Manhattan Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Manhattan Beach, CA

If you’ve suffered injuries in a Manhattan Beach accident, the weeks that follow can feel impossible to navigate. Doctor visits consume your time. Financial pressures mount as medical expenses arrive and paychecks stop. Insurance representatives reach out with offers that seem helpful but serve their company’s interests, not yours. All while you’re dealing with physical pain from injuries you never asked for.

Cohen Injury Law Group represents accident victims in Manhattan Beach and throughout the South Bay. Our Manhattan Beach, CA personal injury lawyer manages the legal process so you can concentrate on healing. We provide free consultations, charge nothing upfront, and only receive payment when we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group for Personal Injury in Manhattan Beach, CA?

A History of Success

Obtaining appropriate compensation requires more than submitting claims. Insurance carriers employ trained professionals whose purpose is minimizing what they pay. They search for weaknesses in your case, create delays, and extend settlement offers well below actual value hoping desperation forces acceptance. Defeating these strategies demands meticulous investigation, calculated negotiation, and proven willingness to take cases to trial. Attorneys who demonstrate courtroom readiness consistently achieve superior settlements because insurers know which lawyers actually follow through.

Our practice emphasizes thorough preparation from initial consultation. We compile evidence systematically, coordinate with healthcare providers to establish injury documentation, and engage accident reconstruction professionals when needed. This groundwork produces advantageous negotiating positions and improved outcomes for those we represent.

Meet Our Attorneys

Nicholas E. Cohen leads Cohen Injury Law Group as Managing Partner. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and obtained his J.D. from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. His practice centers on obtaining maximum recovery for accident victims throughout Southern California, applying both legal acumen and strategic thinking to construct claims that command insurance company attention.

Wayne R. Cohen established the firm and has represented personal injury clients since 1991. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and received his J.D. cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. Media outlets including Fortune, Newsweek, US News, the Los Angeles Times, CNBC, and the ABA Journal have featured his legal analysis.

Our Fee Structure

Legal expenses understandably worry accident victims already confronting financial hardship. Our contingency fee model removes that concern completely. You owe nothing at the outset. We cover all case costs. Our payment comes solely from compensation we obtain for you. If we don’t succeed, you pay nothing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Highly recommend!! All my questions always answered promptly & felt like I was the priority. Would recommend to any friend that had an accident!!” — Taylor Brueggenjohann

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach spans four square miles of prime South Bay coastline. Pacific Coast Highway runs through the city as Sepulveda Boulevard, carrying substantial traffic between neighboring beach communities. The downtown Village area, beachfront Strand, and residential hillside neighborhoods see different accident patterns, from vehicle collisions on major arterials to pedestrian incidents in commercial zones. Our attorneys represent clients across the full spectrum of personal injury cases.

• Car accidents. Crashes on Sepulveda Boulevard, collisions along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and accidents throughout residential streets. We handle rear-end impacts at signalized intersections, sideswipes on narrow hillside roads, and multi-vehicle pileups on PCH.
• Truck accidents. Delivery vehicles serving local businesses and commercial trucks traversing Sepulveda create hazards for smaller vehicles. These collisions frequently produce severe injuries that result in substantial damages claims.
• Motorcycle accidents. Coastal roads attract riders, but distracted drivers and vehicles making sudden turns create dangerous conditions. Motorcycle crashes often cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage.
• Pedestrian accidents. The stretch of Sepulveda south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard has become particularly deadly, with multiple pedestrian fatalities in recent months. Crosswalk collisions and accidents involving people walking to shops or restaurants demand immediate legal attention.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists on the Strand, Marvin Braude Bike Trail, and city streets face risks from inattentive motorists. E-bikes and e-scooters have increased both ridership and accident complexity throughout the Beach Cities.
• Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft vehicles serve Manhattan Beach residents and visitors continuously. Accidents involving rideshare drivers create multi-layered insurance situations requiring careful analysis.
• Slip and fall accidents. Restaurants, retail establishments, and businesses along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Highland Avenue must provide reasonably safe conditions for patrons. Property owners bear responsibility when hazardous conditions cause injuries.
• Dog bites. California imposes strict liability on dog owners when their animals bite individuals who are lawfully present in public spaces or on private property.

California Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Claims

Familiarity with California’s legal requirements protects your rights and maximizes potential recovery.

Filing Deadlines

California establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Allowing this period to expire eliminates your ability to pursue compensation through the courts, regardless of injury severity or clear fault by another party. Prompt action provides your legal team adequate time for comprehensive investigation and case construction.

Claims Against Government Entities

Accidents involving city vehicles, public sidewalks, or municipal employees follow different procedural rules. The California Government Claims Act typically requires administrative claim filing within six months of injury. Given that Sepulveda Boulevard is a state highway controlled by Caltrans, many Manhattan Beach accidents may implicate government entities.

Comparative Fault

California follows a pure comparative negligence approach. Recovery remains available even when you bear partial responsibility for the accident. Your compensation decreases in proportion to your fault percentage. An individual determined 20% at fault collects 80% of total damages. Insurance representatives actively seek ways to attribute fault to injured parties to reduce their payout obligations.

