A bicyclist in his late 20s was struck by multiple vehicles and killed while attempting to cross a Jacksonville intersection early Friday morning.
Friday, September 6, 2024
A man in his late 20s riding a bicycle was hit by at least two cars while attempting to cross the intersection at Hartley Road and San Jose Boulevard at around 2 AM.
Hit and dragged underneath
As the man traveled west on his bicycle from Hartley Road across the San Jose Boulevard intersection, a Volkswagen sedan traveling south struck him.
The impact knocked the man unconscious into the roadway.
He was then run over and dragged by a Nissan sedan. The driver told the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office that he immediately stopped once he realized the man was lodged underneath the vehicle.
Both drivers remained at the scene and reported that they had a green light at the time of the crash.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
In hindsight
This marked the 99th traffic fatality in Duval County for the year.
Situations like this are complex. At 2 AM, most drivers do not expect someone to be crossing a major intersection—especially without the right-of-way.
That raises an important question: even when one party clearly contributed to the accident, is there anything the other side could have done differently?
Advice for cyclists
If you are on a bicycle, only cross an intersection when you have the right-of-way.
Even then, do not assume drivers see you. Wait until you are absolutely sure that all approaching vehicles are slowing down and coming to a complete stop.
Advice for drivers
The best approach is to drive defensively at all times—whether it is late at night, early in the morning, or during peak traffic hours.
Stay alert, stay off your phone, and remain aware of your surroundings. Even at 2 AM, unexpected hazards can appear in the roadway.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious bicycle or vehicle accident, a Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you understand what happened, navigate the insurance process, and pursue compensation where appropriate.