Study Identifies King County's Most Crash-Prone Intersections

Arlington law firm's analysis of state collision data reveals top dangerous spots, with Kent leading the way.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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According to a study by an Arlington personal injury law firm, King County is home to 11 of the 30 most crash-prone intersections in Washington state. The analysis of state patrol collision data from 2011 to 2024 found that while a roundabout in Lake Stevens had the highest number of crashes, several intersections in Kent and Federal Way also ranked among the state's most dangerous.

Why it matters

As suburban areas continue to develop, identifying high-risk intersections is crucial for improving road safety and infrastructure. The study highlights the need for further analysis and potential redesigns to address factors like traffic flow, visibility, and signal timing that contribute to crashes at these critical junctures.

The details

The Wells Trumbell law firm's analysis found that King County had the most intersections on the list of the state's 30 most crash-prone, all located outside of Seattle. While a roundabout in Lake Stevens topped the list with 272 crashes, intersections in Federal Way and Kent also ranked highly, including S. 348th Street and SR 18 in Federal Way (third with 140 crashes) and six Kent intersections in the top 25.

  • The study analyzed Washington State Patrol collision data from 2011 to 2024.

The players

Wells Trumbell

An Arlington personal injury law firm that conducted the study analyzing Washington state's most crash-prone intersections.

Washington State Patrol

The agency that provided the collision data used in the Wells Trumbell study.

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What they’re saying

“As cities expand and suburban areas develop, road design and infrastructure are increasingly scrutinized for safety. Among the many factors considered, intersections stand out as critical points where traffic flow, visibility, and signal timing can significantly impact driver safety. Intersections are among the most common locations for crashes.”

— Wells Trumbell, Legal team (kirklandreporter.com)

What’s next

The study's findings could prompt further analysis and potential redesigns of the identified high-risk intersections to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The takeaway

This study underscores the importance of ongoing evaluation and improvement of intersection safety, especially as suburban development continues. By identifying the most crash-prone areas, transportation officials can prioritize infrastructure upgrades and traffic management solutions to reduce collisions and protect the public.