Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Lawyer / Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

A crash on the North Cross Valley Expressway, Coal Street, or the Market Street Bridge can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, missed work, and insurance pressure can feel overwhelming. The Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers at Munley Law have helped Luzerne County families rebuild their lives for more than 65 years.

Our board-certified trial attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for Pennsylvania crash victims. We’ll handle every step of your case — from investigating the scene and gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court. You focus on healing; we’ll handle everything else.

Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.

Why Choose Munley Law For Your Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer?

Proven Results for Pennsylvania Drivers

For decades, Munley Law has helped individuals and families across Luzerne County rebuild after devastating auto accidents. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured clients, including some of the largest car accident settlements in Pennsylvania. Our reputation as one of the most successful personal injury firms in the region means that when insurance companies see our name on a case, they know you mean business.

Board-Certified Trial Lawyers

Not all lawyers are created equal. Several of our attorneys are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction held by fewer than 3% of lawyers nationwide. This certification recognizes advanced skill, professionalism, and proven results in the courtroom — qualities that give our clients a major advantage during negotiations and trials.

Local Knowledge and Courtroom Experience

Our car accident lawyers have deep roots in Wilkes-Barre and decades of experience handling cases inside the Luzerne County Courthouse. We understand the unique traffic patterns, intersections, and high-risk areas in this region, from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Cross Valley Expressway. That local insight helps us anticipate the tactics used by insurance defense teams and strengthen your claim from day one.

Personalized Attention, Big-Firm Resources

At Munley Law, you’re never just a case number. We pair the personalized attention of a family-run firm with the resources and technology of a national leader. From day one, we’ll keep you updated on your case and answer every question you have along the way. Our promise is simple – no fee unless we win and no compromise when it comes to your recovery.

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

Call Now

Common Causes of Car Crashes in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Car crashes in Wilkes-Barre happen for many reasons, but nearly all share one thing in common — negligence. When another driver fails to follow traffic laws or makes a careless decision, you pay the price in medical bills, lost wages, and pain. At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers investigate the cause of every collision to hold the right parties accountable.

The top six 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

Even a minor crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take in the minutes and days after an accident can make a major difference in your physical recovery and the strength of your legal claim. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your rights.

Get to Safety and Call 911

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so, but don’t leave the scene. Stay calm and wait for law enforcement to arrive. The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department or Luzerne County emergency services will file an official crash report, which becomes an important piece of evidence in your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries — like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding — don’t show symptoms right away. Visit the emergency department at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital or Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center as soon as possible, and keep copies of all medical records and bills. This documentation is essential when proving damages later.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe, take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic lights, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but never admit fault. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers; their statements can help support your version of events.

Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

Your police report provides key details about how the crash occurred and who was involved. You can request a copy through the Wilkes-Barre Police Department Records Division or online through the PennDOT Crash Report Request system. Your attorney will review the report to identify inconsistencies and strengthen your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company — Carefully

Report the accident promptly but keep your statement brief and factual. Do not speculate about who was at fault or discuss injuries until you’ve spoken with an attorney. If the insurance adjuster contacts you for a recorded statement, refer them to your lawyer.

Contact a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

Before signing anything or accepting a settlement, speak with the experienced team at Munley Law. We’ll explain your rights, deal directly with the insurance company, and help you pursue full compensation for your injuries. The sooner you call, the more evidence we can preserve to support your claim.

There is no fee unless we win your case.

Call Now

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

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.

Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on October 20, 2025.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

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