Munley Law Blog

Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Settlement

Securing a claim for injuries you have received in an accident can be a complex process. But it becomes even more daunting and stressful if you try to navigate it on your own. You need someone like the experienced personal injury attorneys at Munley Law to handle this process on your behalf.

During your consultation, you’ll have questions to ask your lawyer about your settlement. To help you prepare, these are some of the most common questions and their answers.

How is My Personal Injury Settlement Calculated?

Several factors go into the calculation of your personal injury settlement, and they can be categorized into two types.

• Economic damages: Any quantifiable expense, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Potential future lost wages from a debilitating injury would also fall into this category.
• Non-economic damages: Non-quantifiable damages, […]

Is FELA the Same as Workers Compensation?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and workers’ compensation both provide financial support to workers injured on the job, but the two systems function very differently. FELA is a specialized federal law that applies exclusively to railroad employees, while traditional workers’ compensation laws cover most other workers across various industries.

If you work for a railroad and get injured on the job, you’ll likely deal with FELA instead of regular workers’ comp. This can be confusing because the rules are different, the process takes longer, and you might need to prove your employer was at fault.

What is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act, commonly referred to as FELA, is a federal law enacted by Congress in 1908 to provide compensation to railroad workers who are injured while on the job. This law was created because railroad work has always been dangerous, […]

How Personal Injury Settlement Value is Determined

Injuries from an accident can disrupt every part of your life. Even with insurance, the steady stream of medical and therapy appointments, time away from work, and the stress of recovery adds extra pressure long before your claim is resolved.

At Munley Law, our personal injury lawyers carefully evaluate the economic and non-economic, past, present, and future impact of your injuries to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. By understanding how personal injury settlement value is determined, you can get a clearer sense of what to expect as you move forward.

What is a Personal Injury Settlement?

A personal injury settlement is a voluntary agreement between two parties that resolves a legal claim without the need for a trial. Essentially, the person who was injured accepts a payment from the at-fault party in exchange for not pursuing further legal action. […]

What Can I Do If Someone Makes False Allegations Against Me?

False accusations can harm your reputation, emotional well-being, and even your livelihood. When another person spreads untrue claims about your actions or character, it’s not only unfair but also potentially unlawful. If you’re wondering, “What can I do if someone makes false allegations against me?” know that there are clear legal steps you can take to protect yourself. 

As an Allentown Personal Injury Lawyer, Munley Law understands how damaging false statements can be, especially when they relate to your professional or personal integrity. Our firm helps clients throughout Allentown, Pennsylvania, hold individuals accountable for defamatory statements that cause serious harm.

How to Take Legal Action Against Someone Making False Statements?

You have the right to file a civil lawsuit when false statements harm your reputation or career. In Pennsylvania, this type of claim is known as defamation, which encompasses libel when the statement is written and slander when it is spoken. […]

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision

One moment you’re driving home, and the next, a sudden crash from behind sends your vehicle lurching forward. In the chaos that follows, one question rises above all others: Who is at fault in a rear-end collision? These crashes are among the most common on Pennsylvania roads, and determining responsibility affects everything from medical coverage to compensation. 

While the trailing driver is typically presumed at fault since every motorist must maintain a safe distance and be ready to stop, this rule is not absolute. Fault can shift to the lead driver if they stopped suddenly without reason, had malfunctioning brake lights, or made an abrupt lane change. When these situations arise, an Allentown car accident lawyer from Munley Law can help ensure liability is based on facts, not assumptions, and guide you toward the justice you deserve.

Are You Automatically at Fault in a Rear-End Accident? […]

What Happens If You Have No Insurance But The Other Driver Was At Fault?

A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds, leaving you hurt, confused, and facing an uncertain road ahead. If you’re driving without coverage, things worsen. You may wonder, what happens if you have no insurance but the other driver was at fault? In Pennsylvania, you can still file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer or sue them directly to recover your losses. But driving uninsured brings harsh penalties: fines, a suspended registration, and a three-month license suspension. Without your own policy, you can’t tap into medical expense or property damage benefits, leaving you to cover those costs out of pocket.

That’s where Munley Law steps in. Our Allentown car accident lawyer team helps injured drivers in Pennsylvania understand their rights, manage insurance challenges, and take the right steps to protect their financial future after an uninsured crash.

What to Do If You Were At Fault

If you were the driver who caused the accident and did not have active insurance coverage, […]

Should I Call a Car Accident Lawyer or Insurance First in Pennsylvania?

After a car accident, you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and stress, so deciding whether to call a lawyer or your insurance company first can feel overwhelming. If you were injured because of another driver’s negligence, call a car accident lawyer before giving detailed statements to any insurance company. This protects your case and helps ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

For more than 65 years, the board-certified attorneys at Munley Law have represented injured drivers across Pennsylvania and secured some of the state’s largest car accident settlements and verdicts.

