Huntington Beach is a favorite spot for locals and visitors. From surf competitions to street festivals, the boardwalk stays active all year.
But when bikes, scooters, and skaters share space with walkers and beachgoers, accidents happen. If you were injured on the Huntington Beach boardwalk, you may wonder who is liable.
Each type of boardwalk user creates different risks. Understanding those risks and whether insurance applies can help you move forward.
Paddleboards and Surfboards on Bikes
Many cyclists carry surfboards or paddleboards strapped to the side of their bikes. These large objects often stick out several feet, making them hazardous in crowded areas.
A sudden gust of wind, a tight turn, or a small bump can send these boards swinging into people walking nearby. Even careful riders can unintentionally injure others.
Insurance Coverage
Most cyclists do not carry liability insurance. However, a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy may offer personal liability coverage. It depends on the policy. If the biker was negligent and their actions caused the injury, a claim may be possible under that policy.
Walkers are typically the most vulnerable group on the boardwalk. They are often the ones hit rather than the ones causing accidents. However, they can still create dangerous situations.
If someone stops suddenly, walks in a group that blocks the path, or turns without looking, others may be forced to swerve or crash.
Insurance Coverage
Walkers rarely carry any form of liability insurance unless they own a homeowners or renters policy. If they caused an injury, those policies might provide some coverage. Medical bills for their own injuries would likely go through health insurance.
Rollerbladers and skateboarders move faster than most walkers and can weave in and out of foot traffic. These riders often do not wear protective gear and may perform tricks or make sudden moves.
A fall or collision can cause serious harm, especially to pedestrians. These riders are expected to be in control and aware of their surroundings.
Insurance Coverage
Some riders may have coverage under their family’s homeowners or renters insurance. Others may not have any liability coverage at all. If they were acting recklessly, they may be held personally responsible.
Tandem Bikes, Trikes, and Multi-Person Rentals
These bikes are often rented for fun by families or groups. But they are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Many riders are not used to steering them.
They can block the path, tip over, or accidentally crash into walkers and solo riders. Accidents may involve multiple people and be more severe due to the weight of the vehicle.
Insurance Coverage
Some rental companies carry commercial liability insurance. Others may require riders to sign waivers. These waivers are not always enforceable. Whether the company or the rider is liable depends on the cause of the accident and the terms of the rental agreement.
Electric scooters can hit speeds up to 15 mph. They are easy to rent using an app, but they are not easy to control. Many people ride without helmets or any experience.
They often weave through crowds or zip past walkers with little warning. Accidents involving electric scooters are becoming more common in busy beach areas.
Insurance Coverage
Some scooter companies provide limited liability coverage. Riders usually agree to terms that shift most of the responsibility to them. Personal insurance policies may not cover electric scooter use. This often leaves injury victims with few clear answers unless an attorney investigates.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are faster and heavier than standard bikes. Some can go as fast as 28 mph. A collision with an e-bike can be just as damaging as a crash with a motorcycle.
Riders may not have proper training or safety gear. Many treat e-bikes like toys when they should be treated like motor vehicles.
Insurance Coverage
E-bikes fall into a legal gray area. Standard bike insurance usually does not apply. Auto insurance often does not cover them either. A homeowner’s or umbrella policy might offer some coverage, but it depends on the details. Rental e-bikes may be covered by commercial insurance, but not always.
Why Hire Fielding Law
If you were injured on the Huntington Beach boardwalk, you deserve a law firm that listens and acts.
Fielding Law understands how chaotic boardwalk accidents can be. Liability is not always clear, and insurance companies do not make it easy.
Our experienced team investigates every angle, speaks with witnesses, and identifies the right path forward. We treat every case with care, professionalism, and compassion.
Whether you were injured on the Huntington Beach boardwalk as a pedestrian, rider, or visitor, we can help you understand your options.
Call Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK or fill out the form on our Contact Us page for a free call back to discuss your injuries.
