Two Men Killed After Being Struck on I-95 Shoulder Near Jacksonville, FHP Reports

A tragic early morning crash on Interstate 95 near Jacksonville has left two men dead after they were struck while standing outside their vehicles on the shoulder of the highway. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on April 1, 2026, around 4:48 a.m. near the intersection of I-95 and Old St. Augustine Road. Authorities report that a pickup truck veered onto the shoulder, striking both men and their parked vehicles.

What We Know About the Incident

• The crash occurred on Interstate 95 northbound near Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville, Florida
• The incident took place around 4:48 a.m. on April 1, 2026
• Two men, ages 56 and 36, were standing on the inside shoulder next to their vehicles
• A pickup truck traveling northbound swerved onto the shoulder
• The pickup struck both parked vehicles and the two men
• Both men were pronounced dead at the scene
• Authorities have not determined why the men were outside their vehicles
• The driver of the pickup, a 63-year-old man, was not injured
• The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene
• The crash remains under investigation

Risks and Safety Concerns

Standing on the shoulder of a high-speed highway like Interstate 95 presents significant dangers, particularly in low-light conditions such as early morning hours. Vehicles traveling at highway speeds have limited time to react if they drift out of their lane or onto the shoulder.

The inside shoulder can be especially hazardous due to its proximity to fast-moving traffic and reduced visibility for approaching drivers. Even minor driver errors, such as distraction or momentary loss of control, can result in catastrophic outcomes.

Incidents involving stopped vehicles on highways highlight the importance of remaining inside the vehicle when possible and using emergency signals or hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Legal Options and Potential Liability

Fatal crashes involving vehicles leaving the roadway and striking individuals on the shoulder often raise serious questions of negligence and roadway safety.

Potential liable parties may include:

• Negligent driver: A driver who swerves onto the shoulder due to distraction, fatigue, or loss of control may be held liable for causing the crash.
• Vehicle owner: Under Florida law, the owner of the pickup truck may be responsible for damages caused by the driver.
• Commercial entities: If the pickup truck was being used for business purposes, an employer may be liable under vicarious liability principles.
• Government entities: If roadway design, lack of shoulder protection, poor lighting, or inadequate signage contributed to the crash, the agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may share liability.
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a mechanical failure contributed to the vehicle leaving the roadway, a product liability claim may be pursued.
• Third parties: If another driver’s actions forced the pickup onto the shoulder, that party may also be held liable.

Under Florida’s comparative negligence system, fault may be apportioned among multiple parties based on their degree of responsibility.

In fatal crash cases, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims and recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and future earnings
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and determine what caused the pickup truck to veer onto the shoulder. Authorities are expected to review roadway conditions, driver behavior, and any available evidence from the scene.

If you or a loved one was involved in a similar accident, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.