Roundabouts are on the Rise in Venice, FL and so are Auto Accidents
From Jacaranda Boulevard to River Road, roundabouts are becoming more common in Venice and Sarasota County. They're intended to improve traffic flow — but for many drivers, they're a source of stress and confusion. At Casella Law Group, we've seen a significant increase in Venice, FL auto accident injury cases involving roundabout crashes, especially with out-of-town drivers and seasonal residents unfamiliar with Florida traffic rules.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a roundabout accident, here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and your claim.
Common Types of Roundabout Accidents
1. Failure to Yield. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to circulating traffic. When they don’t, crashes happen.
2. Improper Lane Use. Changing lanes inside the roundabout or exiting from the wrong lane is a common mistake.
3. Rear-End Collisions. Hesitant drivers stopping at yield signs or exits create a chain reaction.
4. Sideswipes. Two vehicles trying to exit at once from different lanes? A recipe for side-impact accidents.
Who’s at Fault in a Roundabout Crash?
Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence system under the 2023 tort reform law. If a driver is found to be more than 50% at fault—in other words, 51% or more—they are barred from recovering any damages. If you're 50% or less at fault, you may still recover compensation, but it will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Real-World Examples:
A driver fails to yield and crashes into circulating traffic: likely at fault.
A driver exits from the inner lane, cutting off another car: may share fault.
Because roundabouts are still relatively new here, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and detailed crash reports are crucial for building a strong case.
Florida Law & Your Right to Compensation
Even if you're partly at fault, you can still recover damages. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages — no matter who caused the crash. But if your injuries are serious, you may also be eligible to file a claim for:
Pain and suffering
Future medical treatment
Loss of earning capacity
Sarasota’s Roundabout Expansion: What You Should Know
Sarasota County currently has 21 roundabouts in operation and plans to add 17 more by 2030. Downtown Sarasota has embraced roundabouts to improve traffic flow and educate drivers on safe navigation. The city even features an Art in the Roundabouts program, showcasing public sculptures at several intersections — a blend of traffic engineering and artistic identity.
There are both single-lane and multi-lane roundabouts, each with unique navigation challenges. Drivers must yield to circulating traffic, obey lane markings, and remain alert — especially during peak season when out-of-town drivers are unfamiliar with local roads.
Roundabouts can be found in high-traffic areas like:
US 41 & 10th Street
US 41 & 14th Street
US 41 & Fruitville Road
Jacaranda Boulevard at Venice Avenue
Honore Avenue & Ashton
The City of Sarasota also offers educational resources such as videos and brochures to help residents and visitors safely navigate roundabouts.
What to Do Immediately After a Roundabout Crash
1. Call 911 to report the accident.
2. Take photos of the vehicles, signage, skid marks, and surrounding area.
3. Get witness contact info — they can make or break your case.
4. Seek medical treatment even if you think you're “fine.”
5. Contact an attorney with experience handling local traffic cases and roundabout-specific liability issues.
THE Casella Law Group Can Help
We know Florida traffic law — and we know the unique challenges that roundabouts present. If you've been injured in a roundabout accident in or around Venice, call us today.
Don’t let the insurance company send you in circles. We’ll help you find your way forward.
Call (941) 234-1432 or complete our contact us form and a member of our firm will contact you.