Pedestrian, 39, Killed After Being Struck by Two Vehicles on Philips Highway in Jacksonville: Investigation and Legal Options

A 39-year-old man died after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross Philips Highway in Jacksonville on Friday night, October 23, 2026, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal collision occurred just north of Southside Boulevard, near the Avenues Mall area.

According to FHP, a Honda HR-V and a Ford Explorer were traveling southbound in the center lane of Philips Highway when the pedestrian attempted to cross the roadway in front of them.

Troopers reported that the Honda struck the man first, followed by the Ford Explorer.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported the pedestrian to Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Neither driver was injured.

Authorities have not released the pedestrian’s identity or established whether either motorist violated a traffic law.

What Happened in the Fatal Philips Highway Pedestrian Crash?

The accident occurred Friday night on Philips Highway, just north of Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Honda HR-V and a Ford Explorer were both traveling southbound in the roadway’s center lane.

A 39-year-old man attempted to cross Philips Highway in front of the approaching vehicles.

Troopers reported that the Honda HR-V struck the pedestrian first.

The Ford Explorer then struck him.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded and transported the injured man to Memorial Hospital.

Despite receiving medical attention, he died from his injuries.

The initial report does not specify the time of the collision or the pedestrian’s exact crossing location.

It also does not identify the vehicles’ speeds, the distance between them, or the amount of time either driver had to react.

Those details may be important to determining how the collision occurred.

39-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies at Memorial Hospital

FHP confirmed that the pedestrian was a 39-year-old man.

His name and hometown were not included in the initial report.

Following the two impacts, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported him to Memorial Hospital.

He later died from his injuries.

The report does not describe the nature of his injuries or specify how long he remained at the hospital.

Our condolences go out to the man’s family, friends, and loved ones.

Honda HR-V and Ford Explorer Involved in Fatal Collision

The Florida Highway Patrol identified two vehicles involved in the accident.

The first was a Honda HR-V traveling southbound on Philips Highway.

The second was a Ford Explorer traveling in the same direction and lane.

According to troopers, the pedestrian was struck first by the Honda and then by the Ford.

Neither driver was injured.

The report does not identify the drivers or provide their ages.

It also does not specify whether the vehicles were traveling close together or whether the Ford driver had an opportunity to avoid the pedestrian after the initial impact.

No traffic citations or charges were identified in the supplied report.

Where Did the Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Occur?

The fatal collision occurred on Philips Highway just north of Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida.

The location is near the Avenues Mall area in southern Jacksonville.

Philips Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, is a major roadway carrying traffic through commercial and residential areas of the city.

According to FHP, both vehicles were traveling southbound in the center lane when the pedestrian attempted to cross.

The report does not identify whether the man was using a marked crosswalk or crossing at an intersection.

It also does not specify whether a traffic signal or pedestrian crossing signal controlled the location.

Those details may be significant when evaluating the legal responsibilities of the pedestrian and the drivers.

Why Was the Pedestrian Struck by Two Vehicles?

The Florida Highway Patrol’s preliminary account establishes the sequence of impacts but does not fully explain why the collision occurred.

According to troopers, the pedestrian attempted to cross in front of the Honda HR-V and Ford Explorer.

The Honda struck him first, followed by the Ford.

Investigators may need to examine whether either driver had sufficient time and distance to recognize the pedestrian and respond.

They may also evaluate the pedestrian’s location, roadway lighting, vehicle speeds, and visibility.

The fact that the pedestrian crossed in front of approaching vehicles may be relevant to the investigation.

However, that fact alone does not establish the pedestrian’s legal responsibility or eliminate the possibility of driver negligence.

A complete evaluation requires additional evidence.

Florida Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Florida Statute § 316.130 governs many of the responsibilities of pedestrians and motorists.

The statute includes rules addressing crosswalks, traffic-control signals, and pedestrian crossings outside designated crosswalks.

At certain marked crosswalks and intersections, motorists must yield or stop for pedestrians under the conditions specified by law.

Pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection generally must yield the right of way to vehicles on the roadway, subject to the statute’s requirements.

Drivers also have duties to exercise care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.

The exact legal responsibilities depend on where the pedestrian crossed and the surrounding circumstances.

In the October 23 Philips Highway accident, the initial report does not establish whether the man was within a crosswalk.

It would therefore be premature to conclude that either the pedestrian or a driver violated a right-of-way requirement.

Can Both Drivers Be Liable in a Two-Vehicle Pedestrian Collision?

When a pedestrian is struck by two vehicles, determining liability may require examining each impact separately.

Investigators may consider whether the first driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the pedestrian.

They may also examine whether the second driver had sufficient time to react after the initial collision.

The distance between the vehicles, their speeds, visibility, and the pedestrian’s position may all be relevant.

In some cases, more than one motorist may contribute to an accident.

However, the involvement of two vehicles does not automatically establish negligence by both drivers.

In this case, FHP has not reported a final determination of fault.

The available information is insufficient to conclude whether either driver failed to exercise reasonable care.

Florida Laws Relevant to Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Several Florida statutes may become relevant depending on the investigation’s findings.

