The Most Dangerous Intersections in Wilkes-Barre: What Crash Data Tells Us About Local Liability

The scenic beauty of the Susquehanna River defines Wilkes-Barre’s character and offers great vistas for driving. But the valley landscape that makes the city beautiful also poses dangers for motorists. Navigating the intersections of Wilkes-Barre requires an awareness of those specific hazards.

Drivers need to watch out for dense Susquehanna fog that can blindside commuters, steep grades that create a constant risk of runaway cars and trucks, and pinch points and blind curves on the transition from the flat valley floor to the rising hillsides. These natural and geographic factors are exacerbated by human factors, such as excessive speeding on residential streets and a lack of signage and traffic signals in some areas.

The experienced Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers at Munley Law help crash victims and their families pursue compensation after serious accidents. The firm has in-depth knowledge of Wilkes-Barre’s roadways and a history of achieving groundbreaking results for victims of auto and truck accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation following a car crash.

Intersection Hotspots for Car Crashes in Wilkes-Barre

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Wilkes-Barre are:

North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard and Cross Valley Expressway (Exit 2 Off-ramp)

The intersection has seen more than 30 collisions, including one fatality, since the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation removed a temporary traffic light about five years ago, according to The Citizens’ Voice. Local officials are working with PennDOT to reinstall a signal, which is expected to make it safer to turn left onto the boulevard from the off-ramp.

Highland Park Boulevard/Coal Street and Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard

The dangers at this intersection, where drivers often fail to yield the right of way when making left turns, are no joke, though the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department has employed humor to address the issue. In a Facebook post in September 2025, police said they would be employing the help of “Phillies Karen,” a woman who appeared to scold a child in a viral confrontation at a Phillies game, to “monitor the intersection with a camera 24/7.” It turns out the Phillies Karen part was a joke, but the camera installation was a real recognition of the danger of inattentive drivers.

River Street and Market Street (near Market Street Bridge)

The nearly 100-year-old Market Street Bridge is a historic gateway to Wilkes-Barre. But just after crossing the bridge into town, motorists encounter an intersection that ranks as one of the most dangerous in the city. It experiences heavy daily congestion and has been the site of numerous serious and fatal accidents, including a high-profile bicyclist fatality in 2024.

South Washington Street and East Market Street

This crossing in downtown Wilkes-Barre is characterized by a dangerous combination of heavy foot traffic and heavy vehicle use, as it serves as a primary artery leading to Public Square and the Market Street Bridge. It is also close to the city’s media and commercial hubs. The result has been a number of deadly hit and run collisions over the years.

Highland Park Boulevard and Mundy Street

This intersection near the Wyoming Valley Mall and Arena Hub Plaza has become a notorious crash hotspot. Police have warned that drivers at the intersection tend to “jump the gun” on turn arrows, and the dense concentration of retail outlets frequently leads to distracted driving and improper lane changes.

How Fault is Determined in a Car Crash in Wilkes-Barre

In total, the city of Wilkes-Barre had 347 collisions, including 2 fatalities, in 2024 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), according to PennDOT figures. Nearly 4 percent of those were head-on collisions, which is higher than the national average, while just under 22 percent were rear-enders, which is lower than the national average. Head-on collisions are the most feared type of crashes on the road because of their high rate of fatalities, severity of injuries, and the extent of damage they do to the vehicles involved.

In a head-on collision, to determine fault, investigators focus on which vehicle crossed the centerline. They establish liability by analyzing police reports, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence such as skid marks and debris patterns. Digital evidence, such as dashcam and surveillance footage, can also play a major role in determining which driver is at fault.

The police officers who respond to a crash scene generally take a first pass at determining fault. But in the aftermath, adjusters and investigators from insurance companies will weigh all relevant data, relying heavily on the police report and other evidence to determine who is to blame.

Who is at fault matters because Pennsylvania operates under a modified comparative negligence system, also known as the “51% rule.” A plaintiff in a civil case is eligible for recovery only if their negligence does not exceed that of the defendant or defendants in a crash. If a claimant’s responsibility is determined to be 51% or greater, they are prohibited from recovering any damages.

Seek Legal Advice from a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Wilkes-Barre and need guidance on what to do next, the personal injury attorneys at Munley Law are here to help. Call us today to speak with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through this complex process and make sure you receive all the compensation you are owed.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Wilkes-Barre
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406