For nearly 70 years, Munley Law’s Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers have helped victims fight for justice, obtain compensation for their injuries, and reclaim their lives. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Luzerne County, we can do the same for you.
Wilkes-Barre is located near several heavily traveled roads, including the Cross Valley, I-81, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Route 11. Unfortunately, the number of car accidents in the area has increased steadily over the years. Knowing where most car accidents happen, you can be more alert when traveling in these areas. If an accident happens, Munley Law is here for you. We know Pennsylvania law and the court system inside out, we have extensive knowledge of various insurance policies, and we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in damages for clients. As a result, our lawyers are being recognized and honored by the American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Irish Legal 100, and other legal organizations and publications.
Contact the Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers at Munley Law to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, all week. You don’t need to pay a fee unless we win your case.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur the Most in Wilkes-Barre?
Luzerne County has consistently been named one of Pennsylvania’s top ten counties with the most traffic-related fatalities. In 2024, Luzerne County reported 18 traffic fatalities, which is a 50% decrease from the 36 fatalities in 2023. Even so, families have been left devastated, leading many to pursue wrongful death lawsuits from car accidents in Wilkes-Barre.
Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. However, according to city data, River Street, Market Street, the North Cross Valley Expressway, and Pennsylvania Avenue are the most common locations for accidents in Wilkes-Barre.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What are the Common Causes of Wilkes-Barre Car Accidents?
Many accidents in Wilkes-Barre are a result of driver errors, such as speeding, reckless turns, and distracted driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation highlights several factors that lead to car accidents. According to the data, the leading causes of car wrecks in Wilkes-Barre are:
- Speeding: Speeding-related accidents double the number of other accidents and have a fatality rate that almost triples other causes. 23,427 car accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024 were speed-related, with 357 fatal. When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to road hazards and other drivers. Drivers going at high speeds also have less control over their vehicles. They will make a greater impact when hitting another car, increasing the chances of severe injuries to all passengers involved.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a growing danger on Pennsylvania roads, and distracted driving accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in Wilkes-Barre. 9,687 accidents in Pennsylvania were caused by distracted driving in 2024.
- Improper Turns: There were 13,313 improper-turning-related accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024. 78 of these crashes were fatal.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol slows reaction times and leaves the driver having serious difficulty controlling their car. Driving while drunk or high makes it more difficult to control speed, steer the vehicle, and slow down when necessary. Lack of judgment, coordination, and inability to track moving objects can lead to disastrous accidents. There were 6,929 drunk driving accidents, 128 of which were fatal, in Pennsylvania in 2024.
- Tailgating: Drivers who follow too closely create major risks, and tailgating can lead to devastating crashes when heavy commercial vehicles are involved. This is especially dangerous when truck drivers tailgate. The weight of a semi-truck or tractor-trailer makes it extremely difficult for the truck driver to come to a full stop, causing devastating accidents quickly. 5,456 Pennsylvania car accidents, nine of which were fatal, were caused by tailgating in 2024.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of your accident, according to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2). While that may seem like a long time, medical bills pile up quickly and can easily send you and your family into extreme financial distress. It is in your best interest to contact an experienced Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer at Munley Law as soon as possible so they can recover enough damages to cover all expenses related to your car crash.
Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania is unique because drivers can purchase fault or no-fault insurance. Speak to your Munley Law car crash lawyer about Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence laws that may affect your claim. Your personal injury lawyer in Wilkes-Barre will negotiate on your behalf to ensure the highest compensation possible.
What is Limited Tort Coverage?
Limited tort means you can recover actual costs, such as medical costs and lost wages, but you may not be able to collect damages for pain and suffering. Limited-tort coverage can prevent you from recovering compensation for pain and suffering, even if you were not responsible for the accident. The exceptions to this are:
- You were in a commercial vehicle
- You were a pedestrian and were not in a car when you were struck by another car
- You were on a motorcycle
- The at-fault driver is convicted of a DUI
- The at-fault vehicle was not registered in Pennsylvania
- You suffered a severe injury, which led to a severe impairment of regular bodily function
- Your insurance company didn’t notify you or obtain the proper paperwork about your options with limited and full tort.
