Jacksonville Man Killed While Running Across SR-20 in Putnam County, Florida Highway Patrol Says

A tragic early-morning accident in Putnam County has claimed the life of a 41-year-old Jacksonville man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The fatal crash occurred around 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday along State Road 20 near Motes Road in Palatka.

Investigators say a 30-year-old Green Cove Springs woman was driving eastbound on SR-20 in a white sedan when the man unexpectedly ran across the eastbound lanes of the highway.

According to the crash report, the driver “took evasive action” in an effort to avoid hitting the man, but was unable to prevent the collision. The pedestrian was struck in the left eastbound lane, and the impact caused him to come to final rest on top of the vehicle, according to troopers.

The driver immediately pulled over onto the shoulder and stayed at the scene. She and her 11-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash.

All eastbound lanes of SR-20 were shut down for several hours while troopers investigated and cleared the roadway.

The Florida Highway Patrol has not yet released the identity of the deceased pending next-of-kin notification.

Sadly, crashes like this one are not uncommon in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 10,000 pedestrian crashes occur annually across the state — resulting in nearly 800 deaths each year.

The high number of fatalities often stems from a combination of factors, including:

• Poor lighting conditions in early morning or nighttime hours
• High-speed roadways not designed for pedestrian crossings
• Distracted or fatigued driving
• Pedestrians crossing outside of designated crosswalks

While drivers are required to maintain vigilance and take reasonable steps to avoid collisions, pedestrians also have a legal duty under Florida Statute §316.130 to yield the right-of-way when crossing outside of marked crosswalks or intersections.

In this case, the preliminary investigation suggests that the pedestrian entered the roadway unexpectedly, leaving the driver little time to react despite attempts to swerve.

Whenever a pedestrian is struck and killed, law enforcement agencies — including FHP — conduct a detailed traffic homicide investigation to determine all contributing factors.

Investigators will typically assess:

• The speed and reaction time of the driver
• Lighting and visibility conditions at the time of the crash
• Position and movement of the pedestrian
• Possible impairment or distraction by either party
• Whether roadway design or signage contributed to the accident

If the driver was found to be obeying traffic laws, traveling at a safe speed, and attempting to avoid the pedestrian, criminal charges are unlikely. However, civil liability can still arise in pedestrian accidents — depending on how fault is distributed under Florida’s comparative negligence system (§768.81, Fla. Stat.).

This statute allows a court to assign percentages of fault to each party involved. For instance, if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for causing the crash (e.g., by crossing against traffic), the total recoverable damages may be reduced by that percentage.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents, wrongful deaths, and motor vehicle crashes. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with Florida’s complex traffic and insurance laws and will fight to hold negligent drivers — or their insurers — accountable.

We know that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but pursuing justice can provide closure and help protect others from future harm. Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule a free consultation.