For almost seven decades, Munley Law’s Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyers have helped victims pursue justice and obtain compensation for their losses. With over $1 billion secured in settlements and verdicts for our clients, we’ve built a reputation for achieving exceptional results in even the most challenging personal injury claims.
Our achievements and expertise are recognized by our peers and by a range of legal organizations and publications in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. We’re honored routinely by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association For Justice. In addition, all our partners have received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest ratings and have been named to the prestigious Irish Legal 100 list.
With Munley Law’s experienced legal team, you do not need to grapple with the unique issues involved in your bus accident case. We understand the implications of having multiple potentially liable parties, complex commercial insurance policies, and the many regulations governing public and private transportation. Contact us today to schedule a free first consultation with our bus accident lawyers. We’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$19.8 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wilkes-Barre Bus Accidents?
Negligence is commonly the leading cause of bus accidents in Wilkes-Barre. Some forms of negligence include:
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Intoxicated driving
- Bus mechanical failure
Bus accidents can be even more catastrophic than a typical car accident in Wilkes-Barre, given the size and weight of commercial vehicles. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 420 commercial bus accidents with four occupant fatalities and 267 school bus accidents in 2023. Contact Munley Law’s bus accident lawyers if you were injured in a collision or other incident involving a bus in Wilkes-Barre or elsewhere in Luzerne County.
How Do We Determine Liability in a Wilkes-Barre Bus Accident Case?
In cases of negligence, more than one entity can be at fault, not just the bus driver. Some parties who may be at fault for the accident include, but are not limited to:
- The bus company may not have trained the bus driver properly, or may not have appropriately screened the driver before hiring
- The manufacturers may be responsible if the vehicle was faulty, such as defective brakes or tires
- Poorly maintained roads or bridges may leave the government (city or state) as the liable 3rd party
Munley Law’s Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly to determine who is responsible. As part of our investigation, we will gather evidence such as:
- Accident scene photos
- Police photos
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Traffic or dash cam footage
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Electronic control module (ECM) or “black box” data, like vehicle speed, brake use, steering inputs, and hours of operation
This and other evidence enable us to create an accurate picture of the accident and the events leading up to it. When we know who is at fault, we will hold all those responsible accountable and take the fight for justice to court if necessary.
Contact a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What You Should Do At the Scene of a Bus Accident
If you have been involved in a bus accident, your first priority is to ensure your safety. Next, to protect your rights, you should:
- Try to remain in your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 and file a police report. Under 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3746, you must report accidents if they result in injury, death, or if any vehicle can’t be driven away safely. Take down the name and badge number of the officer you converse with; always make a record of your interactions as best you can
- Take pictures to document physical and material damages
- Obtain witness names, statements, and contact info if you can
- Seek medical treatment, even if you do not feel that you need it at the onset of your accident. The medical reports will be beneficial in validating your case and timelines
- Contact a Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney at Munley Law
Our bus accident lawyers will help you understand your rights, provide guidance on dealing with police investigators and insurance companies, and advise you about your legal options.
What You Should Not Do at a Bus Accident Scene in Wilkes-Barre, PA
If you’re involved in a Wilkes-Barre bus accident, do not:
- Put off going to the hospital or seeing a doctor
- Give a recorded statement to the bus company or its insurance carrier
- Post about the accident and your injuries on social media
- Delay talking to a bus accident attorney
Commercial companies have huge teams ready to fight and will empathize with you and attempt to get favorable statements (that do not place them at fault). You need a Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyer with equal experience in handling these complex cases. Contact the bus accident lawyers at Munley Law immediately following a bus accident.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Are the Common Types of Bus Accident Injuries?
Bus accident injuries can seem minimal at first, but may later become apparent. It is crucial to have a proper exam and to have a medical professional document everything; this documentation will assist you when negotiations begin.
