything beyond it must come from your underinsured motorist coverage, a second responsible party, or the driver personally. How Are Damages Categorized? California law entitles an injured person to compensation for all damages caused by the wrongdoer. That compensation splits into economic and noneconomic damages, and is how the car accident concussion settlement amount can be evaluated honestly. Economic damages are among the losses provable with documents. Four categories are usually claimed: One rule often overlooked is that recovery for past medical care is capped at the amount paid or still owed, or the reasonable value of care. This does not apply the same way when treatment was provided on a lien or without health insurance, where the measure shifts to reasonable value, and the billed figures carry more weight. Noneconomic damages refer to compensation for losses that cannot be documented with invoices or tangible receipts. Three common types of these damages carry the weight in a concussion claim: Rather than being awarded as distinct payouts, these categories are bundled into a single noneconomic damage amount. Additionally, a spouse may file an independent claim for loss of consortium to recover damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and support. Why Are These Damages Harder to Prove? A fracture appears on film. A concussion usually does not. Scans are ordered to rule out bleeding, and a normal result is common even when real symptoms are present. These claims are built from records rather than images, so gaps in treatment are used against you. When weeks pass without a medical visit, the insurer argues that you recovered. Pre-existing conditions are raised constantly, but California follows the eggshell skull doctrine, meaning a wrongdoer takes the injured person as found. A prior head injury made worse by the crash is compensable when a clear before-and-after record exists. What Deadlines and Fault Rules Impact Settlement Amounts? In California, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the crash. If a public entity is involved, a formal written claim must be submitted within six months of the date of the injury. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, so recovery is allowed when you are partly to blame, with the award reduced by your share of the fault. An uninsured driver cannot recover noneconomic damages, which can eliminate most of a concussion claim’s value. Contact Us Before Anyone Names a Number A car accident settlement for a concussion is determined by several factors: the duration and documentation of symptoms, the overall damages, the available insurance coverage, the degree of fault allocated to each party, and whether the filing deadlines were met. Recovery amounts range from low five figures to seven figures, depending on the severity of the concussion and its effects on your life. The Beliz Law Firm represents injured people throughout Southern California. Founder Michael A. Beliz, a car accident attorney in Long Beach, has practiced personal injury law since 2006. Having managed hundreds of motor vehicle, pedestrian, and catastrophic injury cases, he also holds a master’s degree in economics, a distinct benefit for concussion claims. Because evaluating a concussion requires projecting future financial impact rather than relying solely on existing bills, constructing and proving these losses requires both legal skill and economic analysis. We prioritize explaining every step in clear terms, believing that informed clients are better equipped to advocate for their recovery. Contact The Beliz Law Firm today to learn what your claim may be worth. Legal References Used to Inform This Page To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and...

