For 66 years, the Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyers at Munley Law have represented truck accident victims throughout Wilkes-Barre, securing over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in trucking litigation, and we have three attorneys who are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We are the only law firm in Pennsylvania to hold this distinction.
When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer hits a car, the damage can be life-changing. When you are seriously injured in a crash on I-81, the Cross Valley Expressway, or near Wilkes-Barre’s distribution facilities, you may face significant medical expenses and time away from work. You need a trucking accident lawyer who understands both the federal regulations that govern the industry and the key evidence required to prove who is responsible.
Trucking companies often act quickly after a collision, frequently sending their own investigators to the scene within hours. You need a Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer who will move just as quickly to preserve critical evidence and protect your rights. Our team knows how to uncover driver fatigue, black box data, maintenance failures, and federal safety violations that can prove negligence and maximize your recovery.
Call Munley Law today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Work With a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney at Munley Law?
At Munley Law, our Wilkes-Barre truck accident attorneys have spent decades building one of the most respected trucking-litigation teams in the nation. We know how to uncover the truth after a crash and hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers accountable.
Over $1 Billion in Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts
We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for clients and achieved some of the largest trucking settlements and verdicts in Pennsylvania.
| Case Type | Amount | Result | Case Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Accident | $26 million | Settlement | Record-breaking settlement for a truck accident victim who suffered life-threatening injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. |
| Truck Accident | $19.8 million | Settlement | A family of three died after being rear ended by a truck driver who was on the phone. |
| Truck Accident | $11 million | Settlement | Our client, a beautician, was severely injured after being rear ended in road construction by tractor trailer. |
| Truck Accident | $9.95 million | Settlement | Our client was hit head on by a tractor trailer driver. |
| Truck Accident | $9 million | Settlement | Settlement for a truck accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. |
| Truck Accident | $8.7 million | Settlement | A family on their way to the beach was rear ended by a tractor trailer. |
| Truck Accident | $8 million | Settlement | Clients struck in traffic by out-of-control tractor-trailer. |
| Truck Accident | $6.9 million | Settlement | Settlement for an injured victim after being hit by a garbage truck. |
| Truck Accident | $4.7 million | Settlement | Overworked truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel, crossed two lanes before hitting our client. |
| Truck Accident | $3.8 million | Settlement | Clients were on the way to a grandson's graduation when they were rear-ended by a tractor trailer at red light. |
Board-Certified Expertise
We are the only firm in Pennsylvania that has three attorneys who hold board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. What this means is our truck accident lawyers had to pass a rigorous application process, which includes an examination and a set number of hours spent trying truck accident cases.
Nationally Recognized Leaders in Trucking Law
Our attorneys have been consistently selected for Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers lists. Both Marion and Daniel Munley served as Chairs for the AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sit on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Local Knowledge
We’re not a faceless personal injury firm; we’re your neighbors. Our lawyers grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and have worked here for most of our lives. From I-81 to the Cross Valley Expressway, our attorneys know the roads, courts, and juries of Luzerne County — and have the resources to take on national carriers and their insurers.
When you choose Munley Law, you’re choosing a Wilkes-Barre personal injury law firm recognized across the country for trucking expertise — and trusted right here in Wilkes-Barre to fight for families in our community.
Speak With A Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney.
How a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a truck accident, victims often feel overwhelmed by financial losses and emotional trauma. This is where a truck accident lawyer from Munley Law can help. A Wilkes-Barre truck accident attorney will use their knowledge and experience to help injury victims and guide them through the complex legal process to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.
Munley Law Serves as Advocates For Truck Accident Victims
A Wilkes-Barre truck injury attorney primarily advocates for the victim’s rights. They know the details of state trucking laws and federal regulations. These laws define liability, which can be complex because they involve businesses and outside parties who may have been involved in the collision. Liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, or the maker of bad truck parts.
One of the key roles of truck accident attorneys is to gather and analyze evidence meticulously. This can include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Trucking logs
- Data from the truck’s “black box“
By piecing together this information with the help of expert witnesses, your Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer can construct a compelling case demonstrating the other party’s negligence.
