With over 250 years of combined experience, the Scranton car accident lawyers at Munley Law have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Lackawanna County. Our board-certified trial attorneys have a deep understanding of Pennsylvania law, and we use that knowledge to build your case while you focus on recovery. As a result of their dedication, expertise, and impressive results, our lawyers have been honored by the American Association for Justice, Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and others.
Whether driving on Mulberry Street, merging onto I-81, or navigating the Scranton Central Expressway, a serious crash can happen when you least expect it. The aftermath can be overwhelming, marked by medical bills, missed work, and constant calls from insurance companies. Don’t face the aftermath alone. Local insurance companies know our reputation in Lackawanna County – we don’t back down until our clients receive fair compensation.
Contact our car accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Should You Choose a Scranton Car Accident Attorney at Munley Law?
After a serious car accident, the right attorney can be the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship. Here’s how Munley Law’s Scranton personal injury lawyers stand apart from other local car accident law firms:
- Proven Track Record: We have recovered over $1 billion for clients, including some of Pennsylvania’s largest car accident settlements.
- Award-Winning Recognition: Several of our lawyers hold multiple board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a credential held by less than 3% of attorneys in the U.S. We’ve also received accolades from Best Lawyers in America, the International Society of Barristers, Lawdragon, and Irish Legal 100. The National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania and named J. Christopher Munley among the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers.
- Local Knowledge: Our car crash lawyers have spent most of their lives in Lackawanna County. We are aware of the hazardous intersections, such as Pittston Avenue and Orchard Street, the perilous I-81 corridor near Davis Street, and the challenging downtown traffic patterns around The Marketplace at Steamtown. This local insight helps us build stronger cases.
- Trial-Ready Approach: While other firms hope for quick settlements, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. We are not afraid to take your case to court to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We want to make this challenging time easier for you, not harder. That’s why you don’t owe us anything for our services until your injury claim is resolved. This arrangement ensures you can secure the legal representation you need without financial worry.
When you choose Munley Law for your Scranton car accident lawyer, you choose the best car crash law firm in Pennsylvania. We will treat you like family and do everything we can to ensure you receive justice for your injuries and losses.
What Types of Car Accidents Does Munley Law Handle in Scranton?
Our Scranton car accident lawyers handle every type of motor vehicle crash, including:
- Highway and I-81 Car Accidents: Scranton is situated at the intersection of three major highways: I-81, I-84, and I-380. These highways see frequent multi-vehicle crashes, especially during rush hour. Wildlife hazards on Route 6, I-84, and I-380 can also contribute to serious collisions.
- Downtown Crashes: Rear-end collisions frequently occur along the narrow streets surrounding Penn Avenue and downtown’s business district.
- Intersection Accidents: Dangerous intersections are common sites for T-bone crashes and left-turn accidents.
- Additional Accident Types: We also represent victims of head-on collisions, pedestrian accidents, sideswipe crashes, motorcycle crashes, DUI-related collisions, and collisions in construction zones throughout the greater Scranton area.
Anyone who has driven in Lackawanna County is familiar with the challenging nature of our roadways. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Lackawanna County recorded 2,259 motor vehicle accidents in 2024. A total of 59,563 passenger cars were involved in accidents across Pennsylvania that year, accounting for 37.7% of all accidents.
How Do You Get the Most Out of a Car Accident Settlement?
You get the most out of a car accident settlement by acting fast, building strong evidence, and refusing to settle for less than your case is worth. To pursue the full compensation you deserve, our attorneys:
- Preserve Key Evidence: Once you hire Munley Law, we get to work immediately, preserving evidence before it disappears. Our team will document the accident scene, download vehicle data recorders, and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.
- Work with Local Medical Experts: We work with medical professionals who understand the long-term impact of your injuries and can explain your prognosis to the jury. Understanding how your injuries affect you in the long term will help our team estimate the value of your case.
- Calculate Current and Future Damages: We don’t just consider your current medical bills; our attorneys meticulously calculate future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the impact of your injuries on your life and family.
- Leverage Our Trial Reputation: Insurance companies know our track record of taking cases to trial and winning. This gives us leverage to secure settlements that other firms cannot.
If you’re ready to speak with our car accident attorneys, we’re here 24/7 to discuss your case.
What Compensation is Available Following a Car Crash?
While every case is unique, Pennsylvania law allows car accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
These cover your quantifiable financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Home modifications due to injuries
Non-Economic Damages
These address the personal impact of your accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our car accident lawyers in Scranton, PA, will consider every way in which the accident impacted your life and will work with experts to determine how much compensation to pursue in negotiations or in court.
