Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured After Being Struck at Prior Crash Scene on SR-9B in Duval County

A tragic secondary crash on State Road 9B in Duval County has left one woman dead and a man critically injured after they were struck by a vehicle at the scene of an earlier collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The devastating incident highlights the extreme dangers motorists and bystanders face when crashes occur on high-speed roadways.

Florida Highway Patrol reported that the fatal incident happened Thursday night on State Road 9B near Flagler Center Boulevard in Duval County.

According to investigators:

• A prior crash had already occurred on SR-9B
• Two vehicles were stopped in the roadway as a result of that earlier collision
• A 20-year-old driver was traveling southbound in the inside lane approaching the crash scene
• The driver reportedly failed to observe the stopped vehicles ahead

FHP says the vehicle then struck individuals who were outside of their vehicles following the initial crash.

One Woman Killed, One Man Critically Injured

Authorities confirmed that:

• A woman at the crash scene was struck and killed
• A man was also struck and suffered critical injuries
• The injured man was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment

The identities of those involved have not yet been released.

Investigators continue working to determine all contributing factors, including speed, visibility, lighting conditions, and whether impairment or distraction played a role.

Dangers of Secondary Collisions After Crashes

Secondary crashes — collisions that occur after an initial accident — are among the most dangerous types of roadway incidents.

When drivers fail to slow down or move over after seeing stopped vehicles, the risk of catastrophic injury or death rises dramatically.

Common causes of secondary crashes include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or failure to reduce speed
• Poor visibility or nighttime driving conditions
• Failure to move over for stopped vehicles
• Congested traffic or sudden stops

Even individuals standing outside their vehicles after a crash are extremely vulnerable to being struck by passing traffic.

Potential Liability in Multi-Vehicle and Secondary Crash Cases

Fatal crashes involving multiple vehicles or secondary impacts often raise complex liability questions.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, potential liability may involve:

• The driver who failed to slow down or stop
• Drivers involved in the initial collision
• Any negligent or reckless driving behavior
• Possible roadway or visibility issues

Under Florida law, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence contributed to the fatal crash.

Victims injured in the crash may also be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Long-term rehabilitation and care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

These cases often require detailed accident reconstruction and legal investigation to determine exactly how and why the crash occurred.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal SR-9B crash and is expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact FHP.

As authorities work to determine what led to this tragic collision, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of slowing down and remaining alert when approaching any crash scene on Florida roadways.