When to Contact a Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney

Contact a PA car accident lawyer at Munley Law before speaking with insurance companies if:

• You or your passengers sustained injuries requiring medical treatment
• Another driver’s negligence caused the crash
• You may need ongoing medical care
• Your injuries affect your ability to work
• An adjuster requests a recorded statement
• You have been offered a fast settlement

Speaking with our attorneys early prevents insurers from using your statements to weaken your case. […]

How Serious Does a Car Accident Have to Be for Airbags to Deploy?

Airbags deploy when your vehicle hits something head-on at speeds between 8 and 14 miles per hour. However, the exact speed depends on several factors, such as the angle of the collision, where the car was impacted, and your car’s sensor calibration.

If you’ve been in an accident and noticed your airbags didn’t deploy, you’re not alone. Many accident victims are confused about when airbags should activate, and this confusion can have profound implications for your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often use airbag deployment (or lack thereof) as evidence of how severe your accident was, potentially affecting the compensation you receive.

The reality is that airbag deployment is controlled by sophisticated sensors that consider multiple factors beyond just speed. Understanding these factors can help you build a stronger case if you’ve been injured in a collision.

When you are involved in a car accident and suffer significant injuries, […]

What to Do If a Truck Leaves the Scene of a Crash?

Becoming a victim of a hit and run crash with a truck is a traumatic experience. Truck crashes are increasing in frequency, and truck drivers who are “at fault” are more often guilty of leaving the scene of an accident than in the past.

Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t a wise decision. It is a crime that usually results in a more serious penalty than those usually imposed for causing an accident. A driver who flees an accident scene may lose his or her license and/or receive a prison sentence.

Yet, many drivers, in the heat of the moment, flee for various reasons. Sometimes, they may leave an accident site unintentionally, unaware that they have caused damage or injury.

Victims of hit-and-run truck accidents often suffer serious, even fatal injuries, especially if they were hit while walking or riding a bicycle. […]

Weird Laws in PA

Laws often reflect the times and values of the era in which they were written. As such, many states have outdated laws, some of which are still on the books, that may seem unusual to us today. And Pennsylvania is no exception.

Weird laws in Pennsylvania serve as a reminder that the law is complex. That means having professional legal assistance is quite valuable when you’re facing a legal situation you’re unfamiliar with. When you have been injured because of the negligence of others,  contact our Pennsylvania personal injury team at Munley Law today for a free consultation.

Bizarre Traffic Laws That Are Still on the Books

Although the following Pennsylvania laws applying to traffic and vehicles may not be all that well-known, they’re still on the books:

• No car purchases on Sundays: The prohibition on buying or selling a car on Sunday is a holdover from “Blue laws,” […]

When To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Knowing when to hire a car accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Contact an attorney right away if you suffered serious injuries, face costly medical bills, or lost income; if another driver or insurer disputes fault; if multiple vehicles or a commercial truck were involved; or if a death occurred. Even after a minor crash, a free case review can uncover hidden injuries or insurance tactics that reduce payouts.

Our Allentown car accident lawyers will walk you through each step, collect needed evidence, deal with insurance companies, and work to secure the full compensation you deserve.

When Fault for the Accident Is Disputed

Disputes over fault are a major reason to hire a car accident lawyer after a crash. […]

Can I Sue Uber for Emotional Distress After an Accident?

Picture this: It’s Saturday night and you are leaving your favorite local restaurant. You plan to Uber back home after meeting up with friends. You book a car, and within no time, your Uber is waiting for you. All seems well until your Uber driver starts to exhibit signs of reckless driving. He’s speeding, being aggressive toward other drivers, and leaving you feeling uneasy. Then it happens, you’re in a car accident. Not only do you have physical injuries, but emotional trauma as well.

With more Americans opting for rideshare transportation, it’s no wonder that we’re seeing services like Uber and Lyft accounting for a percentage of total traffic accidents and fatalities. According to Uber’s own 2021-2022 Safety Report, motor vehicle fatalities involving Uber increased by 40% compared to the previous two-year period, rising from 101 to 153 deaths. So this begs the question — […]

What To Do After An Accident At Work

A workplace accident can change everything in seconds, leaving you hurt, worried about your job, and uncertain about what to do next. Understanding what to do after an accident at work helps protect your health, rights, and financial stability. Start by getting medical care right away, notifying your employer, and gathering evidence such as photos and witness names. Then, file a workers’ compensation claim, learn your protections under Pennsylvania law, and consider consulting an attorney to ensure your case is handled correctly.

At Munley Law, we help injured employees throughout Allentown pursue the full benefits available under the state’s Workers’ Compensation system. Whether your injury happened on a construction site, in a warehouse, hospital, or office, our Allentown workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through every stage of your recovery and claim process.

Notify Your Employer Immediately After a Work Injury

Under Pennsylvania law, […]

What Happens If You Sue Your Own Insurance Company

Accidents leave more than physical pain. They bring deep frustration when your own insurance company refuses to honor your claim, leaving you to wonder about your legal options. 

