Motorcyclist Killed in Northwest Jacksonville Crash With SUV, JSO Says

A motorcyclist in his mid-30s was killed Monday night after a violent collision with an SUV in Northwest Jacksonville, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). The crash occurred on Edgewood Avenue near 12th Street and is now under active investigation.

JSO said the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Edgewood Avenue on a Kawasaki motorcycle when an SUV traveling southbound attempted to make a left turn onto East 12th Street. As the SUV crossed the northbound lanes, the front end of the vehicle struck the motorcycle.

Emergency medical crews arrived but pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene.

The SUV’s driver and a passenger were transported to an area hospital. Both are reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities closed the roadway in all directions as traffic homicide detectives began processing evidence and taking witness statements.

This crash marks Duval County’s 145th traffic-related death in 2025 — and the 40th fatal motorcycle crash this year alone.

Left-turn crashes are among the most common causes of fatal motorcycle collisions nationwide. In Florida, they remain a significant threat due to high traffic volume, multilane roadways, and frequent intersection turns.

Common factors in left-turn motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance
• Distracted driving
• Limited visibility at intersections
• Nighttime or low-light conditions
• Unsafe or sudden left turns

Because motorcycles lack the physical protection provided by enclosed vehicles, even moderate-speed impacts often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Legal Liability After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

In many cases, the turning driver is legally responsible for the crash. Under Florida Statute §316.122, a driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard.

If the SUV driver failed to yield to the approaching motorcyclist, they may be found negligent.

Potential forms of driver negligence include:

• Failing to check for oncoming motorcycles
• Violating the right-of-way
• Making an improper or unsafe left turn
• Driving while distracted
• Speeding or misjudging traffic gaps

Even if the motorcyclist was traveling above the speed limit, Florida’s comparative negligence law still allows the victim’s family to pursue compensation if the SUV driver was primarily at fault.

Wrongful Death Claims for Families of Motorcyclists

When a motorcyclist is killed due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Eligible damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of support and income
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering for parents, spouses, or children
• Medical expenses related to emergency treatment
• Loss of future earning capacity

Even when criminal charges are not filed, civil claims can still proceed against the at-fault driver.

What Families Should Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Following a tragedy, families often feel overwhelmed. However, early action is crucial to protect legal rights.

Important steps include:

• Obtain the official JSO crash report
• Preserve any photos, videos, or helmet/gear
• Identify potential witnesses
• Request nearby surveillance footage before it disappears
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal representation
• Consult a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible

Motorcycle crash scenes are complex, and evidence can fade quickly.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in motorcycle crashes across Duval County and throughout Florida. Our attorneys handle every aspect of the case — from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers to litigating in court if necessary.

We provide:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win
• Direct access to your attorney
• Thorough crash reconstruction and evidence analysis
• Compassionate representation focused on your family’s needs

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Jacksonville, contact us today. We are here to help your family seek justice, accountability, and closure.