Handle Negotiations
Negotiating with insurance companies is another aspect of a truck accident lawyer’s job. Since multiple parties can be at fault for the Wilkes-Barre truck accident, you may be dealing with several insurance companies for a truck accident. The insurance adjusters will attempt to minimize payouts. Still, a skilled truck accident law firm can effectively negotiate to ensure victims receive a fair settlement that covers their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached, our truck accident lawyer is prepared to take the case to court. They will present the evidence, argue the case, and strive to convince the jury of the victim’s rightful claim to compensation.
Understand Local and State Trucking Laws
Finding a local truck accident lawyer can be particularly beneficial for injury victims in Luzerne County. A Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer will not only be well-versed in national trucking laws and have the resources needed to fight the insurance companies, but also be familiar with local regulations and court procedures.
By calling Munley Law, you can rest assured that you have the best personal injury law firm on your side. Call today for a no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Speak With A Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney.
The Damages Available for a Wilkes-Barre Truck Crash
The compensation you can receive following a truck accident in Wilkes-Barre falls into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages will compensate you for any financial losses you may have incurred. This includes:
- current and future medical expenses
- lost wages
- loss of earning capacity
- property damages
- funeral and burial expenses
Non-economic damages provide compensation for any non-financial losses. These losses are subjective and can include:
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish
- loss of consortium
- loss of enjoyment in life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available to the injury victim. Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s actions are deemed malicious or reckless. They are used as a punishment to deter this behavior from occurring again.
To ensure you secure maximum compensation for your losses, call Munley Law.
Why Do Truck Accidents Occur in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre is situated near several heavily traveled roads that experience significant truck traffic. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the number of truck accidents in Luzerne County has steadily increased in recent years as commercial transportation through the region has grown.
The industrial parks and warehouse districts along Highland Park Boulevard and the I-81 corridor represent another concentration of truck-related incidents, particularly during loading and unloading operations, where trucks must navigate tight spaces and interact with other industrial equipment.
Sadly, fatal trucking accidents in Wilkes-Barre are not uncommon. According to the most recent data from the Institute for Safer Trucking, 5,936 people had died in large truck crashes, and over 160,000 people suffered injuries in the United States. Of those who had died in large truck crashes, 70 percent were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles. The number of people who have been killed in big rig crashes is 40 percent higher than it was 10 years ago.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties and require swift and thorough investigation. The trucking company will dispatch its lawyers and investigators to the scene immediately after the crash to collect evidence to show that you are responsible, not their driver. You need someone on your side to do the same. Contact Munley Law now to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Why Are Truck Accidents Different?
Besides the fact that a truck can outweigh an average passenger vehicle by more than 25 times, there are multiple differences between getting into an accident with another car and getting into an accident with a tractor-trailer.
Factors that complicate truck accidents include:
More Parties Can Be Held Liable
In a car crash, chances are only two parties are involved – you and the other driver. But this is rarely the case in a truck accident claim. Not only can the truck driver be held responsible, but also the negligent trucking company that employed the driver and may own the truck, the truck manufacturer for any faulty parts or mechanical failure, and third-party brokers that had connected the driver and their trucks to haul their cargo.
Truck Drivers Follow Stricter Regulations
Truckers are subject to specific federal regulations, including the time they are allowed on the road. Unfortunately, many trucking companies push drivers to beat their deadlines so the next delivery can be made. This causes truck drivers to drive longer, potentially fatigued, and ignore the rules to protect us from harm.
The Insurance Policy is Larger
Commercial trucks have insurance policies often 50 times larger than an average car insurance policy. With a multi-million dollar policy at stake, insurance carriers will do whatever they can to prevent paying out the claim after a truck accident. Typical insurance company tactics include offering a settlement below how much your claim is worth.
The Type of Injury is Catastrophic
The bigger the vehicle, the more likely the injuries you’ve sustained will be life-threatening. A catastrophic injury in Wilkes-Barre can take years to recover from. You could face multiple medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. You will need compensation to pay these bills and continue your life.
If you have questions about your truck accident claim, call Munley Law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Attorney?
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, cost should never be in the way of justice. Therefore, we do not charge a fee for our services until the case has been settled or reached a verdict. This is called a contingency fee model, where we take on all the risk to get you the compensation you deserve.
