Woman Killed in West Bradenton Crash After Failing to Stop at Intersection

A tragic crash in West Bradenton, Florida claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman after a two-vehicle collision at an intersection, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash also left another driver seriously injured and a young child hurt.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. on April 23, 2026, at the intersection of 43rd Street West and 21st Avenue West in Manatee County.

Investigators say the 61-year-old woman from Palmetto was driving an SUV northbound on 43rd Street West and approached a stop sign at the intersection. Troopers report that she failed to stop before entering the intersection.

At the same time, a 31-year-old woman from Bradenton, who had been stopped on 21st Avenue West, entered the intersection in her SUV.

The two vehicles collided, resulting in a significant impact.

The 61-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital. A 1-year-old boy who was a passenger in the second vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Authorities have not released additional details, and the crash remains under investigation.

The Dangers of Stop Sign Violations

Failure to obey stop signs is a leading cause of serious intersection crashes.

Common risks include:

• Entering intersections without yielding
• Misjudging the speed or distance of other vehicles
• Reduced reaction time for other drivers
• High-impact collisions at crossing points

Even at relatively low speeds, these crashes can lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Legal Considerations in Intersection Crashes

Crashes involving failure to stop typically involve right-of-way violations, but a full investigation is still necessary.

Key factors may include:

• Whether the stop sign was clearly visible and properly observed
• The actions and speed of both drivers
• Roadway conditions and visibility
• Eyewitness accounts and crash reconstruction

Liability is generally determined based on which driver failed to follow traffic laws.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims Under Florida Law

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation when negligence contributes to a fatal crash.

Injury victims may also seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation

Cases involving both fatal and serious injuries require careful legal and factual analysis.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who lost her life, as well as those injured in this crash.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death and serious injury cases. If you or a loved one has been affected by a crash, our firm can help investigate the circumstances and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations and handle injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for you or your family.