Florida Statute § 316.130: Pedestrian Traffic Regulations

Florida Statute § 316.130 addresses pedestrian crossings and the duties of drivers and pedestrians.

The statute’s application depends on the crossing location, traffic controls, and other circumstances.

Florida Statute § 316.0895: Following Too Closely

Florida Statute § 316.0895 generally requires motorists to maintain a reasonable and prudent following distance, considering vehicle speed, traffic, and roadway conditions.

Following distance may become relevant when two vehicles traveling in the same lane are involved in successive impacts.

However, the report does not identify the distance between the Honda and Ford or establish a following-distance violation.

Florida Statute § 316.183: Safe and Reasonable Speed

Florida Statute § 316.183 requires motorists to drive at speeds that are reasonable and prudent under existing conditions.

Speed may affect a driver’s ability to recognize and avoid a roadway hazard.

The report does not establish the speed of either vehicle.

Florida Statute § 316.1925: Careless Driving

Florida Statute § 316.1925 requires drivers to operate vehicles carefully and prudently.

Whether a driver violated this requirement depends on the circumstances and available evidence.

No careless driving citation was identified in the initial report.

Can a Pedestrian’s Family File a Wrongful Death Claim if the Pedestrian Was Crossing Outside a Crosswalk?

A pedestrian’s location at the time of a collision can affect the liability analysis, but crossing outside a crosswalk does not automatically prevent a wrongful death claim.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence framework under Florida Statute § 768.81 for most negligence actions covered by that provision.

Under the statute, a claimant found more than 50% responsible for their own harm generally cannot recover damages in a covered negligence action, subject to statutory exceptions.

When a pedestrian is killed, the application of comparative negligence depends on the evidence and the legal issues involved.

Investigators may examine whether the pedestrian complied with applicable crossing rules and whether either driver exercised reasonable care.

The initial report does not establish where the pedestrian crossed or whether either motorist was negligent.

Accordingly, there is not enough information to determine whether a wrongful death claim would be viable.

Florida Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, found in Florida Statutes §§ 768.16 through 768.26, permits certain civil claims when a person’s death results from another party’s negligence or other legally actionable conduct.

The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally brings the action on behalf of eligible survivors and the estate.

Depending on the circumstances and statutory requirements, recoverable damages may include:

• Loss of support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection for eligible survivors
• Mental pain and suffering when authorized by law
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses when recoverable
• Other damages available under Florida law

The specific damages depend on the deceased person’s family relationships and other legal requirements.

The report does not identify the 39-year-old victim’s surviving family members.

Whether a wrongful death claim exists would depend on evidence establishing negligence, causation, and the applicable legal requirements.

What Evidence Is Important in a Two-Vehicle Pedestrian Accident?

Investigating a pedestrian collision involving successive impacts may require reconstructing the movements of both vehicles and the pedestrian.

Relevant evidence may include:

• The official FHP crash report
• Photographs of the crash scene
• Damage to the Honda HR-V and Ford Explorer
• Witness statements
• Traffic-camera or surveillance footage
• Dash-camera recordings
• Vehicle electronic data, if available
• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• Crosswalk markings and traffic-control devices
• Medical and forensic findings

The sequence of impacts may be particularly important.

Investigators may need to determine whether the pedestrian was already on the roadway after the first impact when the Ford approached.

The initial report does not disclose whether any video footage or electronic data has been recovered.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Fatal pedestrian accidents can leave families facing overwhelming grief and unanswered questions about how the collision occurred.

When a pedestrian is struck by more than one vehicle, determining legal responsibility may require a detailed examination of the sequence of impacts and the conduct of each driver.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys represent individuals and families affected by serious pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents throughout Florida.

The firm handles personal injury and wrongful death matters involving alleged negligence, catastrophic injuries, and complex liability disputes.

Depending on the circumstances, evaluating a potential claim may involve reviewing crash reconstruction evidence, preserving surveillance footage, examining applicable traffic laws, and identifying available insurance coverage.

If your family has lost a loved one in a Florida pedestrian accident, Flanagan & Bodenheimer offers free, confidential consultations to discuss potential legal options.

FHP Investigating Fatal Philips Highway Pedestrian Collision

A 39-year-old man died after being struck by two vehicles on Philips Highway near Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville on Friday, October 23, 2026.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Honda HR-V and Ford Explorer were traveling southbound in the center lane when the man attempted to cross the roadway.

The Honda struck the pedestrian first, followed by the Ford.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported the man to Memorial Hospital, where he died.

Neither driver was injured.

Authorities have not released the victim’s identity or established whether either driver violated a traffic law.

Our deepest condolences go out to the man’s family and loved ones.

About the Attorney

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq.

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq., is a dedicated civil litigator with over a decade of experience representing victims of negligence and corporate misconduct. He gained national recognition at 29 for securing a multi-million-dollar settlement against a major corporation, making him one of the youngest attorneys to achieve such a result. Known for handling difficult cases, he has repeatedly won multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases other firms had turned down. He co-founded Flanagan & Bodenheimer to offer personalized, high-quality legal representation to those in need.