Wilkes-Barre is located near several heavily traveled roads, such as I-81, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 11, and the Cross Valley. Unsurprisingly, the number of car accidents in Wilkes-Barre has steadily increased in recent years. Knowing where most car accidents occur in Wilkes-Barre can you be more alert when traveling in these areas.
If you or your loved one were a victim of a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, you may have the right to compensation. The Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyers at Munley Law have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania law, various insurance policies, and the Pennsylvania court system. Call today for a free consultation with one of our expert car accident lawyers. We will guide you through the claims process and do everything in our power to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Common Causes of Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County has consistently been named one of Pennsylvania’s top ten counties with the most traffic-related fatalities. In 2023, there were 36 traffic fatalities in Luzerne County.
Accidents can happen anywhere, any time, to anyone. However, according to the city data, River Street, Market Street, North Cross Valley Expressway, and Pennsylvania Avenue are the most common spots for accidents in Wilkes-Barre.
What causes car accidents in Wilkes-Barre to occur? 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 amount of other accidents and have a fatality rate that almost triples other causes. When a driver is speeding, he or she has less time to react to road hazards and other drivers. Drivers going at high speeds also have less control over their vehicle and 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 problem in Pennsylvania and across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about eight people are killed by distracted driving every single day.
- Improper Turns: There were 13,065 improper-turning-related accidents in Pennsylvania in 2019, claiming more than 50 lives.
- 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.
- Tailgating: Drivers who tailgate do not have time to come to a complete stop if they are driving too closely behind another car. 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 quickly come to a full stop, causing devastating accidents.
What Do I Do After Getting Into a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre?
After being involved in an auto accident in Wilkes-Barre, you must keep calm and call 911 immediately. An accident report will need to be filed by the police and your insurance company will need to find who is at fault for the accident.
While you wait for help to arrive, try to gather evidence from the wreck. This contains images and videos of the crash site the other drivers, and any witnesses’ contact information.
When emergency services arrive, make a brief statement and do not admit fault, even if you believe you did something wrong. Get the police officer’s name and badge number, then follow up with them in a few weeks to get the final police report.
Visit the hospital to find out about your injuries. If you do not go to the hospital from the accident scene, arrange an appointment with your healthcare physician.
After a car accident, the best way to safeguard your rights is to avoid speaking with the insurance company until you first speak with a Wilkes-Barre auto accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, who will defend your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated.
The Statute of Limitations in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Yes, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of your accident. 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 a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys car accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can recover enough damages to cover all expenses related to your Wilkes-Barre car accident.
Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania is unique because drivers can purchase fault or no-fault insurance. Speak to your Munley Law car accident lawyer about Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence laws that may affect your claim. Your lawyer 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 to regular bodily function
- Your insurance company didn’t notify you or obtain the proper paperwork about your options with limited and full tort.
Why Do I Need a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Attorney?
If you suffered injuries from a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, reach out to a Munley 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 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. Munley’s commitment to their clients: they will not collect a fee unless a settlement or verdict is reached in your favor.
Call today for a free consultation with a leading Wilkes-Barre injury lawyer who can come alongside you on the road to recovery and find out more about where most car accidents happen in Wilkes-Barre and how we can help if you are involved in an accident.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
