For nearly 70 years, the Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyers at Munley Law have represented truck accident victims throughout Wilkes-Barre, securing over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, including a record $26 million truck accident settlement and others worth $11 million, $9 million, and $8 million.
Munley Law’s lawyers have the skills and legal acumen to build strong legal cases for truck accident victims, maximizing their chances of securing compensation. Our Wilkes-Barre injury attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in trucking litigation, and three are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We are the only law firm in Pennsylvania to hold this distinction. All our lawyers are members of the American Association for Justice as well, with Marion Munley currently serving as Vice President and the first woman to head the Trucking Litigation Group, and Daniel Munley acting as the Group’s Chair.
If you have been injured in a Wilkes-Barre truck accident, our legal experts can provide specialized guidance and support. Call Munley Law today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Work With a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney at Munley Law?
At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre truck accident attorneys have spent decades building one of the most respected trucking litigation teams in the nation. We know how to uncover the truth after a crash and hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers accountable.
Over $1 Billion in Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts
We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for clients and achieved some of the largest trucking settlements and verdicts in Pennsylvania.
Board-Certified Expertise
We are the only firm in Pennsylvania that has three attorneys who hold board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. What this means is our truck accident lawyers had to pass a rigorous application process, which includes an examination and a set number of hours spent trying truck accident cases.
Partners Marion Munley and Daniel Munley each hold three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, including Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Trial Advocacy, and Katie Nealon also holds a Truck Accident Law certification. J. Christopher Munley and John Mulcahey each hold two certifications in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy from the NBTA.
Nationally Recognized Leaders in Trucking Law
Our attorneys have been consistently selected for Best Lawyers in America, with Marion Munley named Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law, and Personal Injury Litigation, Daniel Munley named Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation, and J. Christopher Munley named Lawyer of the Year for Workers’ Compensation.
Eight of our attorneys have also been honored by Super Lawyers, and Marion Munley has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania for the past three years. She has also been named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists.
All five of our partners hold AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and have featured in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, and Marion Munley has been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list as well. Both Marion and Daniel Munley served as Chairs for the AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sit on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Local Knowledge
We’re not a faceless personal injury firm; we’re your neighbors. Our lawyers grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and have worked here for most of our lives. From I-81 to the Cross Valley Expressway, our attorneys know the roads, courts, and juries of Luzerne County — and have the resources to take on national carriers and their insurers.
When you choose Munley Law, you’re choosing a Wilkes-Barre personal injury law firm recognized across the country for trucking expertise — and trusted right here in Wilkes-Barre to fight for families in our community.
How a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a truck accident, victims often feel overwhelmed by financial losses and emotional trauma. A truck accident attorney from Munley Law will pursue the full compensation you are owed — from the initial investigation through settlement or trial.
Our attorneys understand state trucking laws and federal regulations, and know how to identify every liable party, whether that’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer of defective parts. To build your case, we gather and analyze evidence including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Trucking logs
- Data from the truck’s black box
Since multiple parties can be at fault in a truck accident, you may be dealing with several insurance carriers at once. Insurance adjusters will attempt to minimize payouts. Our attorneys know how to push back and negotiate a settlement that fully covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
For injury victims in Luzerne County, local representation matters. Munley Law’s attorneys know the courts, judges, and insurance dynamics of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and have the resources to take on national carriers and their legal teams. Call today for a free case evaluation.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Damages are Available for a Wilkes-Barre Truck Crash?
The compensation you can receive following a truck accident in Wilkes-Barre falls into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages will compensate you for any financial losses you may have incurred. This includes:
- current and future medical expenses
- lost wages
- loss of earning capacity
- property damages
- funeral and burial expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for non-financial losses. These losses are subjective and can include:
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish
- loss of consortium
- loss of enjoyment in life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available to the injury victim. Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s actions are deemed malicious or reckless. They are used as a punishment to deter the behavior from recurring.
Why Do Truck Accidents Occur in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre is situated near several heavily traveled roads that experience significant truck traffic. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the number of truck accidents in Luzerne County has steadily increased in recent years as commercial transportation through the region has grown. As per the 2024 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report, there were a total of 3,224 traffic crashes in Luzerne County in 2024, as well as 6,805 heavy truck crashes and 74,842 light truck and van crashes in Pennsylvania that year – the vast majority of which took place on state highways.
The industrial parks and warehouse districts along Highland Park Boulevard and the I-81 corridor represent another concentration of truck-related incidents, particularly during loading and unloading operations, where trucks must navigate tight spaces and interact with other industrial equipment.
Fatal trucking accidents are not uncommon. According to the most recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the majority of fatal large truck crashes occur in rural areas and on Interstate highways. More than half occur in rural areas and more than a quarter on Interstate highways, a pattern reflected across Luzerne County, where rural roads and heavily trafficked highway corridors both see significant truck traffic.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties and require swift and thorough investigation. The trucking company will dispatch its lawyers and investigators to the scene immediately after the crash to collect evidence to show that you are responsible, not their driver. You need someone on your side to do the same. Contact Munley Law now to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Why Are Truck Accidents Different?
Besides the fact that a truck can outweigh an average passenger vehicle by more than 25 times, there are multiple differences between getting into an accident with another car and getting into an accident with a tractor-trailer.
Factors that complicate truck accidents include:
More Parties Can Be Held Liable
In a car crash, chances are only two parties are involved – you and the other driver. But this is rarely the case in a truck accident claim. Not only can the truck driver be held responsible, but also the negligent trucking company that employed the driver and may own the truck, the truck manufacturer for any faulty parts or mechanical failure, and third-party brokers who connected the driver and their trucks to haul the cargo.