Can You Still Recover Compensation if You’re Partially at Fault for a Car Accident?
You can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for a car accident, as long as your portion of responsibility is less than 51%. Under 42 Pa C.S.A. § 7102, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which bars you from pursuing compensation if you’re 51% or more at fault for an accident.
If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can pursue compensation, although the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of blame. For example, if you’re found to be 10% responsible, your compensation will be reduced by 10%.
How Do Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws Affect Your Case?
Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state, which means the insurance option you selected, full tort or limited tort, directly controls whether you can recover for pain and suffering after a Scranton car accident.
Full tort coverage allows you to seek compensation for not only your medical bills and lost wages, but for non-economic damages as well, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Limited tort is different. Although it is the cheaper option, you are not allowed to sue for pain and suffering. Only in rare cases, such as a catastrophic injury or severe negligence by the other driver, can you receive non-economic damages.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
All Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry PIP coverage. This is your first line of defense after a car accident. PIP coverage will pay for all your medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash.
If your PIP coverage is exhausted and you are still facing medical bills, you can then file a claim with your health insurance company.
What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
This optional coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. This coverage is essential given that approximately 11% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured.
Our experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys understand these complex insurance laws and work to help your recovery under all available coverages.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?
After a car accident in Scranton, what you do next can protect or sink your claim. Take these steps right away to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Get checked at Geisinger CMC, Regional Hospital, or another local facility. This will create medical documentation that will support your injury claim.
- Document Everything: Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver’s insurance details. Don’t forget to get a copy of the police report once it becomes available.
- Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys: Get in touch with our Scranton car accident lawyers before speaking with an insurance company representative. Adjusters often attempt to obtain recorded statements that could harm your case later. We handle all communications while you recover.
- Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often make lowball offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We strive to help you receive fair compensation for both current and future damages.
Waiting to speak to an experienced car crash attorney in Scranton, PA, is one thing you should not do after an accident. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2), Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for these cases generally is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your claim, you could be barred from pursuing compensation. There’s an exception to this if the injury victim is a minor. When someone under the age of 18 is injured, the statute of limitations is tolled or paused, so the clock only starts ticking on their 18th birthday. This means they need to file a claim before their 20th birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Crashes in Scranton, PA
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Car Crash?
There could be multiple parties responsible for your car crash. Besides the other driver, other parties include:
- The manufacturer of your vehicle, if a defective part caused the crash
- The employer of the other driver, if a company vehicle was involved
- A government entity, if the cause involved a poorly designed road or neglected maintenance
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still recover compensation by filing an uninsured motorist claim. This coverage can pay for medical bills and property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Should I Notify My Insurance Company After a Car Crash?
Yes, you should notify your insurance company after a car crash. You’re required to notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you plan to file a lawsuit. When reporting the claim, stick to the basic facts: the date, time, and location of the accident, along with the other driver’s contact information. However, if someone from an insurance company calls asking for a recorded statement, you’re not obligated to speak with them. It’s best to let your lawyer handle those conversations.
Where Can I Get an Accident Report in Scranton?
You can request a copy of an accident report from the Scranton Police Department Records Division at 100 South Washington Avenue or online through the PennDOT Crash Report Request system.
How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?
How much your car accident case is worth depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, current and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and the impact on your quality of life. Our attorneys evaluate all of these to determine what your case is truly worth.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Scranton?
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Scranton. Certain circumstances can affect this deadline set by the statute of limitations, so it’s important to contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
How Much Does Hiring a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law Cost?
Hiring a Scranton car accident lawyer at Munley Law costs nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. If we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf, our fee is a percentage of that recovery. If we’re unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.
Will My Car Accident Claim Go to Trial?
Your car accident claim won’t necessarily go to trial. Most car accident cases settle before reaching court. However, if the insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith, a trial may be necessary. Our attorneys have a strong track record in the courtroom and will prepare your case accordingly.
Contact Our Scranton Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. The experienced car accident lawyers at Munley Law have the knowledge, resources, and proven track record to fight for compensation. We are ready 24/7 to protect your rights and secure your future.
Located in downtown Scranton just blocks from the Lackawanna County Courthouse, we’ve been serving accident victims throughout the Electric City and surrounding communities for over six decades.
Call now or start a live chat for your free, no-obligation consultation. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
James Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is a multi-award winning auto accident lawyer and advocate for auto accident plaintiffs. Chris has been named to Best Lawyers in America since 2012, and was also named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer the following year in 2013. Alongside this, he was named to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Chris has helped in the recovery of millions in damages for auto accident victims, including notable cases such as a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $6.9 Million Settlement when a garbage truck crashed into a car.
