Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer

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At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre car accident attorneys have been helping car crash victims rebuild their lives since 1959. With over $1 billion secured in settlements and verdicts for our clients and over 250 years of combined legal experience, we have a proven track record and the resources to take on even the most complex cases. Our commitment to excellence has earned our board-certified attorneys recognition from our peers, including top ratings and accolades from Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Lawdragon.

When you choose Munley Law, you’re not just hiring a car accident lawyer; you’re partnering with a prestigious legal team that will stand by your side every step of the way. We handle all communication with insurance companies, investigate every detail of your accident, and fight tirelessly to maximize your recovery. You pay nothing for our services unless we win your case.

Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident in Wilkes-Barre alone. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation and discover why Luzerne County families have trusted us for generations.

Why You Need Munley Law As Your Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyers

The car accident attorneys at Munley Law have been recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. They are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and have earned the highest possible ratings from both clients and our peers.

Not all personal injury law firms in Wilkes-Barre 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 hundreds of thousands of auto crash cases at the Luzerne County Courthouse, and we want to put this experience to work for you today.

Our results speak volumes:

• A $20 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered life-altering injuries after being hit by a driver
• A $17.5 million jury verdict for the families of seven teenagers who died in a drunk driving accident
• A $11 million settlement for a woman whose car was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer
• A $9.95 million settlement for our client, who was hit head-on by a commercial truck

Our car crash lawyers will handle your needs throughout the car accident lawsuit process. We will answer your questions, keep you informed, and guide you through various stages of your case. We approach each case individually and will provide answers to any questions you may have about your personal injury case. Our team will work diligently to help you return to your everyday life as soon as possible, and we will advocate on your behalf at trial, if necessary.

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The Common Causes of Car Crashes in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Driver errors, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, aggressive driving, and reckless behavior, are the primary causes of 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 a significant issue in 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.

The Common Injuries in a Wilkes-Barre Car Crash

The most common car accident injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Even a minor concussion can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage that can cause partial or complete paralysis and requires care and help for the rest of your life
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and soft tissue damage that causes long-term pain
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken ribs, arms, legs, wrists, ankles, hips, and facial bones that need surgery and rehab
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, and they can cause bleeding inside the body that could kill you.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and tears that happen to muscles, tendons, and ligaments all over the body.
• Burns and Cuts: Deep cuts from broken glass or metal and severe burns from fire or hot surfaces.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of driving after the accident.

Fatal Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre

Sadly, some car accidents in Wilkes-Barre end in death, leaving families heartbroken and looking for answers. If a loved one dies because another driver was careless, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits can provide compensation to the family of the victim to help with funeral and burial costs, medical bills that were due before death, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the deep emotional pain that surviving family members feel.

We know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but at Munley Law, we promise to hold those who are at fault accountable and get your family the money they need during this tough time. Our caring lawyers will help you through the legal process with care while fighting hard for the justice your family deserves.

High-Risk Accident Locations in Wilkes-Barre

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 3,224 traffic accidents in Luzerne County in 2024. Of those traffic accidents, 1,404 reported injuries. 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 Pennsylvania 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.

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.
• 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 our car accident lawyer and schedule a free consultation. Our 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.

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 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. Some exceptions to limited tort allow you to sue for non-economic damages, such as death, disfigurement, or impairment of bodily function.

If you are unsure about your legal options, an experienced Wilkes-Barre car 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, the 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, 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 65 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
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