Michael Beliz, Author at The Beliz Law Firm

California Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Oct 3, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

You finally decided to buy that Harley-Davidson you’ve had your eye on for months. Now that you can enjoy the open roads in the California sun, you need to follow the rules so you can stay safe. Every state is different when it comes to motorcycle riding laws, however, so don’t assume you know what is and what is not legal in California. Read on to become more acquainted with laws in the state before you head out on your bike. Wear a Helmet Not all states have helmet laws, but California does. When riding on California roads, you must wear a helmet at all times. And not just any helmet—it must be one approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The helmet of your choice should have a DOT sticker on it, meaning that it meets the minimum safety requirements. Use Your Turn Signals California law requires that motorcycles have working front and rear turn signals. The state excepts bikes first built and registered before 1973, though. Follow Handlebar Height Limits Your handlebars cannot be more than six inches above your shoulders. Follow Laws for Passengers There are no age restrictions for passengers, so even the youngest or smallest child can ride with you. However, the motorcycle must have a seat that is securely fastened behind the driver. In addition, there must be footrests placed at the appropriate height. This is so the passenger can place his or her feet safely on them while the motorcycle is in motion. Special seats with built-in footrests may be required to accommodate small children. Ride at the Appropriate Age California law requires that you be at least 16 years old before obtaining a motorcycle license. Other motorists must complete a driver’s training course, but motorcyclists must also complete a motorcycle training course. Don’t Tamper With Your Exhaust Many motorcyclists want to make their exhaust louder, so they invest in aftermarket systems. However, you can get a ticket for having a non-compliant exhaust. In 2010, the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act came into effect and this applies to bikes purchased after January 1, 2013. Share the Lane Safely California is the only state that allows lane sharing. Lane sharing means that you can drive between cars in adjacent lanes. However, you must do so in a safe manner. This means traveling at a speed no higher than 35 mph. Motorists may find this law a bit insane but they must abide by it and not attempt to open their car doors or try to impede the motorcycle in any way. Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help! Even if you follow the laws, motorcycle accidents can still happen. If you’re a victim, make sure you take the proper steps so you can get damages. Recovering compensation can help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at The Beliz Law Firm can assess your case and help you file a claim against the liable party. Contact us and schedule a consultation by calling (562) 452-3772.

Personal Injury

How Much is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Sep 22, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 5 minutes

If you’re facing an injury from an accident, the first thing that likely comes to your mind is, “How much money can I recover?” And for good reason. You don’t want to pay for medical bills and other expenses for injuries that weren’t your fault. You want to make sure the liable party pays for all the damages you suffered. So that begs the question: How much is your personal injury case worth? Does a car accident result in more compensation than a slip and fall case? What about a dog bite? There is no straightforward answer. It all depends on the facts of the case and the resulting injuries. For the most part, it depends on damages. There are many types of damages you could receive for suffering a personal injury. Typically, the more serious the injury you suffer, the more damages you can expect to receive. It doesn’t really matter what type of accident occurred. A slip and fall accident could be worth millions of dollars, especially if there is a traumatic brain injury. If you broke your arm in a car accident, it may be worth only $10,000. There are many factors that can affect your total amount of compensation for a personal injury. Read on to learn more about how people value cases. Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Case These types of damages are available to victims to make them whole again. Being made whole again refers to being in the same physical and mental condition as before the accident occurred. This is not always possible, however, depending on the extent of the injuries. Therefore, the purpose of compensation is to aid the victim in recovering to the fullest extent possible. Common types of damages include: Medical Bills This is often the most expensive part of the recovery. A hospital stay alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Compensation includes previous medical bills, current treatment, and future medical bills. Lost Wages If you had to take time off work after the injury, you could receive compensation for your lost wages. This also includes any loss of earning capacity caused by the accident. For example, if you can’t work at all due to your injuries, you could receive compensation based on the amount of income you are losing out on in the future due to the accident. Property Damage This is common in car accidents. If the crash left your car totaled, you could receive enough compensation so you can buy a new one. You could also receive compensation for anything else damaged as a result of your accident, such as clothing or other personal items. Pain and Suffering This is a type of emotional damage that is difficult to calculate, but you can receive compensation for ongoing pain that you are experiencing from the accident. Some parties determine this by taking adding medical bills and using a multiplier based on the severity of the injuries. Another way to determine the monetary number is to give a value for every time you ache from the injury. Emotional Distress This is often included in pain and suffering damages. This refers to psychological damages that the victim may face after a serious accident, such as anxiety, depression or loss of sleep. Loss of Enjoyment This refers to the victim’s lack of ability to enjoy once-favorite hobbies. If the victim was an avid tennis player, but now cannot play due to a back injury, he or she could receive compensation to make up for this loss. Punitive Damages The Court awards punitive damages in cases where the liable party acted in an especially malicious or purposeful manner. These damages punish the liable party for their intent to harm. By hitting the defendant in the pocketbook, it will deter him or her from engaging in this type of behavior in the future. One of the most classic examples for receiving punitive damages is for injuries in a drunk driving accident. Punitive damages can exceed millions of dollars. Because of this, many states have caps on punitive damages. California, however, has no cap on these damages. However, they must bear a “reasonable relationship” to other damages. This means that a claim worth only $20,000 should not have $5 million in punitive damages. Other Factors Affecting Your Case Value Besides damages, there are other things that can affect how much money you get for your case. Negligence is one of these factors. If you were partially at fault for the accident, you still might be able to recover damages. California state law allows collection for your damages even if you were as much as 99 percent at fault. This is pure comparative negligence. It reduces your compensation amount based on your percentage of fault. For example, if your damage award is $100,000 and you were 50 percent at fault, you would receive 50 percent of the damage award, which would total $50,000. As a victim, the law requires you to take appropriate steps to fix or mitigate your damages. You should do so as soon as possible following the accident. If you don’t see a doctor for two weeks after the accident, the court is going to assume that you are not seriously injured. This could cause the jury to significantly reduce your damage amount. Let us Value Your Personal Injury Case Valuing your personal injury case is no simple task. There are many variables involved, and no two cases are alike. A thorough assessment of the case is needed so you can what types of compensation you are eligible to receive. The Long Beach personal injury lawyers at The Beliz Law Firm can assess your case and help you get a fair value for all the damages incurred by the liable party. Contact us and schedule a consultation by calling (562) 452-3772.

