Top 5 Things to Do If you’ve Been Injured in Wilkes-Barre PA to help you get Compensated.

 

Car accidents in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania happen every day—and many occur in the same locations, for the same reasons, over and over again. If you’ve just been injured in a crash, what you do in the next minutes and hours can significantly affect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

This guide explains:

• Where car accidents most frequently occur in Wilkes-Barre

• Why these locations are so dangerous

• The top 5 urgent steps you must take after a car accident

• How injured victims protect themselves from insurance mistakes

If you or a loved one has been injured, this information is time-sensitive.

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Why Wilkes-Barre Has a High Rate of Serious Car Accidents

Wilkes-Barre is a regional hub for Luzerne County, with heavy commuter traffic, aging infrastructure, complex intersections, and frequent congestion from nearby highways. Combine that with distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive merging—and accidents become inevitable.

Wilkes-Barre also experiences:

• High pedestrian traffic in downtown areas

• Busy retail corridors

• Multiple highway on-ramps funneling traffic into the city

Understanding where accidents happen helps explain how they happen—and how liability is proven.

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Where Do Car Accidents Most Commonly Occur in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

1. Public Square

Public Square is one of the most accident-prone areas in Wilkes-Barre.

Why accidents happen here:

• Multiple roads converging into one circular traffic pattern

• Confusing lane markings

• Pedestrians crossing unpredictably

• Drivers unfamiliar with right-of-way rules

Rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and pedestrian accidents are extremely common here—especially during rush hour and events.

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2. Route 309 (Wilkes-Barre & Plains Township Sections)

Route 309 is one of the most dangerous roadways in the area.

Common accidents include:

• High-speed rear-end crashes

• Lane-change and merging collisions

• Multi-vehicle pileups

Congestion, speeding, and aggressive driving make Route 309 a frequent location for serious injury accidents.

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3. North Main Street

North Main Street runs through busy commercial and residential areas.

Why crashes happen here:

• Frequent stop-and-go traffic

• Left-turn accidents

• Distracted driving near businesses and parking lots

Many injury accidents occur at intersections along North Main Street due to failure to yield.

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4. South Main Street

South Main Street sees heavy commuter traffic entering and exiting downtown.

Crash patterns include:

• Rear-end collisions during rush hour

• Side-impact crashes at traffic lights

• Pedestrian accidents near crosswalks

These accidents often result in neck, back, and head injuries.

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5. Route 115

Route 115 connects Wilkes-Barre to surrounding communities and highways.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Higher speeds

• Curves and limited visibility

• Driver fatigue during longer commutes

Crashes here are often more severe due to speed and impact force.

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6. Kidder Street & Scott Street Intersection

This intersection is known locally for frequent collisions.

Common issues:

• Confusion over traffic signals

• Drivers running red lights

• Poor visibility during rain or snow

T-bone accidents here frequently cause serious injuries.

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What Types of Injuries Are Common in Wilkes-Barre Car Accidents?

Car accident victims commonly suffer:

• Whiplash and neck injuries

• Back injuries and herniated discs

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Broken bones

• Internal injuries

• Soft tissue damage

Many injuries do not fully appear until hours or days later, which is why immediate medical care is critical.

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URGENT: The Top 5 Things You Must Do After a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre

1. Call 911 Immediately (Even If the Accident Seems Minor)

Always report the accident to police.

A police report:

• Documents where the accident happened

• Identifies drivers and witnesses

• Records initial fault observations

This is especially important at high-risk locations like Public Square or Route 309.

Never rely on the other driver’s promise to “handle it later.”

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2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

If you are injured—or even think you might be—get checked by a medical professional immediately.

Many Wilkes-Barre accident victims are treated at:

• Wilkes-Barre General Hospital

Delaying medical care allows insurance companies to argue:

• Your injuries weren’t serious

• Your injuries weren’t caused by the crash

Even pain that seems minor can signal serious underlying injuries.

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3. Document the Accident Scene (If You Can Do So Safely)

If you are physically able:

• Take photos of vehicle damage

• Photograph skid marks, debris, and road conditions

• Capture traffic signs and signals

• Get witness contact information

In busy Wilkes-Barre locations, accident scenes can clear quickly—evidence disappears fast.

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4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters often contact victims within hours of a crash.

Their goal is to:

• Get statements that reduce your claim

• Push early, low settlement offers

• Shift blame onto you

You are not required to give a recorded statement without legal advice.

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5. Speak With a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

The earlier you speak with a local car accident lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your claim.

A lawyer can:

• Preserve evidence

• Handle insurance communications

• Identify all sources of compensation

• Prevent costly mistakes

Pennsylvania law limits how long you have to file a claim, and waiting can weaken your case.

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What Compensation May Be Available After a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident?

Depending on your injuries and the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Future medical treatment

• Lost wages

• Reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

Insurance companies rarely offer full compensation voluntarily—especially in serious injury cases.

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What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

You may still recover compensation if:

• You are less than 51% at fault

However, insurers often try to exaggerate fault—especially at complex intersections like Public Square.

Legal guidance helps protect you from unfair blame.

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Why Local Knowledge Matters in Wilkes-Barre Accident Cases

A lawyer familiar with Wilkes-Barre understands:

• Which intersections see repeated crashes

• Local traffic patterns

• Police reporting practices

• Medical providers and documentation

This local insight can strengthen liability arguments and settlement negotiations.

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Final Thoughts: Act Fast to Protect Yourself

Car accidents in Wilkes-Barre often happen in predictable locations—but their consequences are anything but predictable. Injuries can worsen, bills can pile up, and insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves.

If you’ve been injured:

• Prioritize your health

• Protect your legal rights

• Get guidance at MWKE Law before speaking to insurers

What you do next matters. Contact MWKE Law today.