Understanding what happens if you sue your own insurance company starts with whether the insurer acted in bad faith, such as denying a valid claim or offering far less than your losses deserve. In Pennsylvania, policyholders can take legal action when insurers fail to meet their obligations through unfair denials, payment delays, or low settlement offers.

You may also need to sue your own insurer if your policy includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Because these cases involve complex steps like discovery, depositions, and possible trial, consult an Allentown Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law to protect your rights

Can I Take Legal Action Against My Insurance Company After a Car Accident? […]

Munley Law Earns Tier 1 Rankings From Best Law Firms® in 2026

Munley Law is pleased to announce it has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® in five practice areas.

Founded in 1959, Munley Law is a national leader in personal injury law. Our personal injury lawyers have been listed in Best Lawyers in America® and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® and have earned board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Munley Law received the following Regional Tier 1 rankings in the 2026 Best Law Firms® for Northeastern Pennsylvania:

• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Insurance Law

Earlier this year, nine of our personal injury attorneys were named to The 2026 Best Lawyers in America® list. Additionally, Mackenzie Wilson and Jack Cartwright were listed on the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® list. […]

Who Is Responsible If Someone Gets Hurt On Your Property?

Accidents on private property often lead to difficult questions about liability. When a person suffers a personal injury, the first question is usually: Who is responsible if someone gets hurt on your property? The answer is not automatic, but there are guiding principles; in general, a property owner may be held responsible when a visitor is hurt because of a dangerous condition on the premises, but the outcome depends on the visitor’s classification (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) and on whether the owner failed to act with reasonable care to maintain safety or provide warnings about hazards. Important considerations include the visitor’s status, whether the harm was foreseeable, the owner’s awareness of the risk, and the steps taken to reduce or eliminate the danger.

An Allentown Personal Injury lawyer from Munley Law can help clarify these situations by reviewing the facts of the incident and applying Pennsylvania law to determine responsibility. […]

Car Accident Aggravated Pre-Existing Condition Settlement

Car accidents shatter lives in seconds, but for those already living with medical conditions, the consequences can be catastrophic. When a crash makes an existing problem worse, the law allows victims to pursue a car accident aggravated pre-existing condition settlement to cover the additional pain, treatment, and financial strain. At Munley Law, our role as an Allentown car accident lawyer is to show exactly how the accident intensified your condition and to fight for compensation that reflects your full losses.

Defining Pre-Existing Conditions in Accident Claims

A pre-existing condition is any medical problem or injury a person had before the crash. In car accident cases, this often includes arthritis, prior fractures, degenerative disc disease, or other long-term health issues that can be made worse by the impact of a collision.

Insurance companies often highlight these conditions to minimize payouts, arguing the accident did not cause “new” injuries. […]

Former U.S. Representative Matthew A. Cartwright Returns to Munley Law As Of Counsel

The six-term Congressman brings decades of legal expertise and legislative accomplishments back to the Pennsylvania personal injury law firm.

Pennsylvania personal injury law firm Munley Law is pleased to announce that former U.S. Representative Matthew A. Cartwright (PA-8) has rejoined the firm as Of Counsel following his distinguished 12-year tenure in Congress.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt back to Munley Law,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “His unique combination of trial experience, legislative expertise, and deep commitment to protecting the rights of injured individuals will be an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm.”

Before his congressional service, Cartwright spent 25 years as a Partner at Munley Law, establishing himself as one of the region’s most respected trial attorneys. During his legal career, he was inducted into the prestigious International Society of Barristers (2008) and served on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice (2009-2012). […]

Is It Illegal To Drive Without Insurance?

Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Pennsylvania? Yes. Every driver must carry financial responsibility, maintaining liability coverage and medical benefits. Failing to do so can result in serious consequences, including at least a $300 fine, suspension of both your license and vehicle registration, and costly restoration fees. Beyond these penalties, driving uninsured exposes you to devastating financial risks after a crash. In Allentown, our community depends on safe, insured roadways, and when that responsibility is ignored, the impact can be life-changing. At Munley Law, our Allentown car accident lawyer takes on the burden uninsured drivers leave behind, holding them accountable and pursuing every avenue to restore stability for car accident victims in Allentown.

Penalties For Driving Without Car Insurance In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation outlines that being stopped and found without the legally required liability insurance carries serious consequences. […]

Comparative and Contributory Negligence: Pennsylvania vs. Maryland Laws

What happens if you are in an accident right on the PA-MD border? If you have been involved in a serious car accident on Route 15, one of the first things you might look for is which side of the Welcome to Maryland and Welcome to Pennsylvania signs you are on. For drivers along this busy corridor, you need to understand which state’s laws apply to your personal injury claim.

The law of the state where the accident occurred will govern the case and can dramatically impact the compensation you receive. If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, you need to understand the difference between comparative negligence vs. contributory negligence and how Pennsylvania vs. Maryland laws change how fault and damages will apply to your claim. If your accident occurred in Pennsylvania, learn how our car accident lawyers can help.

What’s the Difference: Comparative Negligence vs. […]