Motorcycles offer speed and maneuverability, but they can also pose unique dangers. Jacksonville’s busy highways, neighborhood roads, and coastal routes see thousands of accidents each year. Negligence often leads to collisions that harm motorcyclists, drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Because motorcycles lack the protective frame of a car, riders are far more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when collisions occur. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 9,452 motorcycle-involved crashes in Florida in 2024, resulting in 594 deaths and thousands of injuries. Many of these crashes are caused by reckless or unlawful practices behind the wheel.
Below are the most common unsafe behaviors by drivers and motorcyclists that lead to accidents in Jacksonville. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at Coker Law to learn more at (904) 356-6071.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
High speeds reduce reaction time, increase stopping distances, and make crashes far more severe. Nationwide, the fatal crash rate for motorcyclists is 28 times higher per mile traveled than for passenger cars, according to the NHTSA.
In Jacksonville, speeding drivers and motorcyclists often weave through traffic on I-95, I-295, or Beach Boulevard, endangering others. Aggressive maneuvers like tailgating or racing through intersections don’t just put the rider at risk—they create conditions where a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian can cause devastating harm.
Illegal Lane Splitting and Unsafe Lane Changes
Florida law makes lane splitting illegal. Under Florida Statute § 316.209(3), “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” Riders who attempt to bypass traffic this way increase the likelihood of sideswipe accidents, often striking cars when cutting between lanes.
Even without lane splitting, unsafe lane changes—such as failing to signal or darting into small gaps—put surrounding motorcyclists and drivers in danger. A sudden, unpredictable lane shift on congested Jacksonville highways often forces others to swerve or brake sharply, leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
Impaired Riding and Driving
Impaired motorcycle operation is a leading cause of serious accidents. In a recent year, 27% of motorcyclists killed in crashes were alcohol-impaired—a higher rate than for car or truck drivers.
Unfortunately, impaired motorcyclists and drivers often lose control at intersections or veer into oncoming traffic. Innocent people bear the consequences when impaired individuals collide at high speeds.
Popular nightlife areas in Downtown Jacksonville and along the beaches are particularly prone to drunk driving incidents.
Reckless Maneuvers and Stunts
Some riders and drivers attempt stunts such as wheelies, speeding through red lights, or weaving in and out of traffic at dangerous angles. While these actions might seem like “thrill riding,” they dramatically increase the risk of accidents.
Data shows that motorcyclists performing reckless maneuvers are involved in a disproportionate number of high-severity crashes, which often harm bystanders. On Jacksonville roadways, sudden swerves or loss of control during a stunt can cause riders to crash directly into cars or pedestrians.
Hazardous Road Conditions Combined with Negligent Driving
While poor road conditions pose risks to all vehicles, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to losing control on wet pavement, gravel, or uneven asphalt. When riders fail to slow down or adjust their riding to account for hazards, they often veer into other vehicles or onto sidewalks, injuring themselves and others.
Roadway surface conditions could also contribute to motorcycle crashes. In Jacksonville, frequent construction zones and summer storms make this a hazardous issue.
Weather and Visibility Challenges
Florida’s weather can change rapidly, with sudden rainstorms and fog limiting visibility. Motorcyclists without proper headlights, reflective gear, or caution often become nearly invisible to other drivers.
But the danger also works the other way: a reckless motorcyclist speeding in low-visibility conditions increases the risk of crashing into vehicles that are difficult to see or avoid.
Contact the Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Motorcycle accidents in Jacksonville can change lives in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, contact an experienced Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.