62-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Near Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville

A 62-year-old Yulee man was killed Monday night after his motorcycle left the roadway and struck trees near the Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

FHP said the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Haines Street while exiting the Arlington Expressway when the motorcycle went off the road and collided with a small grove of trees.

The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.

What Happened in the Haines Street Motorcycle Crash?

According to FHP, the motorcycle was traveling westbound while exiting the Arlington Expressway onto Haines Street when it left the roadway.

The motorcycle then struck a group of trees.

The 62-year-old rider was ejected and came to rest in the nearby woodline.

Troopers reported that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

No other vehicles were identified as being involved in the preliminary report.

FHP continues to investigate what caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.

What Caused the Jacksonville Motorcycle Crash?

Authorities had not released information explaining why the rider lost control or traveled off the road.

In a single-vehicle motorcycle crash, investigators may examine factors such as speed, roadway geometry, visibility, pavement conditions and the rider’s actions immediately before the collision.

Investigators may also consider whether a mechanical problem or an unidentified vehicle contributed to the rider leaving the roadway if evidence supports either possibility.

At this stage, there is no information establishing what caused the crash.

Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law

FHP reported that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, but that fact alone does not explain why the motorcycle left the roadway.

Florida law generally requires motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear that complies with federal safety standards. However, Fla. Stat. § 316.211 provides an exception for riders who are at least 21 years old and carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for injuries resulting from a motorcycle crash.

Because the rider was 62, riding without a helmet was not necessarily unlawful.

Whether the absence of a helmet contributed to the severity of the rider’s injuries is a separate question that would require medical and accident evidence.

Helmet Use and Comparative Negligence in a Civil Claim

If evidence eventually shows that another person or entity contributed to the crash, the rider’s lack of a helmet could potentially become an issue in a civil case.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Fla. Stat. § 768.81.

However, there is an important distinction between conduct that causes an accident and conduct that may affect the severity of an injury.

For example, if another driver’s negligence forced a motorcyclist off the roadway, the absence of a helmet would not necessarily establish that the rider caused the crash. Instead, the relevant question could be whether helmet use would have prevented or reduced particular injuries.

That determination would depend on the circumstances of the collision and medical evidence concerning the cause of death.

Could Another Vehicle Contribute to a Single-Motorcycle Crash?

A crash can be classified as a single-vehicle accident even when another driver’s actions contributed to it.

For example, a motorist who changes lanes into a motorcycle’s path or otherwise creates a sudden hazard could cause a rider to take evasive action and leave the roadway without the two vehicles ever making contact.

Florida Statute § 316.209 recognizes a motorcyclist’s right to the full use of a traffic lane. Florida Statute § 316.089 also generally requires drivers to remain within their lanes and ensure that a lane change can be made safely.

There is currently no evidence that another vehicle contributed to this Jacksonville crash. Investigators would need witness accounts, video or other evidence before such a conclusion could be supported.

Roadway Conditions May Also Be Examined

Because the motorcycle left the roadway while exiting the Arlington Expressway, investigators may examine the design and condition of the roadway where the crash occurred.

Potential considerations can include the curvature of the exit, pavement condition, lighting, signage, debris and other physical characteristics.

A roadway-related issue does not automatically establish government liability. If evidence ultimately identifies a dangerous roadway condition as a contributing factor, additional questions would include who was responsible for the roadway and whether the responsible entity knew or should have known about the condition.

Claims against Florida government entities are also subject to special requirements and limitations under Fla. Stat. § 768.28.

There is currently no indication that a roadway defect caused this crash.

Evidence That May Help Explain Why the Motorcycle Left the Road

Because there were no other vehicles identified in the initial report, physical evidence could be particularly important in determining what happened.

Investigators may examine:

• Tire marks and other roadway evidence
• The motorcycle’s final resting position
• Damage to the motorcycle
• The location and nature of the tree impacts
• Crash-scene photographs and measurements
• Nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Available electronic data
• Roadway lighting and visibility
• Pavement and weather conditions
• The motorcycle’s mechanical condition

Medical examiner findings may also help investigators understand the injuries sustained during the collision and ejection.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash

A single-vehicle crash does not automatically mean that no wrongful death claim is possible.

If evidence establishes that another driver, a defective motorcycle component, negligent maintenance, a dangerous roadway condition or another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act could potentially apply.

Florida Statutes §§ 768.16 through 768.26 govern wrongful death actions in the state.

A wrongful death lawsuit is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate.

Whether any such claim exists in this case will depend on what FHP’s investigation ultimately determines about why the motorcycle left the roadway.

FHP Continues to Investigate Fatal Jacksonville Motorcycle Crash

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal motorcycle crash on Haines Street near the Arlington Expressway.

According to the preliminary report, the 62-year-old Yulee man was traveling westbound while exiting the expressway when his motorcycle left the roadway and struck a small grove of trees.

The rider was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities had not yet released additional information explaining what caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.

We extend our condolences to the motorcyclist’s family and loved ones following this tragic crash.