Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With SUV on Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville; Investigation Ongoing

A motorcyclist in his mid-20s died Tuesday morning following a collision with an SUV on Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).

Police say the crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. in the 2300 block of Hodges Boulevard, prompting a temporary shutdown of all lanes between Bentwater Drive and Arabella Drive while emergency crews responded.

JSO Sgt. Robert Hungerford said a man driving an SUV was turning southbound onto Hodges Boulevard from Tropic Egret Drive as the motorcycle was traveling northbound. The vehicles collided during the turn.

The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. The SUV driver, a man in his late 50s, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Detectives are examining whether speed may have contributed to the crash. When asked whether charges were pending, Sgt. Hungerford told reporters, “Not yet.” The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

JSO noted this incident marks the 16th traffic fatality in Duval County in 2026, and the third involving a motorcycle this year.

Motorcycle crashes frequently occur when a vehicle turns across a rider’s path. These incidents are particularly dangerous because motorcycles lack the protective structure of passenger vehicles.

Common contributing factors in turn-related motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance
• Driver distraction
• Speed or unsafe turning maneuvers

Even when a rider is traveling lawfully, a turning vehicle can create an unavoidable impact scenario.

Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Florida

When a motorcycle crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency treatment
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard (§768.81). Fault may be shared between parties, and recovery is barred only if the deceased is found to be more than 50% responsible. Liability in intersection crashes often hinges on whether a driver failed to yield or acted unreasonably under the circumstances.

Law enforcement investigations determine whether traffic violations occurred. They do not pursue civil compensation for grieving families.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Intersection visibility and roadway layout
• Vehicle speeds and braking evidence
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Witness statements and surveillance footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence early is critical in motorcycle fatality cases where liability may later be disputed.

Compassionate Representation for Families After Motorcycle Fatalities

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal motorcycle crashes.

We understand that no legal action can undo a tragic loss. Our role is to help families seek accountability, answers, and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. We intentionally limit our caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent crash investigation
• Identifying all liable parties
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.