Category Name

How to Navigate a Long Beach Airport Accident Claim

May 26, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

Flying into or out of Long Beach Airport should be simple. But a crash near the terminal pickup lanes, parking structures off Lakewood Boulevard, or the busy traffic circle near East Donald Douglas Drive can instantly leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about what happens next. You may be trying to figure out how to get medical treatment, who should pay for the damage, and what steps you need to take to protect your right to compensation after an accident. Knowing how to navigate a Long Beach airport accident claim can make a major difference in what happens next. The actions you take after the crash can affect your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. At The Beliz Law Firm, we help injured people throughout Long Beach understand the claims process after serious airport-area collisions. Our Long Beach car accident lawyer provides direct guidance and personalized attention so you do not have to handle the insurance process alone. What Should I Do Immediately After a Long Beach Airport Accident? The moments after an airport crash can feel chaotic, especially in busy traffic areas around Long Beach Airport. Taking a few important steps can help protect both your health and your injury claim: Taking these steps early can help preserve important information and give you a clearer understanding of your legal options after the accident. How Do I File a Long Beach Airport Accident Claim? Understanding how to file a Long Beach airport accident can help you avoid common mistakes and better protect your right to compensation. Gather Evidence Supporting Your Claim Strong evidence can make a major difference in an airport accident claim. After a crash, your attorney can help collect and organize the information needed to show how the collision happened, who was responsible, and how the injuries affected your life. Helpful evidence may include: At The Beliz Law Firm, we help clients gather and preserve evidence before it disappears or becomes harder to obtain. You should also continue following your doctor’s treatment recommendations throughout the claims process. Consistent medical care not only supports your recovery but also helps document the extent of your injuries. Calculate Your Damages Before a claim can move toward settlement negotiations, you need a clear understanding of how the accident affected you financially and personally. Part of the claims process involves calculating your damages, which refers to the losses connected to the crash. Your attorney can help evaluate damages such as: At The Beliz Law Firm, we work with clients to understand the full impact of an airport accident before moving forward with settlement discussions. This step is important because once a case settles, you generally cannot go back and request additional compensation later. File a Demand Letter Once your attorney has gathered evidence and you have reached a clearer understanding of your injuries and damages, the next step is often sending a demand letter to the insurance company. A demand letter is a formal document that explains: The demand letter typically includes supporting documentation that strengthens your claim. It allows the insurance company to review the case and potentially resolve the matter before a lawsuit becomes necessary. Demand letters are important because they establish the foundation for settlement negotiations. A well-supported, detailed demand package can strengthen your position during discussions with the insurer. Negotiate with the Insurance Company After reviewing the demand letter, the insurance company may respond with questions, deny portions of the claim, or make a settlement offer. In many cases, the first offer is lower than what the injured person may actually deserve. They can also look for ways to reduce payouts. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing, that your treatment was unnecessary, or that you were partially responsible for the crash. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and push back against unfair tactics while keeping you informed throughout the process. Resolve the Claim Through Settlement or Trial Many airport accident claims settle before reaching trial. If both sides agree on compensation, the case can usually reach a settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair resolution, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial may become necessary. If your case proceeds to court, both sides will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue their positions before a judge or jury. While trials take longer, they may sometimes be the best path forward when liability or damages are disputed. File Your Lawsuit Before the Deadline California law limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. In most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the crash. No matter what stage of the process you are in, filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires is important to preserve your claim. Injured in a Long Beach Airport Crash? Our Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Take the Next Step After an airport crash, you may feel pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly or move on before fully understanding your injuries. You do not have to handle the process alone. Attorney Michael Beliz has handled personal injury cases for 20 years and has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Long Beach. If you were injured in a Long Beach airport accident, contact The Beliz Law Firm today for a free consultation. We can review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Car Accidents

