Jacksonville Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck by Van on 103rd Street, FHP Investigating

A 32-year-old Jacksonville man was killed Thursday evening after his bicycle collided with a van at the busy intersection of 103rd Street and Blanding Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at 6:22 p.m.

Investigators say the bicyclist had been traveling northbound on 103rd Street when he attempted to cross the roadway outside of a designated crosswalk. At the same time, a van driven by a 21-year-old Jacksonville woman was heading westbound in the middle travel lane with an 18-year-old passenger.

According to FHP, the van’s driver saw the bicyclist entering the road and attempted to avoid a collision by moving into the left travel lane. The bicyclist also attempted to turn back to avoid the van and other oncoming vehicles. Despite these evasive maneuvers, the front of the van struck the bicyclist.

He was not wearing a helmet and died from his injuries at the scene. The occupants of the van were not injured.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Florida consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the country for bicyclists. High traffic volume, limited bike infrastructure, and growing visibility issues contribute to increasing cyclist injuries and fatalities. Common contributing factors include:

• Bicyclists crossing outside of designated crosswalks
• Drivers speeding or failing to yield
• Low visibility during nighttime or early evening hours
• Inadequate lighting or road design
• Distracted driving
• Limited protected bike lanes in high-traffic corridors

Urban corridors like 103rd Street and Blanding Boulevard are especially hazardous due to fast-moving traffic and few safe crossing points.

Determining Liability in a Bicycle–Vehicle Collision

Even when a bicyclist crosses outside a crosswalk, fault is not automatically assigned. Florida uses a comparative negligence system under Florida Statute §768.81, meaning fault can be shared between parties based on their actions leading up to the crash.

Investigators and attorneys examine:

• Whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired
• Whether the bicyclist was visible, and lighting conditions at the time
• Whether the driver had enough time and distance to avoid the collision
• Road design and availability of safe crossings
• Whether the driver made proper evasive action
• Whether vehicle headlights were used appropriately
• Traffic camera or surveillance video
• Witness statements

Because both individuals attempted evasive maneuvers, a full investigation is crucial to determine what truly occurred.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Bicycle Crash

Families who lose loved ones may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26). Depending on the investigation’s outcome, compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Mental pain and suffering for parents, children, or spouse
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical bills incurred before death

Even when a bicyclist is partially at fault, families may still recover damages if the driver was also negligent.

Key Evidence in Fatal Bicycle Crashes

To protect the family’s legal rights, attorneys often collect and analyze evidence such as:

• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Black box (EDR) data from the vehicle
• Measurements from the crash scene
• Lighting and visibility assessments
• Witness statements
• Toxicology reports
• Cell phone records
• Data showing vehicle speed and braking

Because evidence can disappear quickly, early legal action is important.

Support for Families in Jacksonville and Throughout Florida

A sudden loss leaves families overwhelmed, grieving, and searching for answers. Our firm provides compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to ensure families understand their rights and secure the justice they deserve.

We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Immediate investigation support
• Direct communication with your attorney

If your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer to discuss your legal options and get the support you need during this difficult time.