From Manhattan Beach to the courtroom — relentless advocacy, zero upfront cost. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
Who pays your medical bills after a Manhattan Beach car accident?
After a car accident in Manhattan Beach, the at-fault driver’s insurance typically pays for your medical bills and other damages. This payment happens after a claim or lawsuit resolves. In the meantime, your own health insurance or medical payments (MedPay) coverage can help cover immediate costs.
Where do you file a car accident lawsuit in Manhattan Beach?
A car accident lawsuit for an incident in Manhattan Beach is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, it goes to the Southwest District, Torrance Courthouse. That courthouse is located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503. In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
What should you do after a car accident?
After a car accident in Manhattan Beach, several steps can protect your rights and health.
Ensure safety and seek medical attention: Move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
Report the accident: Call 911 to report the collision to the police. They will create an official accident report, which can be important for your claim.
Exchange information: Get contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details from all drivers involved. Do not discuss fault at the scene.
Document the scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information if they saw what happened.
Notify your insurer: Report the accident to your own insurance company, but provide only the basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement without first speaking to a personal injury attorney.
Consult with an attorney: Speak with a lawyer who handles car accident claims in Manhattan Beach. They can explain your rights, investigate the accident, and handle communications with insurance companies.
How long do you have to file a car accident claim?
Most California personal injury claims, including those from car accidents in Manhattan Beach, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) from the date of injury. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities. Deadlines have exceptions and you should confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering.
What kinds of car accident cases do we handle?
Our firm helps individuals injured in many types of car accidents throughout Los Angeles County, including those in Manhattan Beach. This includes rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on crashes, and multi-vehicle pile-ups. We also represent those injured by drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and uninsured motorists. Whether the incident involved a commercial truck, a rideshare vehicle, or a regular passenger car, our focus remains on pursuing the full compensation available under California law for your injuries and losses. If you were injured in a serious crash, it is important to understand your legal options. Our personal injury lawyers are here to help. We also assist those injured in surrounding areas like Carson or Agoura Hills.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have an advocate dedicated to your car accident claim. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and handle all communications with insurance companies. Our goal is to prepare a strong case that demonstrates liability and the full extent of your damages. This firm focuses on personal injury and employment law, so you get representation from lawyers who practice in this area every day. We also represent injured individuals in communities like Arcadia and Bell. We do not charge attorney's fees or case costs unless we win. This allows you to focus on your recovery without upfront legal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my car accident case be heard in Los Angeles County?
If your car accident happened in Manhattan Beach, your personal injury case will generally be filed in the Southwest District, Torrance Courthouse, of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. This court is located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503.
What if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.
What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Manhattan Beach?
For most car accident cases in Manhattan Beach, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if the responsible party is a government entity, you generally have only six months to file a formal claim (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your recovery amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Manhattan Beach, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles for a consultation. Call us at 888-585-2529 to discuss your claim. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win. This content is general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship. Deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your specific facts.
Serving Manhattan Beach
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Manhattan Beach and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Manhattan Beach claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Manhattan Beach is filed in Torrance Courthouse, Southwest District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Manhattan Beach
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).