How to Report a Broken Traffic Light in Long Beach

May 20, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

A broken traffic light can create confusion and dangerous driving conditions. You may approach an intersection expecting a normal traffic pattern, only to find a dark signal, flashing lights, or traffic moving unpredictably from every direction. In a busy city like Long Beach, intersections with malfunctioning traffic signals can quickly become the scene of a serious crash. Knowing how to report a broken traffic light can help reduce the risk of another accident happening at the same intersection. It is also important to understand what to do at a broken traffic light and the steps to take in the event of a collision. At The Beliz Law Firm, we help injured drivers throughout Long Beach understand their rights after serious traffic accidents. Our firm provides personalized attention and experienced representation for people dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial stress that follows a collision. Contact our Long Beach car accident lawyers today! How Do You Report a Broken Traffic Light in Long Beach? If you notice a malfunctioning traffic signal in Long Beach, report it as soon as possible. A quick report may help city crews repair the issue before someone gets hurt. Reporting a broken traffic light is straightforward. You can report it to the Long Beach Public Works Department by: Provide the street address and the nearest intersection. What Should You Do at a Broken Traffic Light in Long Beach? Coming across a broken traffic light can feel confusing, especially during heavy traffic in Long Beach. Knowing the broken traffic light rules can help reduce your chances of being involved in a serious accident. If a traffic light is completely dark due to a power outage or malfunction, California drivers should generally treat the intersection as a four-way stop. That means you should: If the signal is flashing red, treat it like a stop sign. Drivers must stop fully before continuing through the intersection. If the light is flashing yellow, you usually do not need to stop completely. Instead, slow down and proceed through the intersection carefully. Even when you follow broken traffic light rules, other drivers may not. Some people panic, become impatient, or incorrectly assume they have the right of way. Always stay alert and avoid rushing through the intersection. Pedestrians and bicyclists can also be harder to see when traffic signals are not functioning properly. Take extra time to check crosswalks and surrounding lanes before moving forward. Can a Broken Traffic Light Cause a Car Accident in Long Beach? Yes, malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to serious collisions, including: In some situations, traffic light accident liability may involve more than just the drivers. A government entity responsible for maintaining the signal could share responsibility if negligent maintenance or delayed repairs contributed to the crash. Why Do Traffic Light Accidents Happen in Long Beach? A traffic light accident can happen for many reasons, but malfunctioning signals increase the risk of severe intersection crashes. Some common causes include: Intersections are already one of the most dangerous locations on the road because vehicles cross paths from multiple directions. When traffic signals stop functioning correctly, the likelihood of a serious T-bone or multi-vehicle collision rises significantly. What Should You Do After a Long Beach Accident Involving a Broken Traffic Light? If you are involved in a traffic light accident, taking the right steps afterward can help protect your health and your potential claim. We recommend doing the following: The steps you take after a traffic light accident can make a major difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. Acting quickly helps preserve important evidence before it disappears. Speak with a Seasoned Long Beach Car Accident Attorney Today About Your Traffic Light Accident. A broken traffic signal can turn an ordinary intersection into a dangerous situation in the blink of an eye. If you suffered injuries in a Long Beach crash involving a malfunctioning traffic light, The Beliz Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Michael Beliz has two decades of experience handling Southern California accident claims and providing clients with personalized attention throughout the legal process. We can investigate the traffic light accident, gather evidence, and help determine whether another driver, a government agency, or another party may be responsible for your injuries. Reach out now for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Car Accidents

How Long Does a Concussion Last After a Car Accident?

