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 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.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why These Roads Experience More Collisions
Each of these roads has its own reasons for an increased collision risk:
River Street
River Street carries commuters, local traffic, and commercial vehicles through downtown Wilkes-Barre. Frequent intersections, turning traffic, pedestrians, and changing traffic patterns increase the likelihood of rear-end and side-impact collisions, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Market Street
Market Street connects neighborhoods, businesses, and major bridges across the Susquehanna River. Congestion, multiple traffic signals, and vehicles entering and exiting businesses can contribute to crashes involving turning vehicles and distracted drivers.
North Cross Valley Expressway
The North Cross Valley Expressway serves as a major connector between Interstate 81 and other regional highways. Higher travel speeds, merging traffic, and lane changes make this corridor more susceptible to multi-vehicle crashes, particularly during peak traffic.
Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Avenue combines residential traffic with commercial activity. Frequent driveways, signalized intersections, and vehicles turning into businesses create additional conflict points where collisions can occur.
How to Reduce Your Risk on Busy Wilkes-Barre Roads
Although you can’t control the actions of other drivers, a few defensive driving habits can reduce your risk of being involved in a collision on busy roads:
- Leave additional following distance during heavy traffic.
- Watch for vehicles making unexpected left turns at busy intersections.
- Reduce your speed during rain, snow, and other poor weather conditions.
- Be especially cautious around highway entrance and exit ramps where drivers frequently merge.
- Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Even the most careful drivers can be involved in a crash because of another person’s negligence. If that happens, documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and understanding your legal rights can help protect your claim.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
In most Pennsylvania car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2). Certain exceptions may apply, including claims involving injured minors, whose filing deadlines may be extended under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5533(b). 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 compensation available under Pennsylvania law.
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 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 evaluate all available sources of compensation and advocate for the damages supported by the facts of your case.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For almost 70 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, a $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 work to recover the compensation available under Pennsylvania law. 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 Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer before reporting the accident to your insurance company or speaking to anyone else’s insurance company.
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
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, including 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, including 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.
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 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 a practicing auto accident lawyer for nearly 40 years. During her career, she has helped clients across auto accident cases, winning multi-million dollar settlements for auto accident victims. Notable verdicts include a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $1.9 million settlement for a family hit by a 16-year-old driver. Marion has also advocated for motor vehicle victims through speaking engagements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases” and “Collision Investigation and Reconstruction in Motor Vehicle Cases”. Marion is also to become triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, alongside this, she is currently serving as Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on August 3, 2026.