Insurance Minimums

California raised minimum auto insurance requirements as of January 2025 through Senate Bill 1107. Motorists must now maintain at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $15,000 for property damage. Understanding how these changes impact your claim helps navigate the recovery process.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Manhattan Beach Personal Injury Cases?

California permits injury victims to seek compensation across several damage categories.

Economic Damages

Measurable financial losses form the foundation of most personal injury claims. Medical costs represent a major component: emergency care, surgical procedures, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, imaging studies, and assistive equipment. Anticipated future treatment matters as well, especially for injuries demanding long-term care.

A person with spinal injuries may require years of rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and possible future surgeries. Projecting lifetime medical expenses demands careful evaluation, often involving input from medical and economic specialists. Lost income encompasses wages missed during recovery, reduced future earning potential if injuries restrict work capacity, and benefits forfeited due to employment interruption. Property damage and miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs complete the economic damage picture.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering compensates for physical discomfort caused by injuries. The persistent aches that interfere with rest. The ongoing discomfort that affects concentration. The restricted movement that limits everything from work tasks to enjoying the beach.

Emotional distress encompasses anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD, and other psychological effects following accidents. Loss of life’s enjoyment addresses activities injuries prevent you from pursuing. If surfing at Manhattan Beach Pier or playing volleyball on the sand brought fulfillment before your accident and your injuries have taken that away, compensation should account for the deprivation. Damage to relationships with family members also falls within non-economic damages.

What Steps Should I Take After an Accident in Manhattan Beach?

The actions you take immediately following an accident influence both your recovery and your legal case.

1. Ensure safety. Exit traffic flow if possible. On Sepulveda Boulevard’s steep grades with limited visibility, getting clear of the roadway is essential. Turn on hazard lights and assess whether others need assistance.
2. Contact 911. Request police response and medical services. The Manhattan Beach Police Department handles incidents within city limits. A formal accident report creates official documentation essential to your claim.
3. Obtain medical evaluation. Seek examination even without obvious injury symptoms. Adrenaline conceals pain, and certain injuries manifest symptoms only hours or days later. Immediate medical records establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
4. Record the scene. Photograph damage to all vehicles, roadway conditions, weather, traffic controls, tire marks, debris fields, and any visible injuries. Collect insurance details and license plate numbers from everyone involved.
5. Identify witnesses. Obtain contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur. Third-party witness accounts carry significant weight when liability is contested.
6. File DMV report. California mandates accident reporting within 10 days when anyone suffers injury or death, or when property damage surpasses $1,000.
7. Maintain physical evidence. Retain damaged clothing, broken belongings, and anything connected to the accident. Postpone vehicle repairs until thorough documentation is complete.
8. Guard your statements. Refrain from acknowledging fault. Insurance adjusters record conversations and may deploy your words to diminish or reject your claim.
9. Document your recovery. Keep a journal recording pain intensity, symptoms, medical visits, restrictions on daily activities, and emotional effects.
10. Retain legal counsel promptly. Early attorney involvement preserves evidence, handles insurance communications properly, and prevents common errors that compromise claims. Understanding when to hire an attorney affects case outcomes significantly.

Personal Injury Statistics in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach has witnessed a disturbing increase in fatal accidents along Sepulveda Boulevard, the segment of Pacific Coast Highway running through the city. The corridor south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard has become one of the most hazardous stretches for pedestrians in the entire South Bay region.

Three pedestrians died on Sepulveda Boulevard between December 2024 and May 2025 alone. One victim was struck between 8th and 9th Streets. Another was killed in a hit-and-run collision in the 300 block. A third, an 18-year-old high school senior, was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver near Duncan Place. The tragedies prompted an outpouring of community concern and demands for safety improvements at Manhattan Beach City Council meetings.

Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows Los Angeles County consistently ranks among California’s worst for traffic fatalities and injuries. The Transportation Injury Mapping System maintained by UC Berkeley documents collision patterns across the state, revealing concerning trends in beach community corridors.

Multiple factors contribute to the danger on Sepulveda Boulevard through Manhattan Beach. The roadway features steep hills with intersections positioned at crests or bases, severely limiting driver sightlines. Speed limits of 40-45 mph are routinely exceeded. Inadequate pedestrian lighting, unmarked crosswalks, and minimal safety buffers compound the risks, particularly after dark.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving as primary contributors to California accidents. These behaviors factor heavily into Manhattan Beach collision patterns. DUI arrests have followed multiple recent fatal crashes on Sepulveda.

Because Sepulveda Boulevard is a state highway, the City of Manhattan Beach does not directly control traffic signals or striping. That authority rests with Caltrans, creating bureaucratic challenges for implementing safety changes. The city has successfully lobbied Caltrans for modifications in the past, such as adding a dedicated left turn signal at 8th and Sepulveda in 2018, but residents continue demanding more urgent action.

Manhattan Beach Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

What does hiring a Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyer cost?

Nothing out of pocket. We operate on contingency, collecting our fee only from compensation we recover for you. If we obtain no recovery, you owe us nothing.

