Munley Law Blog

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

What State Has the Most Car Accidents

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. Some readers may also find our car accident information guide useful.

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+). […]

Should I Get Out of My Car Following a Car Crash

Should you stay in your car after an accident? This might not be the question you ever expected to ask yourself. However, because accidents can result from the negligence of others, it’s an important consideration.

Experiencing a car crash can be shocking and frightening. You might feel a rush of emotions: fear, confusion, or even disbelief.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, knowing what steps to take next is helpful. Taking the proper steps in the aftermath of a car accident can play a significant role in your immediate safety.

Knowing whether to get out of your vehicle after an auto accident can also influence potential compensation if you file a claim or lawsuit. What you do at the accident scene can have ripple effects that impact settlement negotiations and the potential value of your claim.

Should You Stay in Your Car After an Accident, […]

Munley Law Partner Daniel W. Munley Awarded Ring of Honor Award From the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group

Munley Law is pleased to announce that Partner Daniel W. Munley received the Ring of Honor Award from the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group.

The Ring of Honor Award is given to an organization member in recognition of their past and ongoing contributions to advancing the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group and Highway Safety.

Dan is an AAJ Trucking Litigation Group charter member and sits on the Executive Board. He served as Chair of the group from 2011 to 2012. In 2020, the organization awarded him the Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award (previously the Chairman’s Award).

A champion of plaintiffs’ rights, Dan has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in history. A seasoned truck accident lawyer, Dan is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Truck Accident Law, […]

Senior Partner Marion Munley Elected as Vice President of the American Association for Justice

Munley Law is pleased to announce that Senior Partner Marion Munley has been sworn in as the American Association for Justice Vice President.

Marion has held several executive positions within AAJ over the years, having previously served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. She was the first woman to chair the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group and has served on the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee.

Marion is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and respected personal injury lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of Pennsylvania’s largest truck accident settlements. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law. She is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become a Civil Trial Advocate. […]

Why Medical Treatment Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re probably focused on one thing: getting better. And that’s exactly what you should be doing. But here’s something many people don’t realize—the medical care you receive isn’t just about healing. It’s also building the foundation for your personal injury claim.

We know the last thing you want to think about right now is paperwork and legal strategies. The period after an accident can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely natural to just want to focus on your recovery. But understanding how your medical treatment affects your case can make a huge difference in the compensation you receive.

Many accident victims make the mistake of skipping follow-up appointments or delaying treatment because they’re feeling a bit better. It’s understandable—who wants to spend more time in waiting rooms? But here’s the thing: insurance companies are watching for exactly these kinds of gaps. […]

What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance and Does It Affect Accident Claims?

If you drive a commercial truck, chances are you’ve heard about non-trucking liability insurance. But what exactly does it cover — and how does it affect your accident claim if something goes wrong when you’re not on the job?

Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or leased to a motor carrier, understanding non-trucking liability can make a big difference in how an insurance claim is handled. Below, we’ll break it down in plain language.

What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?

Non-trucking liability insurance (sometimes called NTL insurance) covers a commercial truck when it’s being used for non-business purposes. This type of policy is for drivers who use their truck outside of work hours — such as driving to the store or heading home after a delivery.

It does not cover:

• Hauling cargo
• Driving under dispatch
• Any trip related to work for a carrier

In short, […]

Is it Safe to Ride a Motorcycle in Rain?

Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in the rain? The short answer: it depends on your preparation, skills, and decision-making. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that inclement weather contributes to a 35% increase in motorcycle accidents.

Riding in rain doesn’t just mean getting wet—it’s about managing different physics and visibility conditions. Understanding the risks of rain riding could prevent your next ride from becoming your last.

Contact Munley Law if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence while riding in the rain, such as when a car driver rear-ended you because they didn’t maintain proper following distance in wet conditions, or if another vehicle caused an accident by speeding in wet conditions. Our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the challenges these cases present.

Essential Preparation: Gear and Motorcycle Readiness

Proper gear does more than keep you dry—it maintains comfort and concentration in wet conditions. […]

What Happens If You’re Injured at an Airbnb?