Apr 23, 2026 | By jdxbasedev | Read Time: 4 minutes

You walk away from a crash in Long Beach thinking you are lucky, but a few hours later, the headache starts. You feel foggy, tired, and strangely slow. If you are asking, “how long does a concussion last after a car accident?” the honest answer is that it depends. Many people feel better within a couple of weeks. Others deal with symptoms for weeks, months, or longer. What Causes a Concussion in a Car Accident? A concussion does not require a dramatic head wound or a loss of consciousness. They are typically the result of a blow to the head or body that alters brain function. Most people with concussions do not lose consciousness. Not everyone who experiences a blow to the body or head has a concussion, but the injury can happen from either force. In a car crash, that can happen when: A concussion after a car accident is common, even when the vehicle damage looks modest. The force on the body and brain does not always match what the bumper appears to show in a photo. What Are Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident? Concussion symptoms are not always immediate and can be confused with other issues. Common car accident concussion symptoms include: This delayed onset is one reason people may disregard a head injury at the scene and later realize its seriousness. It is possible to feel mostly fine immediately after the crash and still have a concussion. Can a Child’s Concussion Symptoms Look Different After a Car Accident? Yes. Children may not always describe symptoms clearly. Instead of saying they feel foggy or dizzy, they may seem more emotional, unusually tired, clingy, confused, or less interested in normal activities. That is one reason parents should take any head injury seriously after a crash. How Long Does a Concussion Last After a Car Accident? For many, concussion symptoms improve within a couple of weeks, with most people recovering without long-term effects, though healing rates vary. However, concussion symptoms can sometimes last much longer. Persistent post-concussive symptoms typically last more than three months and, in some cases, can continue for a year or more. That timeline matters. Insurance companies sometimes act as if concussion recovery should be quick, but real recovery does not always fit their schedule. When Should You Get Medical Care? Get checked promptly after head impacts or jolts, especially if you feel unwell. A provider may diagnose a concussion with exams or testing. Imaging, like CT or MRI, can check for complications like bleeding, but does not diagnose concussions. You should seek medical help after a head injury that causes confusion, memory loss, vision changes, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden bad headache, even if you never lost consciousness. A practical red-flag list includes: These symptoms are not something to “sleep off and see tomorrow.” Head injuries deserve quicker attention than that. Can You Still Bring a Claim If Your Concussion Was Diagnosed Days After the Accident? Often, yes. Concussion symptoms do not always show up immediately, and some people do not realize how injured they are until hours or days later. A delayed diagnosis does not automatically ruin a claim, but it does make prompt follow-up care and clear medical documentation even more important. What California Car Accident Rules Matter? After an accident in California, you must call 911 if there are injuries, notify the police, inform your insurer promptly, and report the incident to the DMV within 10 days if someone was injured or if vehicle damage exceeds $750. For a concussion claim, documentation of your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages may be necessary. Head injuries may not be immediately visible, but ongoing symptoms, follow-up care, and detailed records can support your claim. Accurate and detailed documentation of injuries, symptoms, and related information is crucial for both legal and insurance purposes. How Do Concussions Affect a Settlement? A concussion car accident settlement is not based on a magic chart. It usually depends on symptom severity, duration, medical proof, whether work was affected, and how clearly the crash caused the injury. The honest answer to questions about concussion settlement amounts in California is that there is no consistent universal figure. Some cases settle quickly when symptoms resolve rapidly, while others are more severe if the individual experiences persistent headaches, cognitive issues, dizziness, or requires ongoing treatment. What often drives value includes: Concussion claims are more challenging than broken-bone claims and must be established through symptoms, medical records, and careful follow-up. How Can The Beliz Law Firm Help? A concussion may appear minor, but it can affect memory, sleep, work, and cognitive functions. It is important to take these effects seriously. At The Beliz Law Firm, we handle these cases with a clear and straightforward approach. We assist in collecting records, tracking your symptoms, negotiating with the insurance company, and building a comprehensive claim that goes beyond just the crash report. Contact our Long Beach car accident attorney today, and we can review your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you pursue compensation and justice.