As our client, you will not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees until your truck accident lawyer has finished the investigation and reached a settlement. Once the accident case has been resolved, we will take a small percentage of your reward. If we are unsuccessful, then you do not owe us a fee.
Call our offices today to learn more about Munley Law’s contingency fee process.
Responsible Parties For a Truck Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA
In cities like Wilkes-Barre, truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries. Determining liability in these accidents is essential for victims seeking compensation and holding those at fault accountable. Unlike a car accident case where you and the other driver may be the only ones involved, there can be multiple parties responsible for the truck crash in Wilkes-Barre, such as:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers play a critical role in determining liability in truck accidents. Factors such as driver fatigue, inattention, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence can directly contribute to accidents. If a truck driver’s negligence or recklessness is found to be the primary cause of the accident, they may be held liable for the damages.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also be held responsible for accidents in certain situations. If a company fails to maintain its fleet properly, neglects to enforce safety regulations, or pressures drivers to exceed legal limits on driving hours, it may be liable for the accident. Additionally, trucking companies can be held responsible for the actions of their employees under the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” which states that an employer can be held accountable for the actions of its employees if those actions occur within the scope of their employment.
Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers
Truck accidents may sometimes result from a manufacturing defect in the truck or its components. If a faulty part, such as defective brakes or a malfunctioning steering system, is found to have caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be liable. Victims may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer in these cases.
Cargo Loaders and Third-Party Contractors
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause truck accidents by affecting the vehicle’s stability, falling onto the road, and creating hazards for other drivers. In such cases, the party responsible for loading and securing the cargo, a third-party contractor, or the trucking company, could be liable for the accident.
Other Drivers and Road Users
In some truck accidents, other drivers or road users may share liability for the accident. If another driver’s negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident, they may be held partially or fully responsible for the damages. In these cases, determining liability may involve a comparative negligence analysis, which considers the degree to which each party contributed to the accident.
Establishing liability in a Wilkes-Barre truck accident is a complex process involving carefully examining various factors and the roles of multiple parties. Through a thorough investigation, our Wilkes-Barre truck crash attorneys can hold those at fault accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
How is Negligence Established in Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents?
To establish negligence, the following elements must be met:
- Duty of Care: The truck driver has a duty to keep the other drivers on the road safe from harm. A trucker who follows the FMCA regulations and takes rest breaks is following this duty of care.
- Breach of Duty: The truck driver was negligent, causing a breach in their duty of care. For example, a driver who had been drinking gets behind the wheel to drop off their cargo.
- Causation: Due to the trucker’s negligent actions, an injury occurred. Using the scenario above, an accident occurs after the truck driver falls asleep. The other driver is diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in damages for the victim. The injured driver in the above scenario is now facing long-term financial debt, as they cannot return to work because of the injury.
Trying to establish negligence cannot be done on your own. You need an experienced truck crash law firm in Wilkes-Barre to guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Our truck accident team is available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes-Barre Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing the statute of limitations deadline could bar you from recovering compensation.
What if I were partially at fault for a trucking accident?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but it will reduce your compensation.
What vehicle parts are most likely to cause a truck accident?
Common culprits include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and lighting malfunctions. Poor maintenance or defective parts can make these components particularly dangerous on large trucks.
What is my Wilkes-Barre truck accident case worth?
Case value depends on medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and fault. Severe injuries or permanent disabilities typically lead to higher settlements or awards.
Do most truck accident claims go to trial?
No, most truck accident claims are settled out of court through negotiation. Trials are generally reserved for disputes over fault or compensation that can’t be resolved.
Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident in or around Wilkes-Barre, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The trucking carrier already has its legal team working to limit your claim make sure you have an experienced one protecting yours.
With over 250 years of combined legal experience, Munley Law has helped families throughout Luzerne County and across Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve after devastating crashes. Our board-certified truck accident attorneys know how to uncover the truth, prove liability, and fight for the maximum recovery available under the law.
You can reach us 24/7 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Call Munley Law for free case review with a Wilkes-Barre truck accident lawyer today.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on November 12, 2025.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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