Car Accidents

Serious Car Accident Injuries You May Face After a Crash

Aug 18, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

After a car crash, the extent of injuries that you may incur depends on different factors. What position were you in when the crash occurred? How fast were the vehicles traveling at impact? What was the angle and position of the crash? Were you wearing a seatbelt? These factors will impact the extent of your injuries. Serious car accident injuries are most common in head-on collisions, when occupants are not wearing seatbelts, or when vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Some of the most serious car accident injuries include: Spinal Cord Injuries The spinal cord is one of the most important and most delicate systems in the body. It is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and other systems. It is thanks to your spinal cord that you can walk, pick up a book, or even control when you go to the bathroom. The spinal column protects the spinal cord. It is a collection of vertebrae that form the shape of your spine. While these vertebrae are very strong, an accident can cause serious trauma. Damage to vertebrae can be serious enough to affect the spinal cord. If the accident impacts the spinal cord, the result is permanent partial or complete paralysis. Traumatic Brain Injuries Another type of serious injury that car accident victims may face are traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. There are multiple types of traumatic brain injuries. This type of injury may occur from several types of collisions, including: A hard hit directly to the head Violent shakes or whipping back and forth Oxygen deprivation (less common in car accidents) Cuts or lacerations from contact with sharp objects. Some traumatic brain injuries will heal with time. Others will leave a victim with long-term complications. This may affect cognition, memory, learning, sensation, speech, and emotions. Serious Injuries to Extremities A person may also suffer serious injuries to their extremities as a result of a car accident. Soft tissues injuries, fracture injuries, and amputation injuries can all be very serious, and may permanently impair a person’s mobility. An injury to an extremity may also cause permanent nerve damage, weakening or paralyzing the affected part of the body. Back Injuries One of the most common types of car crashes is to the rear of your vehicle. Rear end car accidents may shake you backward and forwards. This pushes your body against the seat and seatbelt and can injure your back. This forceful movement may cause disc bulges and protrusion to your spinal column. If the bulges and protrusions are too severe for physical therapy, the remedy may be epidural injections or surgery. Psychological Injuries Car accident victims are often very seriously injured, but they may also be psychologically injured too. Psychological injuries can be very challenging to live with. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder can all be as limiting as physical injuries. Our Attorneys Are Here To Help You Seek Compensation A serious injury from a car accident can change your life. We know that nothing can give you back what you have lost. Hopefully, receiving a fair compensation amount can you with a small portion of what you need to improve your future. At the offices of The Beliz Law Firm, our Long Beach car accident attorneys care about you. You can schedule a consultation with our law firm, free of charge, by sending us a message.

