Motorcyclist Killed, Two Seriously Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on Jacksonville’s Northside

A motorcyclist was killed and two other people were seriously injured following a three-vehicle crash on Jacksonville’s Northside early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred shortly after midnight and remains under investigation.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers say the collision happened around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of US-17 and New Berlin Road in Jacksonville.

According to investigators:

• A 32-year-old motorcyclist from Jonesboro, Georgia was traveling northbound on US-17
• Troopers say the rider was traveling at a high rate of speed
• Two sedans were stopped at a red light in the northbound lanes
• The motorcycle failed to stop and rear-ended one of the stopped vehicles
• That sedan was pushed forward into a second sedan

All three vehicles came to rest blocking the northbound lanes and intersection.

Motorcyclist Pronounced Dead at Scene

Emergency responders pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene of the crash.

The drivers of the two sedans — a 65-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, both from Jacksonville — were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, according to FHP.

Authorities have not released the names of those involved.

Speed and Rear-End Collisions Involving Motorcycles

Motorcycle crashes involving excessive speed and rear-end impacts often lead to catastrophic outcomes due to the lack of protection for riders. Even when seat belts and airbags help protect occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to fatal injuries.

Common factors in fatal motorcycle crashes include:

• Excessive speed
• Failure to stop at traffic signals
• Reduced nighttime visibility
• Following too closely
• Driver or rider inattention

Rear-end crashes at intersections can be especially dangerous when vehicles are stopped at red lights.

Ongoing Investigation

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the Jacksonville crash and will determine all contributing factors, including:

• Speed and braking distance
• Traffic signal timing
• Road and lighting conditions
• Possible impairment or distraction

Additional details may be released as the investigation progresses.

Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

When a fatal motorcycle crash occurs, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence played a role. These claims can help families recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to the crash
• Loss of companionship and support
• Lost future earnings
• Emotional pain and suffering

An experienced wrongful death attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash and determine whether liability exists.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer

If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle crash or serious traffic accident, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm are available to help.

Our firm focuses exclusively on serious injury and wrongful death cases and provides personalized attention to every client. We offer free consultations and only collect fees if we recover compensation on your behalf.