Intersection accidents are not simply a symptom of poor driving, they are often the result of design, monitoring and planning decisions that have legal consequences.
Intersections have always been the trickiest points on our roads, but in Washington, they’re becoming a growing legal concern. As traffic increases and road designs evolve, crashes at intersections continue to occur more frequently, and when they do, responsibility is rarely simple.
Washington’s Most Crash-Prone Intersection
A recent study by Wells-Trumble identified the most dangerous intersections in Washington based on state crash data. Roundabouts at SR 204 and SR 9 topped the list, recording 272 crashes in just four years. The report also found that four of the six most accident-prone intersections in Washington are roundabouts, and that between 2023 and 2024 work zone and construction-related accidents will increase by 17 percent.
King County accounted for ten of the ten intersections with the highest number of collisions. Statistics show that urban growth and redevelopment, particularly in Seattle’s suburbs, are fueling the increase in intersection crashes. These are precisely the areas where new construction, temporary detours and unfamiliar road layouts can make driving more unpredictable.
For attorneys, this concentration of collisions points to potential systemic issues beyond driver error. When certain intersections become frequent crash zones, design, maintenance and signage all come under scrutiny. This raises questions about liability that can extend far beyond the drivers involved.
Why are intersections so dangerous?
The FHWA explains that intersections are dangerous because they require drivers to make multiple complex decisions within seconds: turning, yielding, merging and reacting to other vehicles, pedestrians and simultaneous signals. (fhwa.gov)
In urban areas, these risks are compounded by congestion, construction and distracted driving. In rural areas, the danger is often limited visibility and lack of signals. National statistics show that more than 80 percent of fatal crashes at rural intersections occur at unpaved locations. Washington’s mix of rural highways and suburban growth corridors is particularly vulnerable to both scenarios.
Increasingly common across the state, they present their own set of challenges. While studies show that detours can reduce the severity of crashes over time, Washington’s data suggest a temporary increase in crashes as drivers adapt. Among the state’s many crash-prone intersections are roundabouts that have recently replaced traditional signalized crossings. This short-term learning curve can have significant legal consequences if an accident occurs during or immediately after the redesign.
The legal complexities behind the intersection collapse
Intersection accidents rarely involve just one factor. A collision can result from a distracted driver, but can also contribute to design flaws, poor signage, or construction negligence. For lawyers handling these cases, this complexity means more investigative work.
Evidence such as traffic signal timing data, city maintenance records, and even roadway engineering reports can play a key role in establishing fault. Determining liability may also require an examination of whether the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or a local contractor properly maintained the intersection or implemented timely safety upgrades.
Because of Washington’s system of comparative negligence, fault can be apportioned to multiple parties. This can include both the driver, a government agency, and sometimes a private company if construction or roadwork contributed to the accident. In many cases, expert testimony from traffic engineers is necessary to demonstrate how design or maintenance failures increase the risk.
Moving on to safer roads
As Washington continues to grow, intersection safety will continue to be an important issue for both policymakers and the legal community. The data from Wells-Trumble’s study provided valuable insight into where improvements are needed. The state can use these findings to prioritize redesign, install clear signage, and improve public education around new traffic patterns.
Intersection accidents are not simply a symptom of poor driving, they are often the result of design, monitoring and planning decisions that have legal consequences. As crash data continues to show, solving these problems requires not just safer roads, but faster legal accountability.