Bike Accidents

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries from Bicycle + Car Crashes

Aug 15, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that bicycle trips account for fewer than one percent of all trips in the United States. It is uncommon it is to travel by bike relative to other modes of transportation. Those who ride their bikes face a higher risk of crash-related injury and death than people in cars. The following considers some common bicycle accident injuries caused in a bicycle-car crash: Head and Face Injuries Nearly all cyclists involved in a crash with a motor vehicle experience some sort of harm to their head. While the level of injury may vary in type and severity, some of the most common types of head injuries include: Skull fractures; Contusions; Concussions; and Intracranial hemorrhaging. Head injuries are often accompanied by facial injuries. This could affect the bones, skin, or eyes. Dental fractures, facial fractures, road rash, and more are all possible. One of the easiest ways to prevent head injuries is to always wear a helmet while riding. Musculoskeletal Injuries The musculoskeletal system refers to all the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. “Musculoskeletal injuries,” refer to injuries such as bone fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains. Common areas of fracture in a bicycling accident are the wrist and elbow. Chest and Abdominal Injuries Injuries to the chest or the abdomen can be very traumatic. They may even be fatal if the rider gets hit with a strong amount of force and does not receive immediate medical care. Chest and abdominal injuries include rib fractures, pancreatic trauma, lung injuries, and more. Skin and Other Soft Tissues Injuries A bicyclist is likely to suffer a number of skin and soft tissue injuries when involved in a crash with a vehicle. For example, the cyclist may suffer lacerations or bruises or may suffer a serious road rash or road burn injury. Dragging or skidding along the surface of the road can cause these injuries. They can be very painful and may leave permanent scars. What to Do After Suffering Serious Injuries in a Bicycle Crash A bicycle crash can injure in several ways. It can cause physical, psychological, and economic injuries. When you’re hit by a car while riding bicycle accident in Long Beach, you have the right to seek the full amount of damages you have suffered. At the law offices of The Beliz Law Firm, our talented Long Beach bicycle accident attorneys can help. We handle every case we take on with the utmost competence and confidentiality, and always work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today to learn more.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Insurance Settlements – What You Can Expect After Filing a Claim

Aug 11, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

After a motorcycle accident in California, you need to file a claim for damages. You do this with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Notify your insurance company and the insurance company of the at-fault party of the crash. This will begin the claims process. Don’t assume that because the other driver caused the accident injured you that your claim will settle quickly. In many instances, it will take months if not a year or two before your case resolves. Here’s what you can expect after filing a claim: 1. The At-Fault Insurance Company Will Contact You After you file your initial claim, the at-fault person’s insurance company will contact you. They are seeking more detailed information about the facts of the accident. They want to know the facts of the crash, your injuries, and your treatment. Many times, the other person’s insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement. Before giving any information you should NEVER do without speaking to an attorney first. 2. Investigation to Assess Liability and Damages The next step in the process is to gather all information to assess liability and damages. Liability is who is at fault for the accident. This is the time to get the traffic collision report and read the officer’s opinion on the crash. In addition, gather photos of the scene and vehicles are important to determine fault. Finally, investigators and experts may write an analysis on the facts of the crash. Both property damage to your motorcycle and bodily injuries need to be addressed during this step. Your motorcycle may need extensive repair. Or, if it is badly damaged it may the company may total it and you pay off. For your injuries, you may need to visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 3. You’ll Make a Demand Depending upon the extent of the injuries you have suffered, it is a smart idea to work with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney. They can assist you in constructing and sending a demand package. A demand package consists of a letter or brief, and exhibits. The letter or brief is a detailed writing to the insurance company. It addresses negligence and the extent of injuries you have suffered. It also requests an amount of money to compensate you for your losses. Exhibits included are your medical records, bills, loss of earnings verification, photos, and police report. 4. Negotiations Begin After you make your demand, it is possible that the insurance adjuster will contact you with a settlement offer that meets your demand. Usually, this is the case where your injuries and demand is greater than the at-fault insurance company policy limits. More likely than not, however, they will offer an amount less than what you requested. In response to the settlement offer, you will reject the offer and make a counter offer. This can go back and forth until parties agree on a fair settlement. 5. Settlement Is Not Reached – Going to Court In the event that a settlement is out of reach, you have the option to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Filing a lawsuit will help flesh out the facts and damages of the case. However, it will increase your involvement, costs and time before you may receive your compensation. Do not take the filing of a lawsuit lightly. It may be the right decision for the at-fault insurance company to take your case seriously. Contact Us Today for Assistance During the Motorcycle Claims Process If another driver causes motorcycle accident in Long Beach while you’re riding, our law firm wants to help. We will navigate the claims process and recover your maximum settlement amount. For a free consultation where you can learn more about the settlement process and what to expect, contact our Long Beach motorcycle accident law firm online today. You can also call our offices at (562) 452-3772.

