Munley Law Blog

What’s the Difference Between a Claim and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have two primary paths to seek compensation: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. A claim is an informal request for compensation made directly to an insurance company. At the same time, a lawsuit is a formal legal proceeding filed in court where a judge or jury makes the final decision. Understanding this fundamental difference is important because it determines everything from your timeline to your costs and potential recovery.

Most people don’t realize these aren’t just different names for the same process; they’re separate approaches with advantages, risks, and requirements. Making the wrong choice can cost you thousands of dollars and valuable time you can’t get back.

If you were injured in an accident and are unsure whether to file a claim or a lawsuit, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. […]

Munley Law Welcomes Associate Attorney Noah Musto to the Firm

Premier Pennsylvania personal injury law firm Munley Law is pleased to announce that Noah Musto has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney. 

Musto joins Munley Law directly from completing a judicial clerkship with the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, where he spent the past year gaining firsthand experience in judicial decision-making and courtroom proceedings. This position gave him unique insights into legal analysis and civil procedure that will benefit Munley Law’s clients.

“We are excited to welcome Noah to our team,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “His judicial clerkship experience provides invaluable insight into the court system, and his demonstrated commitment to public service throughout his career aligns perfectly with our firm’s mission of fighting for justice on behalf of injured victims. Noah’s addition strengthens our ability to provide exceptional representation to our clients.”

Prior to his clerkship, Musto gained legal experience through internships with the U.S. […]

Munley Law Welcomes Associate Attorney Jack Cartwright to the Firm

Munley Law, a premier personal injury law firm in Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce that Jack Cartwright has joined the firm as an Associate attorney.

At Munley Law, Cartwright will focus on personal injury litigation, bringing his extensive legal experience to serve injured victims and their families throughout Pennsylvania.

Cartwright has been recognized for his exceptional legal work, earning selection to Best Lawyers Ones to Watch in both 2024 and 2025, and being named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024. These prestigious honors reflect his dedication to excellence in litigation and client advocacy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jack to our team,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “His commitment to justice aligns with the values that have defined Munley Law since its founding. Having Jack join our practice represents the continuation of our firm’s legacy and its future.”

Cartwright recently served as an Associate Attorney at Krevolin & […]

The Hidden Vulnerability: Why Delaware River Bridges Face Ship Collision Risk

On March 26, 2024, a large cargo ship named Dali lost power while moving through Baltimore’s busy harbor. Without control, the ship struck one of the support piers of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In just seconds, the bridge collapsed. Six construction workers died, and the port — one of the largest in the U.S. — was shut down, affecting jobs and shipping for weeks.

Why do Delaware River bridges face ship collision risk? Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) quickly began looking into the accident to answer that question. It also raised a larger question: How many other bridges across the country could be at similar risk — and how many haven’t been tested at all? These issues are of great concern to every day citizens, transportation safety experts, and personal injury lawyers like Munley Law, among may others.

What Did the NTSB Find? […]

Safest and Most Dangerous States to Drive

Labor Day Second-Most People Killed in Motor Vehicle Accidents Behind Only July 4th

An estimated 39,345 Americans were killed in traffic accidents in 2024, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidents (of all kinds) are the third leading cause of death in America.

Motor vehicle accidents rise sharply during the summer months due to increased traffic and alcohol consumption as Americans take vacations. This helps explain why more people are killed in motor vehicle accidents on Labor Day than any other day, with the exception of July 4.

The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 511 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents during the 2023 Labor Day holiday period, up from 496 the previous year. Of these 511 people, 185 (36%) were killed in crashes that involved at least one person driving drunk and 62% of those impaired drivers clocking blood alcohol levels nearly double the legal limit (BAC .15+). […]