Over 150 million people use Airbnb annually, seeking unique accommodations and memorable travel experiences. But what happens when your dream vacation turns into a nightmare? Unlike traditional hospitality businesses, Airbnb injury cases involve multiple parties, complicated insurance coverage, and varying state laws that can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Understanding your rights as an Airbnb guest is essential, especially when dealing with serious injuries that result in substantial medical bills and lost income. The stakes are high, and the legal process differs dramatically from standard premises liability cases.

It may be best to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer at Munley Law to learn your legal options and how we can help you with your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Most Common Types of Accidents at an Airbnb

Slip and fall accidents represent the most frequent injury claim at an Airbnb. […]

What to Do If Your Child Is Injured in a Car Accident

Car accidents involving children are among the most frightening experiences a parent can face. When your child is in a car accident, the stakes are higher than in typical collisions due to children’s vulnerability and their limited ability to communicate pain or discomfort. Understanding your legal options and next steps is essential when your child is injured in a car accident.

If your child was injured in a car accident, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Immediate Response: First 30 Minutes at the Scene

The first thirty minutes after a car accident with your child are critical. You need to be aware that your response during this time significantly impacts both your child’s recovery and any future legal proceedings.

First, ensure the scene is safe before examining anyone. […]

Is it Better to Settle or Go to Arbitration?

When someone suffers an injury because of another’s negligence, a legal claim often follows. That claim may be resolved in different ways: through a settlement, arbitration proceedings, or litigation. Many clients ask: is arbitration better than settling? Or is it better to settle than go to court? Deciding whether to choose arbitration or to settle disputes is complicated. Being informed of these processes will help you decide what is right for your personal injury case.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a private process used to resolve disputes outside of court. In arbitration, an impartial third party—called an arbitrator—reviews the facts of the case and makes a decision. The arbitration process is less formal than a trial but more structured than negotiation.

Arbitration agreements can be binding or non-binding:

• Binding arbitration: The arbitrator’s decision is final and enforceable, […]

Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart?

Golf carts are popping up more often outside of golf courses. You’ll see them in neighborhoods, parks, resorts, and even on public roads. But are they treated like regular cars? Do you need a license to drive one?

The answer depends on where you are. In this post, Munley Law personal injury experts explain the laws in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware so you can ride legally and safely. 

What Is a Golf Cart vs. a Low-Speed Vehicle?

Before diving into laws, it helps to know the difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV):

• Golf Cart: Designed for the golf course. Top speed is usually under 20 mph. Most don’t have seat belts, turn signals, or other required road features.
• LSV: Similar size and shape to golf carts but faster — up to 25 mph. […]

What You Need to Know About Paul Miller’s Law

On June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania joined 29 other states in implementing a comprehensive ban on handheld device use while driving. Known as “Paul Miller’s Law,” this sweeping legislation doesn’t just prohibit texting while driving – it bans holding any electronic device while behind the wheel, even when stopped in traffic. For Pennsylvania drivers, this represents the most significant change to traffic laws in over a decade and a step toward making our roads safer for everyone.

Whether you’re adjusting to the new law or have been injured by someone who violated it, understanding your rights and responsibilities under Paul Miller’s Law is essential. If you were involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, contact the Pennsylvania car accident lawyers at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.

The Story Behind the Distracted Driving Ban

Paul Miller’s Law is named in memory of a 21-year-old Scranton man named Paul Miller Jr., […]

Whose Insurance Pays For a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Pennsylvania?

After a multi-car crash, everyone wants to know the same thing: who’s going to pay for the damage and injuries? In Pennsylvania, the answer isn’t always straightforward, but here’s what you need to know.

Pennsylvania uses a “no-fault” system, which means your own car insurance handles your immediate medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This happens through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, so you can get treatment right away instead of waiting months for fault to be determined.

While your insurance covers initial expenses, multiple insurance companies will investigate to figure out who’s actually responsible and for how much. In multi-vehicle accidents, fault is often divided among several drivers, and each insurance company will attempt to minimize the amount it has to pay.

