J. Hartley | June 3, 2026 | Personal Injury
Manhattan Beach Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the South Bay. Residents and visitors use the pier year-round for fishing, sightseeing, exercise, and enjoying ocean views. While the pier is generally a safe destination, accidents can happen unexpectedly.
Whether you slip on a wet surface, trip over a hazard, or suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your health and your rights. Taking the right steps immediately after an injury may also preserve important evidence if you later decide to pursue a claim and get help from a personal injury attorney.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your first priority after any accident at Manhattan Beach Pier. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Some injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, may not produce immediate symptoms. Prompt medical treatment can help identify injuries early and create records that document the connection between the accident and your condition.
If emergency care is necessary, call 911 or seek assistance from emergency responders in the area.
Report the Accident
After receiving appropriate medical attention, report the incident to the appropriate party, such as:
- Manhattan Beach Police Department
- Los Angeles County Lifeguards
- City of Manhattan Beach personnel
- Property managers or event organizers
Reporting the accident creates an official record that may be useful later. When making a report, provide accurate information about what occurred, but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries.
If possible, request a copy of any report or write down the report number for future reference.
Document the Scene
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident, especially in busy public areas like Manhattan Beach Pier. If your condition allows, gather information before leaving the scene.
Helpful documentation may include:
- Photos of the location where the accident occurred
- Images of hazardous conditions
- Pictures of visible injuries
- Contact information for witnesses
- Notes about weather, lighting, or crowd conditions
The more information you preserve, the easier it may be to understand what happened and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Keep Records of Your Expenses and Recovery
An injury often affects more than your physical health. Medical bills, missed work, transportation costs, and other expenses can begin to accumulate quickly.
Consider maintaining records such as:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy records
- Lost wage documentation
- Correspondence with insurance companies
Most accident victims in California are entitled to pursue compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. Keeping organized records can help you track the full impact of your injury and provide a clearer picture of your losses to insurance adjusters and the court.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Following an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance company seeking information about the incident. While cooperation is often necessary, it is important to be cautious when discussing the details of your claim.
Insurance representatives may request recorded statements or ask questions about your injuries before you fully understand their extent. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can sometimes complicate the claims process.
Before signing documents or accepting a settlement offer, take time to understand your situation and the potential consequences of your decisions.
Why the Location of an Accident Can Affect an Injury Claim
Many people are surprised to learn that where an accident occurs can significantly impact how a claim is handled. Manhattan Beach Pier is publicly owned, which means different legal rules may apply than they would in an accident involving a private business or residence.
For example, claims involving public entities may have unique notice requirements and shorter deadlines than those for standard personal injury claims. Determining who owned or controlled the property, who was responsible for maintenance, and whether a dangerous condition existed often requires additional investigation.
Understanding these distinctions can help injured individuals avoid mistakes that could affect their ability to pursue compensation.
Contact the South Bay Personal Injury Lawyers at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
An injury at Manhattan Beach Pier can leave you with questions about medical bills, lost income, and what steps to take next. J. Hartley Law represents accident victims throughout the South Bay and has 20 years of combined experience helping injured individuals pursue compensation.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in El Segundo, CA, or the surrounding communities in California, contact J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers
880 Apollo St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(323) 284-2834