Boost your chances of getting the justice and compensation you deserve by choosing Munley Law’s car accident lawyers. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, we will build the strongest possible case and ensure those responsible for your injuries, pain, and suffering are held accountable.
Our no-nonsense approach to car accident cases sees us work with expert witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if required, fight ferociously on our clients’ behalf in court. Our expertise has led to accident victims recovering multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, such as a $17.5 million jury verdict in a teen’s death caused by a car accident and a $4.4 million settlement in a car accident case.
Various organizations, publications, and professional bodies, including Best Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Super Lawyers, have lauded the expertise and impeccable ethical standards of our personal injury lawyers. Choose the best car accident law firm in Pennsylvania if you’ve been injured in a car crash. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you’ll only pay a fee if we win your case.
Why Choose a Car Accident Attorney at Munley Law?
For over 65 years, our award-winning car accident lawyers have established a proven track record of success and a national reputation for representing individuals injured in car crashes. We work as a team to get you the maximum compensation possible following the accident. It’s like our motto says — choose carefully.
Here are some reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer at Munley Law:
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Car Accident Clients
| Case Type | Amount | Result | Case Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Accident | $20 million | Settlement | Settlement for our client, a 15-year-old pedestrian who was struck in a crosswalk and suffered a traumatic brain injury. |
| Car Accident | $19.8 million | Settlement | A family of three died after being rear ended by a truck driver who was on the phone. |
| Car Accident | $17.5 million | Verdict | Jury verdict in teens' deaths caused by a drunk driver. |
| Car Accident | $1.9 million | Settlement | Our client, a pedestrian, was hit by a driver during a charity event. |
| Car Accident | $1.9 million | Verdict | Verdict for a family injured by 16-year-old driver. |
| Car Accident | $1.45 million | Settlement | Our client, a postal carrier, was hit by a work vehicle while crossing at the crosswalk. |
| Car Accident | $1.35 million | Settlement | Our client was critically injured when his car was hit by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. |
| Car Accident | $1 million | Settlement | Our client, a retired firefighter, was killed after being hit head-on by a drunk driver. |
| Car Accident | $1 million | Settlement | Our client was critically injured when they were hit head-on by an oncoming driver who was attempting to pass a vehicle in a “no passing” zone. |
Our results speak for themselves. Our practice focuses on car and truck accidents, and we have the results to prove our expertise.
Recognition Of Our Work
Munley Law is one of the few law firms in the country that has multiple attorneys who are triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This distinction is achieved by fewer than 1 percent of attorneys nationwide.
Our team has also been recognized by:
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- The Summit Council
- International Society of Barristers
- Litigation Counsel of America
- American Association for Justice
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms
- Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- Lawdragon
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Irish Legal 100
Among the accolades our team received are Marion Munley being named to Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers and J. Christopher Munley being named to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
“Munley Law is far more than just a law firm. We’re a family of attorneys who truly understand the meaning of family and bring deep compassion to every client we serve.”
J. Christopher Munley
Call us at (844) 686-5397 How Do Munley Car Accident Lawyers Help?
Our personal injury lawyers understand that car crash victims will want to prioritize their mental and physical health and not focus on dealing with an insurance company or messy court case. We can take the weight off your shoulders by handling the insurance companies, so you receive the fair settlement you deserve for your car accident claim.
Once you hire Munley Law, our car crash lawyers will investigate your crash, prove the other party was negligent, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for you at trial.
How Do We Investigate Your Case?
Our car wreck lawyer works closely with a team of experienced investigators, police, and professional reconstructionists to understand the details of your crash. We carefully collect and analyze essential evidence, including photos from the crash scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, and cell phone records, to build a strong case on your behalf. We aim to ensure we have all the necessary information to present your case in the best possible light.
Discovering Who is At Fault
To win your vehicle crash case, your injury attorneys must prove negligence. To win, we prove negligence:
- Duty
- Breach
- Causation
- Damages
We compile police reports, video footage, phone data, and expert reconstructions to build a watertight case. This enables us to hold the at-fault party or parties accountable and to seek maximum compensation for you.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Munley Law has served clients for decades, providing them with legal representation and fighting against insurance companies notorious for attempting to settle car accident claims for far less than victims seek. Insurers often dispute future care and lost earning capacity. We document every cost – medical, rehab, wage loss – so your claim reflects the full impact. Future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and mental anguish do not just happen overnight. Our auto accident attorneys will calculate your expenses to determine how much your injury cases are worth.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car collisions can take on individuals and families, so we are committed to negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. We believe in transparency and will never accept any settlement offers without your permission.
