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Helping Clients Navigate Injury Claims

We’re ready to help with a variety of case-types, here’s just a small example of how we can help:

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Large Firm Results & Representation with Small Firm Personalized Attention & Care

Michael is determined to provide each of his clients with personal, one-on-one legal attention. With the Beliz Law Firm, you’re not a number. Each case is important to us, and we promise to treat our clients with respect. We firmly believe in providing you with a voice in your time of need. At the same time, our Long Beach Injury Lawyers focus on maximizing the value of your case - we’re ready to handle tough negotiations with the insurance company. Finally, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed.

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I would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm and should I need legal counsel or a personal injury lawyer in the future, Michael Beliz has become my new go-to guy.

- M.M.
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Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Beliz

Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has extensive experience with personal injury claims and has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

At the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael was a multiple-year recipient of the Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship and attained the high pass in Negotiation. In addition, he was a semi-finalist in the ATLA Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Prior to graduating from law school, Michael earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach where he was a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Michael A. Beliz is admitted to the State Bar of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.

What to Expect from Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Beliz Law Firm, we understand the wide range of emotions you experience after suffering injuries in an accident. It can be a scary time fueled by emotions of stress, anxiety, and anger. You may have many questions but no answers. Long Beach injury attorney Michael Beliz provides you with personal, one-on-one attention so you get the answers you need during the most difficult time in your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, each case is important to us, and we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

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Client Testimonials

  • "I was referred to the Beliz Law Firm by a family friend and was not disappointed. I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver and when I needed the services of an attorney, Michael Beliz came to my work to discuss my options. He is very friendly and explains everything in effectively and in detail. He recommended a great chiropractor whom I then sought treatment from and who helped me recover from my injuries. Michael created an excellent report used in my case which allowed me to receive the maximum return in my settlement. I have already referred a family friend and recommended another long time friend to seek his services. God forbid I ever get in another serious accident, but if I do I will for sure contact Michael again to seek his help. He’s a great guy who does great work!"

    Y.R.

  • Long beach personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz represented my personal injury case this year and I’m glad I found them. In summation Michael Beliz came across as intelligent, effective, friendly, and genuine. An excellent people person and well versed attorney is a hard combination to find. Michael walked us through everything; spoke to me like a person and not a case number. He just pretty much made the whole ordeal so much easier. Michael was extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my family and me the entire time. Michael regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on the status of the case and conversations with the other parties’ insurance company. My case wasn’t large but he treated me as if I was one of his only cases. I would highly recommend the Beliz firm to family and friends as the highest recommendation I could offer.”

    M.G.

  • "No one wants to involve an attorney in an auto claim, but sometimes you have no choice. Michael made an unpleasant situation so much easier. He really took the time to understand everything that was going on and always gave me prompt and personal attention. He was involved immediately and took over all the interactions with the insurance companies. He became the only one I had to deal with and there were never any games with him, only sound advice. My only mistake was not calling Michael sooner. I now recommend an attorney anytime an injury is involved in an auto accident, if only so they can deal with the insurance companies’ games, and you would be hard pressed to find someone better than Michael Beliz."

    T.V.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Speak with a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

How Much Does a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

How Much is My Case Worth?

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Who Can Be Liable for My Injuries?

What Should I Expect During the Free Consultation?

Recent Blog Posts

Attorney Portrait

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.

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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.

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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...

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