Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

If you were in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA, you must speak to a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can give you legal advice and help you get the most compensation you’re entitled to.

Munley Law is well-versed in the legal aspects of car accidents and understands the unique characteristics of Wilkes-Barre’s highways and traffic patterns, providing unparalleled service to our clients. If you were involved in a car accident anywhere in Luzerne County, don’t delay. Contact Munley Law to speak with our car accident lawyer. The first consultation is free, and we do not get paid until we win your case.

Why You Need a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Attorney

Car accident lawyers can get evidence to prove who is at fault, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

All car accidents come with unexpected costs. You will be unable to work for an extended period or perform your duties as you used to. Getting into an auto accident in Wilkes-Barre can cause emotional and psychological damage that may affect you for a long time to come.

Unfortunately, without an attorney with experience in car accident cases, you will likely face roadblocks to getting the compensation you need. Statistically, individuals who hire a car accident lawyer to represent them in a car crash case receive more than three times the amount of compensation as those who do not.

Our auto accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning potential
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment or consortium

Why Choose Munley Law?

Since 1959, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has helped individuals and their families struggling to repair their lives after a serious car accident. We have been named among the Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and are board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our car accident lawyers have earned the highest possible client and peer ratings, and we have received national recognition for our settlements and verdicts.

Not all personal injury law firms can achieve results like these. That’s why when looking for a car accident lawyer in Wilkes-Barre, you need to choose carefully. We have tried and settled thousands of auto crash cases within the walls of the Luzerne County Courthouse, and we want to put this experience to work for you today.

Our car crash lawyers and paralegals will handle your needs throughout the car accident lawsuit process. A car accident lawyer will answer your questions, keep you informed, and guide you through various stages of your case, including:

• Depositions of everyone involved in your auto accident, including the drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Investigate the car accident thoroughly to determine who is at fault.
• Speaking with expert witnesses to help determine precisely how the accident happened.
• Create and use exhibits, animation, and graphic tools to tell the story of how your auto crash occurred.

We approach each case individually and design a unique strategy to help you get maximum recovery. Our team will work hard to get you back to everyday life as soon as possible, and we will fight on your behalf at trial, if necessary. We have experienced auto accident lawyers and know how to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer near me.

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Common Causes of Car Crashes in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Driver errors, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, aggressive driving, and reckless behavior, cause most Wilkes-Barre car accidents.

The top five causes of car crashes in Wilkes-Barre are:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents today, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 individuals in 2020. And it’s not all texting and driving; it can be something as simple as turning down the radio or looking at a passing billboard instead of the road.
• Drowsy driving: We often consider drowsy driving an issue with significant truck accidents. However, it can happen to anyone. In 2019, 697 people died in car collisions with fatigued drivers.
• Driving while under the influence: Even though it’s illegal, people still get behind the wheel after a few drinks. Approximately a third of all car accident fatalities involve drunk driving. Drunk driving was involved in 26% of the fatal car accidents in Pennsylvania in 2022.
• Speeding: Like drunk driving, driving over the speed limit accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2020.
• Reckless driving: Not wearing a seatbelt, drowsy driving, and road rage are all types of reckless behavior that result in fatal accidents.
• Weather conditions: Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we are all too aware of how bad weather can contribute to a car accident. Weather can be a significant factor, from snow and black ice to flooded roadways, which leads to driver errors and accidents.

High-Risk Accident Locations in Wilkes-Barre

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 3,204 traffic accidents in Luzerne County in 2023. Of those traffic accidents, 1,410 reported injuries and 36 fatalities. Although these numbers may seem low for a county of over 326,000 people, they’re still higher than those of neighboring counties of Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Schuylkill.

Some of the most dangerous locations in Wilkes-Barre are:

• North Cross Valley Expressway (Route 309): This major highway running through Luzerne County sees numerous accidents, particularly near the I-81 interchange, where complex merging patterns and high speeds create dangerous conditions. The expressway’s elevated design means accidents here are more severe, especially during winter weather when visibility can be compromised.
• River Street: River Street consistently ranks among the city’s most dangerous corridors, particularly the section near the Market Street Bridge. This area experiences heavy daily traffic and has been the site of numerous serious and fatal accidents, including a tragic bicycle fatality in 2024 that temporarily closed both the bridge and portions of River Street.
• Market Street and Market Street Bridge: This historic 1,274-foot bridge connecting Kingston and Wilkes-Barre experiences major congestion during rush hours. The approach to the bridge from both sides features multiple traffic signals and lane merges that frequently lead to rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents when drivers attempt last-minute lane changes.
• Pennsylvania Avenue: Pennsylvania Avenue rounds out Wilkes-Barre’s most accident-prone roadways. This busy corridor serves as a main artery through the city and experiences a high concentration of crashes, particularly at intersections with major cross streets. Due to the road’s design and traffic volume, left-turn accidents are especially common here.

Our Wilkes-Barre car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling cases from all these high-risk locations and understand the unique circumstances and challenges each presents. This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases for our clients and anticipate defense strategies commonly used by insurance companies in accidents occurring at these locations.

What to Do After an Auto Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA

With all the confusion and stress of a car accident, the last thing on your mind is what your next steps should be. Instead, you are more concerned about your health, your car, and the welfare of anyone else involved in the accident.

