One of the most common factors contributing to side-impact collisions in Bradenton is drivers failing to yield the right of way. Intersections such as Cortez Road and 26th Street West are particularly problematic due to their heavy traffic, complex lane structures, and challenging turning situations. Drivers frequently misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, ignore traffic signals or stop signs, and fail to maintain proper attention while handling busy intersections, resulting in catastrophic accidents. Additionally, distractions from smartphones, GPS systems, or passenger interactions further exacerbate the likelihood of failure to yield accidents. Our Bradenton side-impact collision attorneys regularly represent people who have suffered severe injuries due to another driver’s negligence in yielding appropriately. 

Common Situations Leading to Failure-to-Yield Accidents in Bradenton

Left Turns at Busy Intersections

One of the leading causes of failure-to-yield accidents in Bradenton is improper left turns at high-traffic intersections. When drivers fail to accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic or attempt to “beat” a yellow light, it often results in T-bone crashes.

A T-bone collision occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at a right angle. These accidents are especially dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear, putting drivers and passengers at high risk of severe injuries.

Common Causes of Left-Turn Failure-to-Yield Accidents:

• Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic 
• Failing to yield to a protected green light 
• Trying to beat a yellow or red light 
• Obstructed visibility 

High-Risk Intersections for Left-Turn Accidents in Bradenton:

Manatee Avenue & 43rd Street W – Frequent left-turn collisions due to misjudged gaps in traffic.

Cortez Road & 14th Street W – Heavy congestion and multiple lanes make left turns risky.

State Road 70 (53rd Avenue W) & 14th Street W – High-speed traffic and turning delays lead to frequent accidents.

Merging onto High-Traffic Roads

Merging accidents occur when drivers fail to properly yield while entering major highways or roadways with continuous traffic flow. In Bradenton, these incidents are common on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), State Road 64 (Manatee Avenue), and State Road 70 (53rd Avenue W), where merging drivers must carefully adjust their speed and timing to enter moving traffic safely.

• Common Causes of Merging Failure-to-Yield Accidents:
• Failing to match the speed of moving traffic 
• Not checking blind spots
• Ignoring “Yield” or “Merge” signs
• Abrupt lane changes

High-Risk Roads for Merging Accidents in Bradenton:

14th Street W & Cortez Road – Heavy traffic and frequent lane changes make merging dangerous.
State Road 64 & Interstate 75 on-ramps – High-speed entry and exit ramps increase the likelihood of merging-related crashes.
9th Street W & Manatee Avenue – A mix of local and through traffic creates congestion-related merging risks.

Four-Way Stops & Uncontrolled Intersections

At four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections (those without stoplights or clear signage), failure-to-yield accidents are especially common. These crashes typically occur when drivers misunderstand right-of-way rules, rush through the intersection, or assume other vehicles will stop.

Common Causes of Failure-to-Yield at Intersections:

Ignoring the “first-come, first-served” rule 

• Rolling stops
• Distracted driving
• Unclear or missing signage 

High-Risk Areas for Four-Way Stop Accidents in Bradenton:

26th Street W & 53rd Avenue W – Miscommunication between drivers frequently leads to accidents.
9th Street W & 3rd Avenue W – A busy intersection with a mix of local and commuter traffic.
Manatee Avenue & 59th Street W – A mix of commercial and residential traffic makes failure-to-yield incidents common.

Pedestrian & Cyclist Right-of-Way Violations

Bradenton’s downtown district, beachfront areas, and shopping centers see high levels of pedestrian and bicycle traffic. However, failure-to-yield accidents occur when drivers disregard crosswalks, fail to stop at pedestrian signals, or drive aggressively in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Common Causes of Pedestrian & Cyclist Accidents:

• Ignoring marked crosswalks
• Turning without checking for pedestrians 
• Speeding through high-foot-traffic zones

High-Risk Pedestrian & Cyclist Areas in Bradenton:

Cortez Road & Gulf Drive – High tourist activity increases pedestrian risk.
Downtown Bradenton (Old Main Street & 12th Avenue W) – Frequent crosswalk violations lead to injuries.
Manatee Avenue & 75th Street W – A mix of residential and commercial traffic makes pedestrian safety a concern.

Roundabouts & Traffic Circles

While roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce major crashes, failure to yield inside traffic circles can lead to dangerous collisions. In Bradenton, many drivers fail to understand roundabout rules, causing accidents by entering too soon, stopping unexpectedly, or cutting off other vehicles.

Common Causes of Roundabout Failure-to-Yield Accidents:

• Failing to yield to traffic already in the roundabout 
• Stopping inside the roundabout
• Misjudging lane positioning

High-Risk Roundabouts in Bradenton:

SR-64 & Riverwalk – High pedestrian activity and vehicle traffic cause frequent confusion.
Roundabout at 15th Street E & 301 Boulevard – A common site for yield-related crashes.
Roundabouts near LECOM Park – Game-day traffic often leads to misjudged entries and exits.