Fight for You at Trial
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’ll try your case in court. Our trial team is ready. Our team of skilled attorneys has extensive experience in advocating in courtrooms, and we will be thoroughly prepared to present all aspects of your case to a jury.
Do not wait until the last minute to hire our accident lawyers. Most injury claims must be filed within two to three years, depending on your state’s statute of limitations (with some exceptions). Call us to protect your car accident lawsuit.
What Our Clients Say
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Car Accident Attorneys?
Hiring the car accident attorneys at Munley Law costs nothing. We cover all the upfront costs, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Our fee is a small percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you, which means it will never exceed the total amount you receive.
At Munley Law, we believe that every human deserves equal and fair access to justice, regardless of their status, background, or income. We know that being in an accident can be a stressful experience, so the last thing you want to worry about is expensive legal fees. That’s why we don’t charge a fee for our services unless we win your case.
Talk To Our Car Accident Attorneys Now
Types of Compensation Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit
At Munley Law, we assist accident victims in filing personal injury lawsuits to recover compensation for damages sustained in a car accident. Compensation can include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
The economic consequences can be devastating when someone suffers from an accident or injury. Economic damages help motor vehicle collision victims recover some of their financial losses. Economic damages can include:
- Present and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Funeral expenses
Non-economic damages cover the losses unrelated to monetary expenses or financial loss and are intangible. These damages are often challenging to quantify, and it takes an experienced attorney to ensure that the victim receives full compensation for such losses. Non-economic damages may include:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
- Loss of consortium/ loss of companionship
Punitive damages in car collisions are extra payments to punish drivers for hazardous behavior. They go beyond regular compensation and discourage reckless actions that put others at serious risk. Punitive damages are rare and reserved for outrageous or careless conduct. We’ll advise you if they apply in your case under your state’s law.
Many insurance policies don’t cover punitive damages, so the at-fault driver may have to pay out of pocket. The goal is to encourage safer driving and hold those who act recklessly accountable. If you were in an accident where the other driver acted irresponsibly, it’s essential to talk to a lawyer to see if you can pursue punitive damages.
We also help our clients pursue wrongful death claims against at-fault drivers to get justice for their loved ones and provide future security for their families.
What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 40,990 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2023. The causes of these and the many non-fatal accidents on our roads are varied. The most common causes are risky driver behaviors, such as:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the number one cause of auto accidents in the U.S. today. The number of deaths caused by distracted driving is rising each year.
Any time you take your eyes off the road ahead (visual distraction), your hands off the wheel for any reason (manual distraction), or if your mind starts to focus on something other than driving (cognitive distraction), you are putting your life, and the lives of other drivers and their passengers, in jeopardy.
With distracting technology, such as texting on a cell phone or changing the music on the radio, and distractions along the road, including bright billboards, many factors can divert your attention away from the road.
Drowsy Driving
An individual’s driving skills and judgment are significantly impaired by driving while fatigued. Operating a vehicle while drowsy is proven to affect drivers similarly to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and poses a significant danger to the individual behind the wheel and other drivers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being awake for 17 hours or more is similar to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or more. Those whose professions require driving late at night or for extended periods, such as commercial truck drivers, shift workers, or rideshare drivers, are at a higher risk of unintentionally driving while fatigued.
Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated is the cause of approximately one-third of all car accident fatalities, with more than 10,000 deaths due to drunk drivers each year. In the United States, it is illegal to drive with a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration. Driving past this limit seriously affects visual function, reduces coordination, impairs the perception of objects and speed, and therefore impairs overall vehicle control.
Drunk driving accidents kill thousands of people every year, with an average of one death every ~40–45 minutes nationwide.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
One of the leading causes of fatal car crashes in the United States is driving too fast and aggressively. When people drive much faster than they should, it can cause accidents that result in serious injuries or even death. This problem is hazardous when drivers fail to slow down in adverse weather or other dangerous conditions.
Poor Weather Conditions
Driving during poor weather conditions significantly increases your chances of having an auto accident. Certain weather conditions, such as ice, fog, snow, and rain, will force drivers to slow down and drive cautiously.
Unfortunately, while most drivers adjust their driving to inclement weather conditions, some drive negligently. Negligent driving during poor weather conditions includes drivers who refuse to slow down, turn on their headlights, or maintain a safe distance from other cars.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
What you do after a car accident is vital in proving fault for your accident case. Here are a few things to remember to protect your car accident claim:
- Call 911 and get medical care. Get checked out, then follow every appointment. Consistent treatment protects your health and supports the value of your claim.
- Get the police crash report. Note the officer’s name and incident/report number before you leave. Request the report when it becomes available—it lists parties, insurance, and officer observations regarding potential fault.
