12-Year-Old Motorbike Rider Dies After Crash Outside School

A tragic crash outside a St. Johns County school has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

The young student was riding a motorbike near his school when he collided with a car Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities report the crash occurred around 3 p.m. on February 17 near 475 Longleaf Pine Parkway, outside Patriot Oaks Academy.

Initially, it was reported that the student had been riding an electric bicycle. However, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office later clarified that the vehicle involved was a 99cc gas-powered mini dirt bike. Officials confirmed that the boy was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The 12-year-old was transported for medical treatment but later died from his injuries.

Details regarding how the collision occurred have not yet been fully released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Gas-powered mini dirt bikes, often referred to as small motorbikes, can pose serious safety risks—especially when operated near roadways or in areas with active vehicle traffic.

Risks associated with motorbike use include:

• Limited visibility to drivers
• Smaller size compared to passenger vehicles
• Reduced braking capability
• Difficulty navigating traffic
• Lack of structural protection in a collision

Even when a rider is wearing a helmet, collisions with full-sized vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries.

Legal Considerations in Child Motor Vehicle Accidents

When a child is killed in a crash involving a motor vehicle, investigators must carefully examine:

• Whether the driver of the car was speeding or distracted
• Whether the child entered traffic unexpectedly
• Roadway design and visibility conditions
• Traffic control devices and signage
• Potential negligence by any party

Florida law requires drivers to exercise heightened caution when children are present near schools, parks, or residential areas. Determining fault in these cases often requires accident reconstruction and a thorough review of the evidence.

Under Florida’s wrongful death statute (§768.16–768.26), parents may have legal options if negligence contributed to the crash.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Child’s Death

When a child is killed in a preventable accident, families may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Mental pain and suffering of parents
• Other damages allowed under Florida law

While no legal action can undo such a loss, a civil claim may help provide financial security and accountability.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Can Help

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including those involving children and school-area crashes.

Our firm:

• Focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death
• Conducts independent investigations into serious crashes
• Works directly with clients due to our intentionally small caseload
• Covers all costs upfront and only gets paid if compensation is recovered

The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. If your family has lost a loved one in a serious accident in Florida, we are here to help you understand your legal rights.

Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today for a free, confidential consultation.