Category Name

Navigating a Trip and Fall on Uneven Sidewalk Claim in Long Beach

Apr 22, 2026 | By jdxbasedev | Read Time: 4 minutes

You are walking through Long Beach, maybe heading to your car, a coffee shop, or a friend’s apartment, when your foot catches on a raised piece of sidewalk. You go down hard. At first, it feels embarrassing more than anything else. Then the pain sets in. A swollen ankle, a busted knee, a wrist injury, or a trip to the ER can turn a trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk into a real legal and financial problem fast. Below, our Long Beach slip and fall lawyer explains how California sidewalk law works, which Long Beach-specific rules may apply, and how our firm can help. If you have questions, please contact us today. Can You Bring a Claim After a Sidewalk Fall in Long Beach, California? Yes, but you need more than proof that you fell. You need to show what made the sidewalk unsafe, who was legally responsible for that area, and how the defect caused your injuries. California law generally requires people and entities to use reasonable care to avoid harming others. I n a sidewalk injury case, that usually means showing the defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property, failed to use reasonable care, and caused your injuries as a result. In plain terms, you have to tie the dangerous condition to the right party. These cases often depend on the location of the fall—on a city sidewalk, on private property, or on a business-controlled walkway. It matters if the defect was obvious, longstanding, or reported, more than the injury itself. Who May Be Liable for an Uneven Sidewalk in Long Beach? Liability usually starts with one basic question: Who had the duty to maintain that section of the sidewalk? Depending on the facts, a sidewalk fall case may involve: California requires adjacent property owners to assume certain responsibilities for sidewalks next to their property. At the same time, public entities may also be liable when a dangerous condition exists on public property and the legal requirements for a government claim are met. That means there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some cases point toward the city. Others point toward a private owner or another party who created or worsened the problem. When is the City of Long Beach Responsible? The city may be liable for falls involving dangerous public property conditions under California law, which requires that the property posed a significant risk, that the condition caused the injury, and that the city either created or knew of the condition. In sidewalk cases, notice is often a major issue. If the defect existed long enough that the city should have discovered and addressed it, that can support a claim. If the area had prior complaints, prior repairs, or visible deterioration over time, those facts may become important. If the city is responsible, timing matters. A claim against a public entity usually has to be presented within six months. That deadline is much shorter than the usual timeline for many private personal injury claims, and missing it can seriously damage the case. When Is a Private Owner Responsible in Long Beach? A private owner is not automatically liable every time someone falls on the sidewalk next to their property. This is a common misconception. Often, a stronger claim against a private owner comes from evidence that they or their representative altered, damaged, created the uplift, or negligently maintained part of the sidewalk. Liability may increase if a private party’s work made the walkway uneven or unsafe. So, if someone falls on your sidewalk, are you liable? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. It depends on whether the owner had a legal duty tied to that condition and whether their actions, maintenance, or control of the area contributed to the hazard. When discussing sidewalk liability, a more relevant question isn’t “Whose property is it?” but rather “Who was responsible for fixing this defect, and what actions did they take or neglect?” What Makes an Uneven Sidewalk Dangerous Enough for a Claim in Long Beach? Not every crack or height difference is enough to support a lawsuit. A sidewalk can be imperfect without being legally dangerous. The issue is whether the condition created an unreasonable risk of harm under the circumstances. Facts that may strengthen a claim include: These details help show that the condition was not just minor wear and tear. They help show the walkway had become unsafe enough that someone should have addressed it before you got hurt. What Damages May Be Available in Trip and Fall Claims in Long Beach? The value of your case usually turns on two things: how clear liability is and the seriousness of the injury. A sidewalk fall case may involve damages for: That is why trip and fall injuries should not be brushed off as minor. A fall can lead to lasting knee injuries, wrist fractures, back pain, shoulder damage, or a head injury. The case value depends on the real-world impact of the fall, not just the fact that it happened. If you’re wondering about trip and fall lawsuit settlements, there is no honest one-size-fits-all number. Settlement value depends on fault, insurance, the medical evidence, and how the injury has affected your life. How Can The Beliz Law Firm Help with a Sidewalk Fall Case? In these cases, details are important. At The Beliz Law Firm, we do more than just file paperwork and hope for a good result. Michael Beliz is a Long Beach personal injury attorney who gives clients personal attention, explains things clearly, and prepares each case as if it might go to trial, since being prepared can help with settlements. He is dedicated to making the legal process easier for injured individuals. We prioritize personal service and clear communication, ensuring our clients know they are more than just another case. If you were injured in a trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk in Long Beach, we can identify responsible parties, determine applicable deadlines, collect evidence, and build a strong liability case. Our goal is to...

Category Name

Who Can I Sue If I Got a Dog Bite on Private Property in Long Beach?