Car Accidents

Car Accident Injury Symptoms You May Overlook

Aug 8, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

Car accidents can lead to traumatic injuries that are easy to detect. For example, a broken leg is not only incredibly painful but may even be evident to the naked eye. Similarly, a puncture wound or laceration is both painful to the victim and obvious for others to see. But not all car accident injuries have such evident symptoms. In fact, there are a handful of car accident injury symptoms that you might overlook. Consider the following injuries and their symptoms, and if you are in a car accident, be sure to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Concussions Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be difficult to diagnose. This is true because they are not painful to the victim. The symptoms can appear mild to both the victim and others. If you or someone you love has any of the following systems following a car accident, it could be a concussion or closed head injury: Headache; Ringing in the ears (tinnitus); Dizziness; Fatigue; Confusion; Nausea or vomiting; Slurred speech; Sensitivity to light; Depression; Crying; Trouble sleeping; and More – you can read a full list of symptoms at MayoClinic.org . Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries Soft tissue injuries may have few symptoms, especially when they first occur. It may take a day or two for the pain and discomfort of a whiplash injury to really set in. Some signs of a soft tissue injury may demand medical attention, but a car accident victim may dismiss as insignificant, include: Swelling; Bruising; Discoloration of skin at injury site; Muscle spasms; Muscle weakness; Limited mobility; and Pain. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Emotional Disorders If you develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another emotional disorder following a car accident, it can be easy to dismiss the systems of these as “normal” or as “unrelated” to the crash. For example, feeling stressed about the claims process is standard. Being afraid to ever enter a car again, is not. And scary flashbacks are certainly not normal. You may dismiss symptoms like avoiding people or places, depression, lack of desire to do things you used to love, difficulty sleeping, feeling jumping, and being easily agitated. However, these symptoms could be indicative of something more serious that you should seek professional help for. Contact Our Long Beach Car Accident Attorneys After a Crash After a car crash in Long Beach or elsewhere, the most important thing that you should do is seek medical care. If you develop symptoms of a concussion, a soft tissue injury, or a psychological injury, do not hesitate to meet with a medical professional. Not all injuries are acute, traumatic, and obvious. Some injuries take the time to show themselves, but they are no less serious. At the offices of The Beliz Law Firm, our experienced Long Beach car accident attorneys want to help you recover the compensation award you deserve for all of your injuries. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation today.

Bike Accidents

5 Steps for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Long Beach

Jul 24, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

Your life can change within a split second if you get injured in a bicycle accident in Long Beach. There’s the initial trauma, followed by pain and suffering as you recover. Plus, you may be out of work due to your injuries. This adds financial hardship during these difficult times. You do have options to get compensation from the responsible party, but the process can be complex. Therefore, your first step – after seeking appropriate medical care – is to hire an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer can then guide you through these five steps for filing a claim. 1. Obtain Information from the Responsible Party You should get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the car crash. Don’t converse with anyone beyond the exchange of information. Do not speculate on fault or contributing factors in the incident. 2. Gather Medical Records When filing a claim for injuries due to a bike accident, you must support your position with appropriate documentation. Collect all medical records showing the diagnosis of your condition. This includes treatments used by healthcare providers, and any documents showing your medical prognosis. In addition, if you missed work as a result of your injuries, submit your payroll information for lost wages at the time you file your claim. 3. Document Your Experience Your own experiences after the bike accident can be useful when approaching an insurance company about a claim. Keep a journal while recovering from your injuries. Include such topics as your level of pain on a scale of 1-10, your emotional well-being, and how you’ve had to change your routine. 4. File Your Claim with the Responsible Party’s Insurer There are forms that you need to fill out to file a claim with an insurance company. You may also include a cover letter that goes into more detail about your demand. Make sure you include the dollar figure on what you’d be willing to accept to release all claims. 5. Await the Insurance Company’s Response – and Expect to Counter Once the insurer receives your claim, the company will process it. In most cases, you will receive a rejection or counteroffer for a lower amount. When you cannot resolve your claim with the insurance company, don’t delay in filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations on these cases is three years in California, so you cannot recover compensation if you wait too long. You Have a Right to Compensation for Your Injuries Suffering injuries in a Long Beach bicycle accident can have devastating consequences. Under California law, you have the right to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses. But it is difficult to file and claim. The insurance company may also treat you unfairly. The key to your success is retaining a dedicated, compassionate lawyer. You need someone who will aggressively pursue your interests. At the Beliz Law Firm, our Long Beach bike accident attorneys have extensive experience handling claims and the in-depth legal knowledge necessary to obtain the highest compensation allowed by law. Please contact us online or call (562) 452-3772 today to discuss your case.