Your Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer will assess your case, investigate the accident, and give you further guidance on whether limited tort coverage applies in your situation. Whether it applies or not, we will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
“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
Why Do I Need a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Attorney?
If you suffered injuries from a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, contact a car accident lawyer immediately. Insurance companies are notorious for paying the minimum amount to their customers to keep costs low for themselves. A seasoned Munley car accident lawyer can help you ensure you have plenty of financial coverage for your current and future medical bills and any property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering you experienced.
Leave the claims process up to your Wilkes-Barre auto accident lawyer while you focus on a full recovery. Your attorney will handle all correspondence with the insurance companies. To prove your claim, they will gather evidence from the accident scene, including a police report, witness testimony, and any footage from surrounding security cameras. Sometimes, they will team up with accident reconstructionists and medical consultants.
We’ve helped accident victims receive justice and fair compensation for almost seven decades, and we can help you. A $17.5 million settlement for the families of teenagers killed in a car accident, $4.4 million car accident settlement, and a $2.2 million settlement for a man who sustained multiple significant injuries in a car accident are among our results.
The accolades we’ve received over the years also highlight why Munley Law is the best firm for Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers. Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are members of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Marion and Caroline Munley are members of the International Society of Barristers. Along with Robert Munley III, Marion and Caroline are also members of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates forums. The National Trial Lawyers named J. Christopher Munley to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list, and all our lawyers have AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell – the highest rating given by the respected legal directory.
Munley Law began as a family practice, and a sense of family continues to guide us. When you choose our Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers, you’re choosing a legal team that regards you as part of the family and will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve. We will build the strongest case possible, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and fight ferociously for you in court to ensure you are compensated fully for your losses. No fee is collected unless a settlement or verdict is reached in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
Immediately after a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, you should call 911 for medical assistance and to report the accident to law enforcement. Reporting the accident is a requirement under 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 3746, especially if it resulted in injury, a fatality, or damage that prevents a vehicle from driving away from the scene safely. Next, take photos of the scene, gather witness details, and contact a Munley Law Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer before reporting the accident to your insurance company or speaking to anyone else’s insurance company. Our lawyers will ensure your rights are fully protected, and evidence is preserved.
How Can a Munley Law Car Accident Lawyer Help with My Claim?
A Munley Law car accident lawyer can help with every aspect of your claim. This includes:
- Investigating the accident
- Collecting evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Fighting for full compensation in court, if necessary
With nearly 70 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients, our Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers have the resources and expertise to maximize your settlement or verdict.
What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre?
The most common causes of car accidents in Wilkes-Barre are driver errors such as distracted driving, impaired driving, improper turns, speeding, and tailgating, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These behaviors reduce reaction time, limit vehicle control, and increase the likelihood of serious or fatal collisions on local roads such as River Street, Market Street, the North Cross Valley Expressway, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2), you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a car accident claim in Pennsylvania. This might seem like plenty of time, but it’s essential that you act quickly. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs can accumulate rapidly, and if you wait too long to file, you could weaken your case. Our Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers can begin protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and building your case immediately.
Do Pennsylvania’s No-Fault and Limited Tort Laws Affect My Compensation?
Pennsylvania’s no-fault and limited tort laws may affect your compensation. The state allows drivers to choose between no-fault and traditional fault-based insurance. If you selected limited tort, your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering may be restricted unless certain exceptions apply to your case, such as being struck by a drunk driver, sustaining a serious injury, or driving a commercial vehicle. Your Munley Law Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer will examine your policy, determine whether exceptions apply, and ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence laws. Under these laws, you may only pursue compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Munley Law Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer
One of the best things you can do in the wake of a car accident is to decide to protect your rights and ensure you receive justice. Call Munley Law today for a free consultation with a leading Wilkes-Barre injury lawyer who can come alongside you on the road to recovery. Find out more about where most car accidents happen in Wilkes-Barre and how we can help if you are involved in an accident.
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 December 10, 2025.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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