Mar 19, 2026 | By jdxbasedev | Read Time: 4 minutes

You might be talking with a friend in a neighbor’s backyard or dropping something off at a local business when suddenly a dog bites you. Now you’re left with pain, medical bills, and lots of questions. If you suffered a dog bite on private property, you can usually sue the dog’s owner as long as you were allowed to be there. Many people think they have no case if the bite happened in a backyard, home, apartment building, or while visiting someone they know, but that’s not how the law works. Here, we’ll explain when you can sue a dog’s owner, even when the bite happened on private property. What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog on Private Property in Long Beach? Take care of your health first, then protect your claim. Get medical treatment as soon as possible, especially if you have deep wounds, heavy bleeding, signs of infection, or a bite near a joint. Dog bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, and other complications. A good first action checklist is: These steps help protect your health and make it easier to prove what happened later. Can You Sue the Dog Owner If the Bite Happened on Private Property in Long Beach Yes, the dog owner is usually the main person you can sue. California’s dog bite law holds a dog owner liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or while that person is lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own land. A person is lawfully on private property when they are an invitee (there by express or implied invitation) or while performing a legal duty. A dog’s owner is strictly liable if a bite happens in a public place or while the injured person is lawfully on private property. In simple terms, strict liability means you usually don’t have to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous before the bite. In Long Beach, the key questions are usually who owned the dog, whether you had a legal right to be there, and what injuries the bite caused. This is important for private-property cases. If you were invited to someone’s house to deliver a package, visit a friend, do repairs, or were there for another legal reason, the location doesn’t block your claim. What Does “Lawfully on Private Property” Mean? It means you had a legal right to be there, either you’re there under state or federal law, postal rules, or because the owner invited you. So if you were a guest, delivery driver, contractor, caregiver, or had permission, you may still have a valid claim. On the other hand, trespassing can make your claim much harder. If you weren’t supposed to be there, the owner might say you have no right to sue. This doesn’t rule out every legal option, but it does make things more difficult. Whether you were lawfully present is one of the first things our Long Beach dog bite attorney will check. Can You Sue Anyone Other Than the Dog Owner in Long Beach? Sometimes you can, but it depends on the situation. The owner is usually the main person sued under strict liability. Some dog injury cases can be based on negligence, not just strict liability. This matters because a negligence claim might let you sue someone other than the owner in certain cases. For example, a landlord can sometimes be sued, especially if the landlord was aware that the dog was dangerous. This doesn’t mean every landlord is responsible, but sometimes a landlord can be included in a lawsuit if the facts fit. Here’s a careful way to look at it: The main thing to remember is that private-property cases aren’t always about just one person. The owner is usually where you start, but not always where you finish your analysis. What if the Dog Belonged to a Friend, Relative, or Neighbor? You can still file a claim. Many people feel uncomfortable about this, and it’s understandable. No one wants to turn a friendly get-together into an insurance issue. But in most dog bite cases, compensation comes from a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not the person’s own money. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore a valid claim just because you know the dog owner. A dog bite attorney in Long Beach can usually look at liability and insurance without making things more personal or stressful. What Damages Can You Recover After a Dog Bite on Private Property in Long Beach? You may be able to get compensation for the harm caused by the bite. Damages under California law cover all losses directly caused by the incident, including: These damages are the main part of your claim. The lawsuit isn’t about blaming anyone for bad luck. It’s about helping you recover from the real losses caused by the attack. When Should You Talk to a Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer? You should talk to a lawyer soon after the bite if you need treatment, have scars, missed work, or have questions about who was responsible for the property or the dog. Private-property bite cases can seem simple at first, but can get complicated if the owner denies permission, a landlord is involved, or insurance companies avoid responsibility. It’s important to work with an attorney early so they can start collecting evidence, report the bite quickly, and determine liability, damages, and insurance coverage early. Questions About Your Next Steps? Our Long Beach Legal Team Can Help. At The Beliz Law Firm, we make this process simple. If you were bitten on private property in Long Beach, we can check if you were lawfully there, find out who is responsible, explain how California’s dog bite law works, and help you seek compensation through insurance. Clear answers are important when the facts are confusing, and the dog owner can’t remember details. With over two decades of legal experience and millions of dollars of compensation recovered for clients, Michael Beliz and The Beliz Law Firm are ready to help...