Personal Injury

How Much is My Bike Accident Injury Claim Worth?

Jul 13, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 2 minutes

When you’re injured in a bike accident, the impact can be life-altering. It’s likely that you’ll need immediate, urgent medical treatment. The trauma of colliding with a much larger vehicle can be serious. Long-term care may also be necessary to bring you back to health. Plus, some bike accident injury victims never fully recover. The accident can lead to a lifetime of therapy. You may not be able to work at your normal job if your injuries are severe. This can lead to financial difficulties at a time when medical bills are adding up. California law allows you to recover compensation from the person who caused the incident through negligent conduct. The amount of your settlement or verdict depends upon the legal theory of damages. In bicycle accidents cases, they generally fall into one of two categories: 1. Economic Damages: “Economic” damages are those supported by documentation. When determining how much your bike accident injury claim is worth, you would include: Medical Expenses: You will likely visit different healthcare professionals that treat your injuries. Each of these providers will bill you for their services. Your claim will include costs related to practitioners such as doctors, ER physicians, medical specialists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and others. You can ask for both past medical expenses and future medical cost. Lost Wages: If you miss work due to your bike accident injuries, you may recover the lost wages. To prove lost wages as an economic loss, you can present pay stubs, canceled checks, or tax records. Like medical expenses, you may ask for both past and future lost wages. In addition, you can request loss of earning capacity from the negligent party. 2. Non-Economic Damages: You would also include damages that fall in the non-economic category. These are damages where there are no receipts. They include: Pain and Suffering: It’s hard to put a value on the trauma you will experience after a bike accident. However, you can be sure that there will be lingering effects. Your case is worth compensation for pain and suffering that may result from the inability to sleep, chronic soreness, and lack of mobility. Emotional Anguish: You will include the impact of a bike accident on your daily routine and lifestyle when considering what your case is worth. Loss of Relationships: The value of your bike accident claim also includes losses you suffer with respect to your loved ones. A Long Beach Bike Accident Lawyer Can Help Being involved in a bike accident is horrific. But California law protects victims by allowing them to recover losses. However, it is difficult to prove your right to compensation. It usually requires an extensive legal background in personal injury cases. When you’re up against a pushy insurance company or in court, it’s necessary to have a strong advocate at your side. The dedicated attorneys at The Beliz Law Firm have the experience and skills to ensure you’re fully compensated for the various types of losses you sustain, so please contact us about your case. We’re available at (562) 452-3772 to answer your questions, or can schedule a case evaluation for you at our convenient Long Beach, CA location.

Car Accidents

How Do You Handle a Back Injury After a Car Accident?