How long do personal injury cases typically take?

Timelines vary based on injury complexity, liability disputes, and whether court proceedings become necessary. Simple cases may conclude within months. Complicated matters can extend well beyond a year.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California’s pure comparative fault framework permits recovery even when you share responsibility. Your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault, making accurate liability determination essential.

Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Proceed cautiously. Opening offers routinely undervalue claims by substantial margins. Insurers understand injured individuals face financial strain and may accept inadequate amounts. Attorney review of any offer protects your interests.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide recovery. We analyze all available coverage sources to maximize compensation.

How is fault determined in car accidents?

Various evidence types establish responsibility. Police reports, witness accounts, photographs, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and professional testimony all contribute to demonstrating negligence.

What types of injuries support personal injury claims?

Any injury resulting from another’s negligence may support a claim. This encompasses brain injuries, neck injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage.

Do most cases go to trial?

Most personal injury matters settle without trial. However, demonstrated willingness to litigate generates better settlement results. Insurance companies assess whether claimants and their lawyers will genuinely pursue cases through verdict.

What if symptoms appeared days after my accident?

Delayed symptom development occurs frequently, especially with soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and mild traumatic brain injuries. Seek medical attention as symptoms emerge and inform providers about the accident. Documentation establishes the causal connection.

How do Manhattan Beach accidents differ from other areas?

Sepulveda Boulevard’s steep terrain and limited visibility create unique hazards not present in flat areas. The beachfront community also sees significant weekend traffic and pedestrian activity that increase accident risks during peak periods.

Can family members pursue claims if someone died in an accident?

Yes. Wrongful death claims permit eligible survivors to recover compensation for financial losses, loss of companionship, funeral costs, and the value of household contributions the deceased would have provided.

When should I hire a lawyer after a Manhattan Beach accident?

As soon as reasonably possible following the accident. Early engagement enables proper evidence preservation, prevents insurance company manipulation, and shields your claim from costly missteps.

What evidence strengthens personal injury claims?

Powerful evidence includes police reports, medical documentation, photographs, witness statements, employment records, and materials showing how injuries affect your daily existence.

How do rideshare accidents work?

Uber and Lyft collisions present layered insurance scenarios. Coverage depends on driver status: logged out, awaiting ride requests, or actively transporting a passenger. Multiple policies may apply depending on circumstances.

What happens during a free consultation?

We examine your accident details, discuss your injuries and medical treatment, explain available legal options, and address your questions. No obligation exists, and you pay nothing for this initial meeting.

Most Dangerous Locations for Personal Injury in Manhattan Beach

Specific areas within Manhattan Beach present heightened accident risks. Awareness of these locations can help residents and visitors exercise appropriate caution.

Sepulveda Boulevard south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. This corridor has witnessed multiple fatal pedestrian accidents in recent months. Steep grades, limited visibility at hill crests, and high traffic speeds combine to create extremely hazardous conditions, particularly at night.

Sepulveda Boulevard and 8th Street/9th Street. The intersection and surrounding blocks have been sites of fatal crashes. Limited driver sightlines and pedestrian crossing activity contribute to the danger.

Sepulveda Boulevard and Duncan Place. Another location where fatal accidents have occurred. The area’s topography restricts visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The main commercial corridor experiences regular vehicle and pedestrian conflicts, especially near the downtown Village and approaching the Pier.

Highland Avenue. As a primary north-south route through residential areas, this road sees accidents involving vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, particularly near schools.

Aviation Boulevard. The eastern border of Manhattan Beach carries significant commuter traffic and connects to major employment centers near LAX.

The Strand. While closed to most vehicle traffic, conflicts between cyclists, e-bike riders, pedestrians, and authorized vehicles do occur along this beachfront path.

What Are Important Local Resources for Manhattan Beach Personal Injury?

Accident victims should be aware of available services in the Manhattan Beach area, including regional trauma centers and courts handling personal injury cases. Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse these organizations, and listing them implies no business relationship.

Law Enforcement

Manhattan Beach Police Department – 420 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 – Non-Emergency: (310) 545-4566

Medical Facilities

Torrance Memorial Medical Center – 3330 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505 – Emergency: (310) 325-9110 – Designated Primary Stroke Center, STEMI Receiving Center, Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics

Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance – 4101 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503 – Emergency Department, Paramedic Base Station

Torrance Memorial Urgent Care Manhattan Beach – 855 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Suite 101, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 – (310) 939-7873

Court Resources

Los Angeles County Superior Court – Torrance Courthouse – 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503 – Civil cases including personal injury for Manhattan Beach

California DMV

Torrance DMV – 1785 West 220th Street, Torrance, CA 90501

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

If you’ve been injured in a Manhattan Beach accident, Cohen Injury Law Group is prepared to help. Our personal injury attorneys understand the specific hazards facing South Bay residents and possess the experience necessary to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Free consultations are available without obligation. We’ll review your circumstances, respond to your questions, and outline your legal options at no charge. If we accept your case, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Contact us today. A Manhattan Beach personal injury attorney at our firm will assess your case and help you understand the path forward.