Truck Drivers Follow Stricter Regulations
Truckers are subject to specific federal regulations, including the hours they are allowed to be on the road. Unfortunately, many trucking companies push drivers to beat their deadlines so the next delivery can be made. This causes truck drivers to drive longer hours, be fatigued, and violate regulations designed to protect other drivers on the road.
The Insurance Policy is Larger
Commercial trucks often have insurance policies that are 50 times larger than an average car insurance policy. With a multi-million dollar policy at stake, insurance carriers will do whatever they can to prevent paying out the claim after a truck accident. Typical insurance company tactics include offering a settlement below what your claim is worth.
The Type of Injury is Catastrophic
The bigger the vehicle, the more likely the injuries you’ve sustained will be life-threatening. A catastrophic injury in Wilkes-Barre can take years to recover from. You could face multiple medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care — and you will need compensation to cover those costs and support your recovery.
If you have questions about your truck accident claim, call Munley Law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney?
At Munley Law, cost should never be a barrier to justice. We do not charge a fee for our services until your case has been settled or a verdict reached — this is called a contingency fee model, where we take on all the risk to get you the compensation you deserve.
You will not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. Once your case is resolved, we take a percentage of your recovery. If we are unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.
Call our offices today to learn more about Munley Law’s contingency fee process.
Responsible Parties For a Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Truck accidents in Wilkes-Barre can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries. Determining liability is essential for victims seeking
compensation and holding those at fault accountable.
Unlike a car accident case where you and the other driver may be the only ones involved, there can be multiple parties responsible for the truck crash in Wilkes-Barre, such as:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers play a critical role in determining liability in truck accidents. Factors such as driver fatigue, inattention, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence can directly contribute to accidents. If a truck driver’s negligence or recklessness is found to be the primary cause of the accident, they may be held liable for the damages.
Driver-related factors like alcohol consumption play a considerable role in accident risk, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that around 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the US involve drunk drivers.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also be held responsible for accidents in certain situations. If a company fails to properly maintain its fleet, neglects to enforce safety regulations, or pressures drivers to exceed legal driving-hour limits, it may be liable for the accident.
Additionally, trucking companies can be held responsible for their employees’ actions under the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” which holds that an employer is accountable for its employees’ actions if those actions occur within the scope of their employment.
Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers
Truck accidents may sometimes result from a manufacturing defect in the truck or its components. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as many as 55% of all trucks involved in crashes have at least one serious mechanical defect or violation, with braking violations being the most common type.
If a faulty part, such as defective brakes or a malfunctioning steering system, is found to have caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be liable. Victims may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer in these cases.
Cargo Loaders and Third-Party Contractors
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause truck accidents by affecting the vehicle’s stability, causing cargo to fall onto the road, and creating hazards for other drivers. In such cases, the party responsible for loading and securing the cargo, a third-party contractor, or the trucking company, could be liable for the accident.
Other Drivers and Road Users
In some truck accidents, other drivers or road users may share liability. If another driver’s negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident, they may be held partially or fully responsible for the damages. In these cases, determining liability may involve a comparative negligence analysis that considers each party’s degree of contribution to the accident.
Establishing liability in a Wilkes-Barre truck accident is a complex process involving carefully examining various factors and the roles of multiple parties. Through a thorough investigation, our Wilkes-Barre truck crash attorneys can hold those at fault accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
How is Negligence Established in Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents?
To establish negligence, the following elements must be met:
- Duty of Care: The truck driver has a duty to keep the other drivers on the road safe from harm. A trucker who follows the FMCSA regulations and takes rest breaks is following this duty of care.
- Breach of Duty: The truck driver was negligent, breaching their duty of care. For example, a driver who has been on the road for more hours than federal law permits continues to drive while fatigued.
- Causation: The trucker’s negligent actions caused an injury. Using the scenario above, an accident occurs after the truck driver falls asleep. The other driver is diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in damages for the victim. The injured driver in the above scenario is now facing long-term financial debt, as they cannot return to work because of the injury.
Trying to establish negligence cannot be done on your own. You need an experienced truck crash law firm in Wilkes-Barre to guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing the statute of limitations deadline could bar you from recovering compensation.
What if I Were Partially at Fault for a Truck Accident?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but it will reduce your compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
Call 911, even if your injuries seem minor — Pennsylvania law requires you to report the accident. Stay at the scene, document everything you can with photos and video, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company or its insurance carrier before speaking with an attorney. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine — injuries from truck crashes often don’t present themselves until hours or days later. Then call Munley Law for a free consultation.
What is My Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Case Worth?
Your truck accident case value depends on medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and fault. Severe injuries or permanent disabilities typically lead to higher settlements or awards.
Do Most Truck Accident Claims Go to Trial?
No, most truck accident claims do not go to trial and are instead settled out of court through negotiation. Trials are generally reserved for disputes over fault or compensation that can’t be resolved.
Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident in or around Wilkes-Barre, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The trucking carrier already has its legal team working to limit your claim. Make sure you have an experienced one protecting yours.
With over 250 years of combined legal experience, Munley Law has helped families throughout Luzerne County and across Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve after devastating crashes. Our board-certified truck accident attorneys know how to uncover the truth, prove liability, and fight for the maximum recovery available under the law.
You can reach us 24/7 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Contact Munley Law for a free case review with a Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer today.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on April 17, 2026.