Jun 30, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

One of the most common areas of injury in a car accident is the back. Direct force may cause the injury. Or, the accident may snap the victim’s body in an unnatural position. Either way, the injuries are often serious. How you handle your back injury after a car accident will depend entirely on the extent of the injury. Some injuries may require taking it easier than normal (but never bed rest!) and mobility exercises. Others may require intensive surgeries and have permanent consequences, such as paralysis. In all cases, though, the following are smart steps to take if you have hurt your back in a crash– See a Doctor You should promptly see a doctor. Even if you’re back only hurts when in a certain position, you want to get checked out. Of course, if you need emergency attention, you will see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will diagnose your back injury using a variety of methods. These include physical examinations, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or other diagnostic tools. Go to Treatment Doctors usually prescribe the most conservative method possible to treat your back injuries. In many incidents, a doctor will first prescribe rest and pain medication. If the pains do not subside, the doctor may then send you to physical therapy or chiropractor. If the pains are more severe, your doctor may refer you out to an orthopedic or neurosurgeon. The specialist may need further diagnostic testing like an MRI of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spines. The next most conservative treatment is a series of three epidural shots directly into the spine. The final type of treatment is surgery on the back. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders If your doctor recommends that you refrain from lifting heavy things for two weeks, do not go to the gym and attempt to deadlift. They may also suggest that you go to physical therapy twice a week Sign up and actually attend. Your doctor tells you that you can return to your daily activities as normal, but that you should pay attention to things that cause you pain. Follow these instructions closely and go back to the doctor if necessary. Not following your doctor’s orders is a bad idea for two reasons: First, your doctor is an expert. If you do not follow a prescribed treatment plan, your injury may not heal as fast as it would otherwise. Second, it can cause problems with your claim. The adjuster may argue that your injuries have worsened or failed to heal as a result of your own negligence. File a Claim and/or Lawsuit It is important that you notify the other person’s insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. You want to open your claim right away. A demand letter states why you deserve compensation. You need to serve this to the other person’s insurance company. It must include details about your back injury. And medical evidence should support your claim. Many back cases become very litigious due to the dispute of the causation of the injuries. Therefore, you may need to file a lawsuit in the court system so you may receive fair compensation for your injuries and pains. Hire an Attorney Your attorney can help you to gather the evidence that you need for pursuing a successful claim. They can write a demand letter to the insurance company and negotiate for a settlement amount. Working with an attorney improves your chances of recovering your maximum compensation award. At The Beliz Law Firm, our knowledgeable Long Beach car accident attorneys have experience handling back injury claims. We care about helping you to get the money you deserve after a crash. Whether your back injury is severe and expected to affect you for the rest of your life, or just serious enough to cause you pain and impair you from doing household chores for a short amount of time, we can help.

Car Accidents

How To Reject an Insurance Offer for a Car Accident

Jun 14, 2017 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 3 minutes

Getting help as soon as possible is important after a car crash. Personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz provides free consultations. Reach out today if you need help. Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer? If you have been in a car accident and followed the proper procedures for filing a claim, then the next step is waiting for the car insurance adjuster to offer you a settlement. Settlement offers offer compensation for your injuries and damages. They also “settle” or “end” your claim. By accepting the settlement, you also release the insurer and driver from further liability. Most people assume they have no option but to accept an insurance company’s offer. Even if they think that it is lower than they deserve, they feel pressure to accept. However, this is not the case. In fact, rejecting the first settlement offer almost always happens. Here is what you need to know about how to reject an insurance settlement offer for a car accident– Step One: Determine What Your Accident Is Worth When you make a claim through the other party’s insurance company, you should know the claim’s value. If you have not met with a legal professional who can help you determine the value of your claim, now is the time to do so. You and your attorney should work together to determine the amount of compensation that you are willing to accept. To find this, you should calculate: Past and Future medical expenses; Lost wages and lost of earning capacity; Property damage; and Noneconomic damages (e.g. pain and suffering damages) you have suffered. Step Two: Make a Demand for Compensation in Writing You want to put all the details of the your accident and your losses in a writing. This writing is a Demand Letter, and should include the following: How the accident took occurred; Reason why the insurance driver is negligent for the accident; A summary of your damages; and Your demand amount. In addition to a Demand Letter, you want to put together a Demand Package. A Demand Package consists of documents to make your claim stronger. The documents should include the following: Traffic Collision Report; your medical records and bills; loss of earning receipts; and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. The point of the Demand Letter and Package is to persuade the other person’s insurance company to compensate you for your injuries. Step Three: Negotiate After the insurance adjuster receives your Demand Letter and Demand Package, they will likely contact you by either phone or mail. The insurance adjuster will accept the demand, reject the demand, or offer you a compensation amount lower than your demand amount. This is when the negotiations process begins. This is where you need to understand and know the value of your claim. When negotiating, you will always want to start out high since you will probably have to compromise and lower your demand during talks with the insurance company. You also need to know the minimum amount you will accept. Negotiations may last days, weeks, or even months. It depends upon the nature of your case and how much you are seeking. If you cannot reach a settlement agreement, you may have to engage in mediations with a third party. Finally, you may have to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Again, you should work with an attorney during the negotiations process. An experienced attorney will bring negotiation skills to the table. They will represent you and speak on your behalf during the process. Our Law Firm Can Help You Reject a Low Settlement Offer It is common to receive a settlement offer that is lower than you expect. But you don’t have to accept that first settlement offer from the insurance company. Our law firm can help you to reject this offer and negotiate for one that matches the extent of your losses. Long Beach car accident lawyer Michael Beliz is ready to talk. Call us today at (562)452-3772 to schedule your free consultation.

California Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

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