Two separate motorcycle crashes in Jacksonville over one weekend resulted in fatalities, highlighting ongoing risks riders face at intersections and during merging traffic.
Friday, August 30 & Sunday, September 1, 2024
On Friday, a motorcyclist was killed after colliding with an SUV making a left turn. Then on Sunday, a truck merged into a motorcycle carrying two riders. The male rider later died at the hospital.
Friday's fatality
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported a crash that occurred around 6:30 PM on Friday, August 30 at the intersection of Matthew Unger Drive and Casheros Cove near Kernan Boulevard South.
The motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on Matthew Unger Drive. At the same time, an SUV traveling westbound made a left turn in front of the motorcycle, and the two collided.
The 31-year-old male rider was thrown from the motorcycle.
“Based on the distance that the motorcycle traveled post-crash, I would expect that speed may be a factor,” said JSO Sergeant Robert Hungerford.
The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
This marked the 17th motorcycle fatality in Jacksonville in 2024.
Sunday's fatality
A second crash occurred Sunday afternoon around 2:30 PM on Merrill Road in Arlington.
A man and a woman, both in their early 50s and wearing helmets, were traveling eastbound in the inside lane.
At the same time, a pickup truck was merging from the I-295 northbound exit ramp onto Merrill Road.
According to JSO, the truck moved from the right lane into the left lane and struck the motorcycle.
Both riders were thrown from the motorcycle onto the roadway and center median.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported both individuals to the hospital. The male rider later died, while the female passenger was reported in stable condition.
Reminder: watch for motorcycles
In 2023, there were more than 615 motorcycle crash fatalities in Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, motorcycles account for just over 3% of all registered vehicles in the state, yet represent a significantly higher share of fatal crashes.
These incidents often happen during:
- left turns across traffic
- lane changes and merging
- approaching intersections or stopped traffic
Whether you are driving on the highway or through city streets, take extra care to look for motorcycles and give them space—especially when turning, merging, or approaching a red light.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, a Jacksonville accident lawyer can help you understand your options, investigate what happened, and pursue compensation where appropriate.