Category Name

How to Obtain Your Anaheim Police Incident Report

Mar 18, 2026 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

After a vehicle crash, many drivers need documentation showing what occurred. An Anaheim police incident report often serves as that official record. This report contains observations from the responding officer, statements from people involved, and identifying details about the vehicles and location. Many individuals search for this document soon after leaving the scene. Obtaining a police incident report helps support insurance communication and may clarify how the collision happened. At the Beliz Law Firm, we can review your Anaheim police report, discuss the surrounding circumstances, and help determine how the claims process may proceed. Why is an Anaheim Police Incident Report Important? An official record created by the Anaheim Police Department provides a neutral summary of the incident. Insurance adjusters frequently review this document when evaluating responsibility and determining how a claim should proceed. An Anaheim police report commonly includes information such as: Because officers prepare these documents shortly after the incident, the report can preserve details that might otherwise be forgotten. When Do Anaheim Officers Prepare a Police Report? Police officers often respond to accidents involving injuries, blocked roadways, or substantial vehicle damage. When an officer investigates the scene, they may complete documentation and store it in the department’s records system for later use. Not every collision results in a formal report. Minor crashes sometimes lead to an exchange of information without an officer writing an official summary. When documentation is prepared, the incident report is normally available several days after the investigation concludes. Confirming whether a report exists is typically the first step before starting a police report lookup. How Do I Request an Anaheim Police Incident Report? The Anaheim Police Department offers several ways for people involved in an accident to obtain a copy of the record. Drivers, passengers, insurance representatives, and attorneys are generally allowed to request the document when they have a connection to the incident. Common ways to obtain an Anaheim police report include the following options: Each request method requires basic identifying details about the crash. Accurate information helps the records unit quickly locate the correct police report. What Information Do I Need for an Anaheim Police Report Lookup? Providing accurate information when requesting records can reduce delays. Records staff typically search their system using several details connected to the accident. Helpful information may include the following items: Supplying this information helps the records department complete an Anaheim police report lookup more efficiently. How Long Does It Take to Receive the Report in Anaheim? Police documentation is rarely available immediately after an accident. Officers must complete written summaries and submit the paperwork through internal review before the report becomes accessible. In many situations, an Anaheim police report becomes available within a few business days. Collisions involving injuries or additional investigation may require more time because officers may need to finalize diagrams, witness statements, or supplemental notes. Contacting the records bureau directly can provide an estimate of when your police report will be ready. Reviewing Your Anaheim Police Report Carefully Once the document is obtained, reviewing the details carefully can help ensure the information accurately reflects the incident. Reports may contain names, insurance details, and descriptions that influence how insurers evaluate the claim. Items worth reviewing in the report include: If important information appears incorrect, contacting the reporting agency may allow for additional clarification to the record. How Can an Anaheim Police Report Affect an Insurance Claim? Insurance companies frequently review official documentation when analyzing accident claims. A detailed police incident report can help provide context about how the collision occurred and who was present at the scene. The report may assist insurers by: Although the report itself does not determine legal responsibility, insurance representatives often consider the officer’s observations during their evaluation. When Is Legal Guidance Helpful After an Anaheim Accident? Following a serious crash, individuals sometimes face medical care, lost income, and insurance discussions simultaneously. Determining how documentation fits into the claims process may feel overwhelming. Speaking with a lawyer may provide clarity about how accident records and insurance policies interact. Legal guidance can help identify additional evidence and explain potential next steps. The Beliz Law Firm and Accident Documentation Obtaining an Anaheim police incident report is often an important early step after a collision. While the process may feel confusing, reviewing that document may clarify what happened and help guide you on how to pursue your accident claim. The Beliz Law Firm represents individuals injured in accidents in Anaheim and Southern California, including Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area. Michael A. Beliz founded the firm in 2011 after gaining experience with established plaintiff personal injury practices in the region. His work focuses on helping injured individuals understand documentation, insurance coverage, and the claims process following an accident. If you suffered injuries in an accident and don’t know where to begin, contact the Beliz Law Firm today. We can help take you through the process of getting your accident report and explain the options available to you.

Legal Blog

Let’s Talk Today. We’re Ready to Listen.

Contact us for a free consultation

Let’s Talk Today. We’re Ready to Listen.