Motorcyclist injured in crash at Baymeadows, Old Kings

Jacksonville police say motorcyclist hospitalized in critical condition

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A motorcyclist was hospitalized in critical condition after Jacksonville police said he hit an SUV that turned in front of him Thursday afternoon on the city's Southside. 

It happened about 12:30 p.m. on Baymeadows Road at Old Kings Road South. 

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, an SUV was in an eastbound lane of Baymeadows Road waiting to turn left onto Old Kings Road South when the driver turned in front of a motorcycle. 

A truck traveling behind the motorcycle ran into a pole after quickly swerving away from the crash. The passenger of the truck, who wished to remain anonymous, credited his friend, who was driving, for his quick response.

"He was paying attention, was looking at his surroundings. He saw everything go down before I did and he was already swerving," he said.

The truck passenger said the motorcyclist was badly injured but able to talk. 

"We were just trying to keep him calm. He ripped his helmet off and the only thing he wanted was his phone so he could call his dad. So I got him his phone he called his dad," he said.

About an hour after the accident, the motorcycle was towed away.

At last check, according to police, the motorcyclist was in critical, but not life-threatening, condition with several broken bones. Witnesses said they're hopeful he can make a full recovery. They also encouraged drivers to pay attention and urged motorcyclists to wear helmets. 

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department originally tweeted that it was a hit-and-run crash but crews at the scene said the SUV driver immediately came back. 

The crash comes about two weeks after two motorcyclists were killed in weekend crashes.

According to the Sheriff's Office, as of Tuesday, 132 people have died this year on Jacksonville roads.