High-Risk Intersections for Failure-to-Yield Accidents in Bradenton

Manatee Avenue & 43rd Street W – A busy intersection where left-turning drivers often misjudge traffic flow, leading to a crash.

Cortez Road & 26th Street W – A high-traffic area with frequent accidents due to drivers failing to yield while merging or turning left.

U.S. 41 & State Road 70 (53rd Avenue W) – One of the busiest intersections in Bradenton, where failure to yield during lane changes and merges often results in collisions.

9th Street W & 3rd Avenue W (Downtown Area) – Pedestrian-heavy area where drivers frequently fail to yield at crosswalks, increasing accident risks.

Roundabout at 15th Street E & 301 Boulevard – A common site for failure-to-yield crashes, particularly when drivers are unfamiliar with how roundabouts function.

Running Red Lights And T-Bone Crashes

Running red lights significantly increases the risk of T-bone accidents in Bradenton. This reckless choice endangers everyone, especially at intersections along major thoroughfares such as Manatee Avenue and 14th Street West. Drivers attempting to “beat” the red light can cause devastating crashes, leaving innocent victims with life-changing injuries.

Intersections are among the most dangerous places on Bradenton’s roads, and running red lights is one of the leading causes of T-bone and high-speed collisions. When drivers ignore traffic signals and attempt to “beat the light,” they put themselves, pedestrians, and other motorists at serious risk. Many of these accidents occur at busy intersections along Manatee Avenue, Cortez Road, and 14th Street West, where heavy traffic flow and fast-changing lights make the consequences of running a red even more severe.

Some of Bradenton’s most dangerous intersections for red-light violations include:

Manatee Avenue & 14th Street W – A high-traffic intersection where speeding and last-minute red-light running frequently result in side-impact collisions.

Cortez Road & 26th Street W – A congested area where impatient drivers trying to make it through the light cause serious rear-end and T-bone crashes.

U.S. 41 & 53rd Avenue W (SR-70) – One of Bradenton’s busiest intersections, where drivers often fail to stop on red, leading to collisions with vehicles lawfully entering the intersection.

Distracted Driving: A Dangerous Epidemic

Distracted driving, including activities such as texting, eating, or using navigation devices, has become an epidemic on Bradenton roads. High-risk intersections like US-41 and 53rd Avenue West are frequent sites of accidents where distracted driving has been a critical factor. By remaining attentive and minimizing distractions, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of side-impact collisions.

Speeding: A Persistent Hazard

Speeding continues to amplify the risk and severity of T-bone accidents throughout Bradenton. High-speed roads such as SR-70 and US-301 often experience drivers exceeding speed limits, drastically reducing their ability to react in time to prevent accidents. Adhering to posted speed limits and maintaining a safe driving speed are essential safety measures to help avoid collisions.

Ignoring General Traffic Laws

Drivers who ignore basic traffic laws—such as signaling properly and adhering to lane discipline—pose a constant risk for side-impact collisions. Locations such as 9th Street West and 17th Avenue West have seen frequent incidents due to drivers failing to signal or changing lanes abruptly. Following traffic regulations diligently helps protect everyone on Bradenton roads.

Visibility and Blind Spots: Often Overlooked

Poor visibility and blind spots significantly contribute to side-impact crashes, especially in congested areas like 14th Street West and 63rd Avenue. Regularly checking mirrors, physically looking over your shoulder, and keeping windows and mirrors clean can drastically improve your visibility and reduce collision risks.

Aggressive and Impaired Driving: Severe Threats

Aggressive driving behaviors such as abrupt lane changes and tailgating heighten the likelihood of side-impact collisions, notably on major roads like US-41 and Cortez Road. Additionally, impaired driving—whether due to alcohol or drugs—severely impacts a driver’s decision-making and reaction time, especially at critical intersections such as 14th Street West and Manatee Avenue. Practicing patience and ensuring sobriety while driving are fundamental steps toward preventing accidents.

Alarming Statistics and the Importance of Legal Representation

The seriousness of side-impact collisions in Florida cannot be overstated. Recent statistics reveal that 29% of traffic fatalities statewide involved side-impact collisions within a single year. This underscores the critical importance of obtaining experienced legal representation if you’re involved in such an accident. At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, our skilled automobile accident lawyers in Bradenton are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the complexities of the legal process following a collision.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of side-impact collisions. If you’re ever involved in such an accident, trust the experienced legal team at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to advocate fiercely on your behalf and secure the compensation you deserve.

Resources:

1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Crash Data
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Side Impact Collisions
3. Bradenton Police Department – Traffic Safety
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Distracted Driving
5. Manatee County Traffic Operations

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