Why Multi-Vehicle Accidents Are Different

Unlike simple two-car accidents, crashes involving multiple vehicles create a web of responsibility. […]

Why Are Left Turns So Deadly in Car Accidents?

Every day, millions of drivers navigate intersections across the United States, making countless left turns that seem routine and harmless. However, beneath this everyday maneuver lies a startling statistical reality: left turns are among the most dangerous driving actions a person can take. In fact, left turns are considered one of the most dangerous maneuvers on the road. Studies show that left turns are one of the leading causes of intersection-related car accidents. Understanding why left turns pose such significant risks can help drivers make safer choices and help accident victims understand the factors that contribute to these devastating crashes.

The danger of left turns extends far beyond simple statistics. These accidents, especially those involving left hand turns, often result in severe injuries, fatalities, and difficult legal battles over liability and compensation. For personal injury attorneys and their clients, left-turn accidents represent some of the most challenging cases due to several factors involved and the serious nature of the injuries typically sustained. […]

What Is Negligent Entrustment?

When you lend your car to someone who causes an accident, you might be held responsible for the damages. This legal principle is called negligent entrustment, and it can leave vehicle owners facing serious liability even when they weren’t behind the wheel.

Understanding Negligent Entrustment

Negligent entrustment holds vehicle owners responsible when they knowingly lend their car to someone who is unfit, inexperienced, or dangerous. The law recognizes that cars are potentially dangerous, and owners have a duty to make smart decisions about who drives them.

For a negligent entrustment claim to succeed, the injured party must prove:

• The owner entrusted their vehicle to another person – This includes giving explicit permission or allowing someone to drive through implied consent.
• The driver was unfit to operate the vehicle safely – This could mean they were inexperienced, reckless, […]

How to Prove a Distracted Driver Caused Your Car Crash

Every year, thousands of lives are changed when drivers take their attention off the road. Whether it’s a glance at a text message or a moment spent adjusting the radio, these seemingly minor distractions can lead to devastating accidents. At Munley Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these split-second decisions impact families across Pennsylvania.

Proving that another driver’s distraction caused your accident isn’t always straightforward. While you might know the other driver was texting or eating behind the wheel, establishing this fact legally requires specific evidence and careful documentation. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, call the experienced car accident attorneys at Munley Law. We understand what it takes to build a strong case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. […]

Marion Munley Named to Top 10 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List for Third Straight Year

Munley Law is pleased to announce that truck accident lawyer Marion Munley has been included in the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania, the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and the Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists in the 2025 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.

This is the third year in a row that Marion has been featured in the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania. Marion has been consistently selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the past 22 years and has been named to the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list since 2022.

She has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and was named the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Marion was recently named a 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer.

Marion is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and respected personal injury lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. […]

Seven Munley Law Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers

Munley Law is pleased to announce that 7 of its personal injury lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Only 5% of attorneys in the United States are selected to Super Lawyers.

For the third year in a row, truck accident lawyer Marion Munley was also selected for the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania for 2025. She was also named to the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists.

Also named as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers are:

• Daniel W. Munley
• Caroline Munley
• J. Christopher Munley
• Robert W. Munley, III
• John M. Mulcahey
• Melinda C. Ghilardi

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained high peer recognition and professional achievement. […]

Can An Unmarried Partner File a Wrongful Death Claim in PA?

Can an unmarried partner file a wrongful death lawsuit or claim in PA? If you’re asking this question, it’s likely because you’re currently coping with a devastating personal loss. Although nothing can bring back a partner, you might wonder if you can recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death cases allow family members to recover compensation when loved ones pass due to negligence.

Surviving family members have the right to seek wrongful death compensation in these circumstances. However, if you’re an unmarried partner grieving a loss in Pennsylvania, you may wonder if you have the same rights.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in PA

A wrongful death claim arises when someone passes due to another’s negligence or intentional act. This type of claim allows the deceased’s loved ones to seek compensation for their loss. In Pennsylvania, this can include various damages, […]