Common bus accident injuries include:
- Neck and head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Fractures, broken bones
- Contusions
Head trauma from a bus collision can sometimes result in a traumatic brain injury, requiring extensive ongoing care. If you suffered any of these injuries while riding on a bus or car in Wilkes-Barre, you may have a claim against the bus company. Your next steps to obtaining compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, such as emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of consortium. If you did suffer any of these injuries, make sure you do the following to keep track of your expenses:
- Record your doctor appointments, times, and how you feel
- Keep all receipts from medical appointments, therapies, and medicines
- Speak with an experienced bus accident lawyer at Munley Law.
Keep in mind that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. In terms of this rule, you can only claim compensation if your share of fault is 50% or less. Our lawyers will calculate a comprehensive estimate for compensation, taking physical injuries, medical needs, impact on quality of life, and other factors into account.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?
In Pennsylvania, under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524(2), the statute of limitations for accident claims affords two years from the date of the accident. However, in order to bring legal action against a government entity or employee, you must provide written notice to that government agency within six months of the incident. This is why it is extremely important to speak with a lawyer who can advise you as to how to proceed and take action on your behalf in a timely manner.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Wilkes-Barre Bus Accident Lawyer?
Munley Law’s Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyers are your best allies if you have been injured in an accident in the region. Since 1959, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. Among our major victories were a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement and a $1.2 million settlement for a boy who was hit by a bus at summer camp.
Our attorneys’ expertise in vehicle law is widely recognized. The National Trial Lawyers Association named J. Christopher Munley to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list, Mackenzie Wilson to the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys in Pennsylvania list, and all partners to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. In addition, Super Lawyers named Marion Munley among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania for the past three years. The organization also named her to the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Peer-reviewed organization Best Lawyers named Marion the Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation.
If we accept your case, we will conduct our own independent investigation to determine liability, build the strongest case to obtain full compensation, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and face the bus company in court, if required. Munley Law is your best option if you’re looking for a legal team that produces results. Choose us for peace of mind.
Speak To a Wilkes-Barre Bus Accident Attorney Now
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilkes-Barre Bus Accident Cases
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
You should call 911 for medical assistance immediately after a bus accident in Wilkes-Barre, even if you feel fine at the scene. Next, wait for the police to arrive at the scene and file a report. Take photos of the accident and your injuries, gather witness contact details if you can, and follow any instructions given by medics or law enforcement. Once your immediate needs are addressed, contact a bus accident lawyer at Munley Law.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
Several different parties can be held liable for a bus accident in Wilkes-Barre. In addition to the bus driver, the bus company may be responsible if it failed to screen or train the driver properly. Manufacturers may be liable if defective brakes, tires, or other components contributed to the accident.
If unsafe roads or poor maintenance played a role, a local or state government entity may also be at fault. Our Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation by reviewing scene evidence, witness statements, medical records, black box data, and other evidence to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
What Types of Injuries Commonly Occur in Bus Accidents?
Various types of serious injuries commonly occur in bus accidents due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include head and neck trauma, whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, which is why a prompt medical evaluation is important.
How Long do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a bus accident claim in Pennsylvania. However, if your claim involves a government agency, such as a public transit authority, you must provide written notice within six months of the accident.
Contact a Wilkes-Barre Bus Accident Lawyer Now For a Free Consultation
Whether your bus accident was the fault of a negligent bus driver or another motorist, Wilkes-Barre Munley Law’s Personal injury bus accident lawyers will help you to get the maximum recovery for your injuries and your trauma. If you are acting on behalf of a loved one who tragically lost their life, we have the resources and team to help you at this incredibly difficult time. We have the knowledge, experience, track record, and qualifications to get you the justice you deserve, and we know how to win your bus accident case.
Choose an experienced bus accident firm near you. Choose Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, and work with an experienced bus accident attorney whom you can trust. Call us or use our easy-to-use online form to contact us. Our Wilkes-Barre bus accident lawyers are waiting to hear from you.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on December 9, 2025.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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