After calling the police and ensuring everyone is okay, follow these steps after a car accident:

• Get Medical Help: After an accident, no matter how minor, visit the hospital or your doctor as soon as possible. Once the adrenaline wears off, you may start feeling the pain you didn’t know you had. It can take days to start feeling the effects of a car accident. Without medical records to back up your claims of being injured, the insurance company can quickly return and say you weren’t injured in the accident.
• Gather Information: Not only do you need to get contact information from the other drivers involved, but you’ll also need the contact information of any witnesses or passengers. Taking photos of the vehicles and roadway is essential. Their testimony may come in handy later on. You should also take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your vehicle, the other party’s vehicle, and any injuries you may have sustained. Don’t run from the accident. If you have time, try to make notes of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Those reports will be very useful. These notes will help when filling out the claim with your insurance company.
• Speak with the Police: When the police arrive, give a brief statement. When giving your statement, do not admit fault for the accident. The police will make a report on the accident. You will need to obtain this police report as soon as it is ready to help support your claims.
• Call a Car Accident Attorney in Wilkes-Barre: Finally, contact a car accident attorney in Luzerne County and schedule a free consultation. An auto accident lawyer will walk you through your next steps and offer legal advice on how to protect your claim. Even if you don’t think you need a car accident lawyer, speaking with an experienced car crash lawyer is always best.

There is no fee unless we win your case.

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How Fault is Determined in a Wilkes-Barre Car Crash

Several parties can help determine who was at fault for your car accident in Wilkes-Barre:

The Police: The first thing you should do after a car accident is call 911, even if injuries seem minor. Once the police officers take care of all immediate medical needs, they assess the accident scene. The responding officers will ask each party their interpretation of what happened and who caused the wreck. They will investigate the damage done to each car and interview any witnesses. After collecting sufficient evidence, the police officer will generate an accident report that will detail the facts of the scene, as well as a statement by the officer about who they think, in their professional opinion, was responsible for the accident.

Insurance Companies: Most drivers carry no-fault auto insurance in Pennsylvania, so insurance companies don’t always need to investigate who is at fault for an accident. However, no-fault insurance will still pay for damage done to a vehicle and for medical costs that exceed the victim’s coverage. So, when responsibility is shared in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, investigations will likely be done by both parties’ insurance companies. Each insurance company will send an insurance adjuster, who investigates the accident on behalf of the insurance company. Their investigation will include speaking to you and the other driver, talking to witnesses, and reviewing the accident report.

Pennsylvania Courts: Finally, the Pennsylvania Court System will ultimately judge who was at fault for the car accident in Wilkes-Barre. If the other driver files a suit against you for damages from the accident, call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today for legal representation. Your car accident lawyer will use the police report, security footage, pictures, and videos of the accident, and witness testimonies to prove that the other driver bears some liability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre

What If I Am At Fault For a Wilkes-Barre Car Crash?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically the “51% rule.” Under this system, a plaintiff can only recover damages if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident or injury. If a plaintiff is found to be 51% or more responsible, they are barred from recovering any compensation.

When a car accident victim is found to be partially at fault for the car crash, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is deemed 30% responsible for an accident and suffers $100,000 in damages, they would only be able to recover $70,000 (the total damages minus their percentage of fault).

How Does Full-Tort Insurance Impact Auto Accidents in Wilkes-Barre?

Full or limited tort insurance impacts your ability to pursue legal action after auto accidents occur. You can claim economic and non-economic damages if you have full tort coverage. You cannot sue for pain and suffering if you have limited tort insurance. There are some exceptions to limited tort that allow you to sue for non-economic damages, such as death, disfigurement, or impairment of bodily function.

If you are unsure what your legal options are, an experienced Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney from Munley Law can help.

What Can I Do to Protect My Rights Following a Car Crash in Luzerne County?

You must have proof that your injuries were caused by the car accident. The best way to protect your rights in a car accident is to:

• Gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. Get contact information and take photos of the vehicle damage, the road conditions, signage, and even your injuries.
• After a crash, make sure you get checked by a doctor right away. And don’t skip those follow-up appointments. Missing medical visits can hurt your case – insurance companies might think you’re not really injured if you stop going.
• Be careful what you say to the other driver, police, and the insurance adjusters. Don’t apologize or offer an opinion on what happened.
• Don’t talk about the accident on social media — your posts can be used against you.
• Keep detailed records of all your accident-related expenses.

How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre?

It costs nothing to hire a car accident lawyer in Wilkes-Barre. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, cost should never be in the way of justice. So, we only collect a fee for our services if we win your case. That fee, a portion of the settlement or verdict, will never amount to more than the sum paid to you for your accident injuries.

If your car accident case requires expert testimony or costs associated with preparing your case, our personal injury lawyers in Wilkes-Barre will pay all of these costs for you. You will not have to pay these costs unless we win your car crash case.

What Happens if You Are a Passenger in a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

If a passenger is injured in a car accident, you will first turn to your car insurance policy to pay off the medical expenses. But if you or someone you live with doesn’t own car insurance, then your costs should be covered by the driver’s insurance policy.

If you get into an accident as a passenger in Luzerne County, it may be best to speak with a car accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to learn your options. In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year limit on filing a claim, so don’t wait.

Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre and are unsure what to do next, we’re here to help. For the past 60 years, our Wilkes-Barre car accident attorneys have been helping injury victims throughout our area get the compensation they need to move on from their lives.

We do not get paid unless we win. Munley Law will fight tirelessly to win your accident case. Contact our Wilkes-Barre car accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation to secure winning legal representation and recover compensation.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406