Michael Beliz started The Beliz Law Firm in 2011 with the explicit mission of helping those injured through no fault of their own. He has been practicing law in California since 2006 and got his start working for two of the most well-established personal injury law firms in the State, including an office in Riverside.
Riverside is the twelfth-largest city in California. Considering over three hundred thousand individuals live in the area, the likelihood of an accident of any nature is high, making it crucial for injury victims to have access to experienced Riverside personal injury lawyers. With the population steadily increasing, the growing city has had to adapt to a growing, diverse population with a wide range of interests and occupations.
Right to Recovery
Riverside’s rapid growth, however, has made it challenging to put safety measures in place to prevent accidents such as car crashes. If you experienced an accident that led to injuries at the hands of another person or entity, you may deserve compensation for the losses you suffered. Under California law, victims of negligent acts can recover money for their injuries in personal injury cases. This includes monetary compensation for things like:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity, and
- Pain and suffering.
When it comes to medical bills, you may be eligible to recover any medical expenses you have already incurred and any medical bills you may incur in the future.
Additionally, if you lost a loved one in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be eligible to recover compensation for lost income your loved one would have earned, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of your loved one’s company and love. Experienced Riverside personal injury lawyers can help you understand and assert your legal rights to recovery.
Why The Beliz Law Firm?
Michael Beliz has focused on helping personal injury victims for his entire career. He focuses on wide variety of personal injury case types. He has successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients hurt in car accidents, semi-truck accidents, dog bite attacks, and motorcycle accidents. Other types of cases we handle include the following:
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Amputations,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Bus accidents,
- Catastrophic injuries (including spine and brain injuries),
- Child accidents,
- Commercial vehicle accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Premises liability,
- Slip-and-fall accidents,
- Uber & Lyft accidents, and
- Wrongful death claims.
After an accident, it’s important to document everything, including medical visits, time missed from work, and insurance company conversations. Where possible, get all communications in writing.
If you believe your accident falls under personal injury law, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney in Riverside, CA. All accident victims have the right to access the highest quality representation. That’s why we charge on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge for services once the case settles or resolves.
Common Personal Injury Accident Injuries
Any personal injury accident can lead to serious injuries. However, the compensation you recover depends on the strength of the liability and the severity of the injuries. High-impact incidents like falls from significant heights or accidents involving heavy machinery are more likely to cause severe injuries than low-impact incidents. The body part that absorbs the impact will likely be affected the most. Injuries to vital organs, head, neck, and spine can have long-lasting or permanent consequences leading to significant losses. Some of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents include:
- Whiplash injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Ruptured vertebrae,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Torn ligaments,
- Broken bones,
- Lacerations, and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
Injuries to joints, bones, muscles, or connective tissues can result in significant pain, impairments, and potential disabilities. On top of that, the injuries usually require physical therapy or chiropractic care, which increases your potential losses. As a Riverside personal injury attorney, Michael understands how a serious injury’s hardship and long recovery can upend a person’s life.
Relevant Personal Injury Statistics in Riverside
In Riverside, personal injury cases are unfortunately common. According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System, 149 motor vehicle injuries or fatalities were reported in Riverside in 2023. Beyond traffic accidents, Riverside sees numerous other personal injury claims. For instance, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and medical malpractice cases are prevalent in the area. Poisoning was the number one cause of preventable deaths across the state and country in 2022.
Panning out for a broader perspective, the National Safety Council reported that in 2022, 63 million people were treated for preventable injuries. These numbers highlight the importance of understanding personal injury laws and your right to compensation. Understanding the statistics can help you see the broader picture of your personal injury claim and the need for experienced Riverside personal injury attorneys.
Establishing Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
To win a personal injury lawsuit, you must establish that another party’s negligence caused your injury. Negligence is the failure to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. To establish negligence in your personal injury case, your Riverside personal injury lawyers will need to prove four key elements:
- Duty of care. The defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and ensure the safety of others on the road.
- Breach of duty. The defendant breached this duty of care through their actions or inactions. A breach could include speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or failing to maintain a safe property.
- Causation. The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injury. You must show that your injuries were a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions.
- Damages. Due to the defendant’s negligence, you suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Gathering evidence to support these elements is crucial. Evidence can include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. A skilled injury lawyer will help you compile this evidence and build a strong personal injury claim.
California Fault Laws and Their Impact on Your Claim
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule in personal injury cases. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in a personal injury lawsuit but are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. This law allows victims to recover damages even when they share some responsibility for the accident.
It is essential to consult with Riverside personal injury lawyers who understand these laws and can help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim.
Advantages of Hiring an Injury Attorney in Riverside, CA
Seeking the guidance and representation of a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a case. Hiring a lawyer ensures you have an advocate with in-depth knowledge and expertise in California personal injury law. A lawyer will evaluate the merits of your case, identify applicable laws, and determine the best legal strategy to maximize your chances of success. Determining the true value of a personal injury claim can feel impossible on your own. An attorney will assess the factors noted above to provide an accurate estimate of your claim’s worth. That way, you won’t settle for an inadequate amount of compensation.
Technically, there is no requirement that a victim must hire a lawyer to help navigate the insurance claims process after an accident. However, representation from a personal injury lawyer in Riverside, CA, is a crucial part to the success of your claim. An accident attorney can assist in getting you medical care for your injuries and hiring experts to determine liability and make opinions on damages. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, an accident victim has a greater likelihood of maximizing their recovery. In addition, having a lawyer alleviates your responsibility to complete burdensome paperwork, meet deadlines, and gather documents to support your claim. Overall, it reduces your stress so you can focus on your recovery
Riverside Personal Injury Lawyer
We understand the difficulties a personal injury brings into your life, and we want to help. The Beliz Law Firm in Riverside, California, is committed to providing clients with the best legal representation possible. You are not just a number to us. We will be with you through every step of the process to give guidance, reassurance, and expert legal advice.
We always provide free consultations. And you won’t pay us any money unless we recover compensation for you. Personal Injury lawyer Michael Beliz is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
How Much Is Your Riverside Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Consulting with Riverside personal injury attorneys can help you get an accurate estimate based on your circumstances.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Riverside Personal Injury Claims?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions, so it’s crucial to act promptly. Failing to file within the statute of limitations can bar you from recovering compensation.
What Is Negligence in a Personal Injury Case?
Negligence in a personal injury case refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To prove negligence, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries due to the breach. Negligence is a fundamental concept in personal injury law and forms the basis of most personal injury claims.