Jacksonville, FL (February 10, 2025) – A tragic collision on the Mathews Bridge early Sunday morning claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman from Jacksonville, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported at 4:56 a.m. The incident occurred when an SUV, disabled on the center concrete barrier and facing west, was struck by a sedan. The driver of the SUV, who was wearing her seatbelt at the time, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sedan was driven by a 33-year-old woman, also from Jacksonville, who sustained minor injuries in the crash. She was treated at the scene, and no additional medical transport was required. Authorities confirmed that all westbound lanes of the Mathews Bridge were shut down for several hours as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office conducted their investigation and cleared the wreckage.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. FHP is working to determine whether any additional factors, such as speed or driver distraction, played a role in the collision. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who lost her life in this tragic accident.
Highway Accidents and Disabled Vehicles in Florida
Accidents involving disabled vehicles on highways and bridges are a persistent hazard, especially in high-traffic areas like Jacksonville. The Mathews Bridge, a key connector for drivers traveling between downtown Jacksonville and Arlington, experiences significant vehicle flow, making any stopped or disabled vehicle a potential danger to other motorists.
In this incident, the SUV’s position on the center barrier created an unexpected obstacle for other drivers, particularly during the early morning hours when visibility may have been reduced. Crashes like this highlight the risks associated with disabled vehicles, especially on bridges or narrow roadways where maneuvering space is limited.
Drivers encountering a disabled vehicle should reduce speed immediately, turn on hazard lights to alert other motorists, and, if safe to do so, move to another lane. For drivers of disabled vehicles, it is critical to remain in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened and hazard lights activated while waiting for assistance, unless the vehicle is in a dangerous location where exiting might be safer.
Florida law mandates that drivers must move over for stopped vehicles when possible or reduce speed if moving over is unsafe. However, sudden obstacles, such as a disabled vehicle on a bridge, often leave little time for drivers to react, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash due to a disabled vehicle, it’s important to seek medical attention and legal guidance. Understanding your rights can help you navigate the recovery process and potential compensation for damages.
At Local Accident Reports, we are dedicated to providing timely, accurate information to keep our communities informed and safe. If you or someone you know has been affected by an accident like this, we’re here to guide you through your next steps.