- Document the scene. Photograph vehicles, positions, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Collect names/contacts for witnesses and responding officers.
- Keep statements brief. don’t admit fault. Stick to facts at the scene.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Politely refer adjusters to your lawyer. Don’t sign medical authorizations from the opposing insurer.
- Notify your own insurer promptly. Open your first-party benefits (PIP/medical) claim and ask about rental/repair steps. Provide basics only—no fault opinions.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t repair or dispose of the vehicle until it’s documented. Save dashcam or phone videos, EDR (“black box”) data, and all correspondence.
- Track every expense. Medical bills, prescriptions, mileage to treatment, home help/childcare, property damage, and lost wages. Keep a brief diary of your pain/symptom diary.
- Insurance: Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault—your limited vs. full tort selection affects pain-and-suffering claims.
- UM/UIM: Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- Fault sharing: Under PA’s 51% modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa.C.S.A. § 7102), you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault; your percentage reduces your recovery.
- Be cautious on social media. Don’t post about the crash, injuries, or activities while your claim is open.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement. Early offers are often low. Talk to a car accident lawyer first to understand the full value of your case before you sign anything. Call us 24/7. Munley’s board-certified trial lawyers handle everything on a contingency fee—$0 upfront; you pay only if we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
You should hire a personal injury law firm immediately following an auto collision. Dealing with the legal process after an accident can be complicated and overwhelming, especially when you also have to contend with injuries, damages, and losses. While you focus on healing, your automobile accident lawyers can get to work on your case. Working with an accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of getting a fair settlement and the best possible outcome for your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in the U.S. varies by state. Pennsylvania, for example, generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit. Other states differ—ask us about your exact deadline. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- One Year: Some states, like Kentucky and Tennessee, have a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claim from car accidents.
- Two Years: Many states, including California, Illinois, and Texas, have a two-year statute of limitations.
- Three Years: States such as New York and North Carolina have a three-year statute of limitations.
- Four to Six Years: A few states, like Maine, have longer statutes of limitations that extend up to six years.
It’s essential to consult specific state laws, as the timeframe may vary for cases involving government entities or special circumstances, such as the discovery of latent injuries.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If the other driver is uninsured, you can file a claim with your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to cover medical expenses and lost wages. If you don’t have UM coverage or your damages exceed its limits, you may need to sue the uninsured driver, but collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack assets. Some states also have programs to help victims of uninsured drivers. Consulting a car accident lawyer can help you explore options and decide the best approach for uninsured motorist accidents.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A lawyer can provide essential support after a hit-and-run car accident. First, they can assist in gathering evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports, to strengthen your case. A lawyer can also work with your insurance company to ensure you get the maximum compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, if there are any available victim compensation funds or other legal avenues for financial recovery, your lawyer will help you explore those options. Finally, since hit-and-run accidents involve criminal charges, a lawyer can guide you through your case’s civil and criminal aspects, ensuring your rights are protected.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For the Car Crash?
Laws concerning fault vary by state. For instance, under Pennsylvania’s 51% rule, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage.
Even if you’re worried that you may be at fault, you should still contact an attorney. At Munley Law, we’re happy to help explore your options at no cost.
Why is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?
Depending on the complexity of your case, it can take several months before your settlement is approved. Many factors are considered, such as how quickly the insurance company is willing to settle your claim, the severity of your injuries, your losses, and the complexity of the accident. Contact our car accident attorneys immediately if you have any questions about your case.
What Should I Do If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Calls Me?
Be careful if someone from the other driver’s insurance company calls or messages you after a car crash. Don’t tell them anything yet. First, consult with a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases.
Remember, insurance people are good at their job. Their primary responsibility is to support their company, not you. It’s wise to seek legal advice before speaking with the insurance company or agreeing to anything.
Call a Car Accident Attorney Today to Protect Your Rights and Options
Getting into a car accident can be a frightening and stressful experience, especially if you are injured. Before speaking with the other insurer, talk to us. Call, chat 24/7, or schedule a free case review. No fee unless we win.
For 65 years, our experienced attorneys have built a reputation for excellence in the legal profession. When you work with us, you can be confident that your accident case is in the best possible hands. Best of all, you pay nothing out of pocket, no matter what.
Call, chat, or use our online form today to schedule your free consultation.
J. Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is an award-winning plaintiffs’ lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for accident victims and their families. As a board-certified civil trial advocate, Chris was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Workers’ Compensation by Best Lawyers, and has been listed on Pennsylvania Super Lawyers since 2013.
