When & Why to Call a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre Residents Rely On
The moments after a car crash can feel overwhelming. When you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance calls, knowing when to reach out to a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents trust can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: Pennsylvania law gives you just
two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline—known as the statute of limitations—waits for no one, regardless of how serious your injuries might be.
Quick Guide: Finding a Car Accident Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre
- When to call: Immediately after medical treatment
- Cost: Most work on contingency (no fee unless you win)
- Why you need one: Statistics show represented clients recover 3x more compensation
- Deadline: 2 years from accident date to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania
- Contact for help: Call a local attorney for a free consultation
The reality in Luzerne County is sobering. In 2022 alone, our community experienced 3,347 traffic accidents resulting in over 1,100 injuries and 30 fatalities. You’re not facing this challenge alone—every hour in Pennsylvania, approximately 15 crashes occur injuring nine people, with someone losing their life every eight hours on our roads, according to PennDOT data.
Many people worry about attorney costs, but most
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre firms (including Metzger Wickersham) work on contingency. This means you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you. This arrangement gives everyone access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.
Pennsylvania’s insurance system presents unique challenges. The choice between limited and full tort coverage directly impacts your compensation rights. Without proper guidance, you might accidentally leave thousands of dollars on the table or miss critical deadlines that could jeopardize your entire claim.
For more detailed information about your legal options after a crash, our
Car Accident Legal Advice page provides additional guidance custom to your situation.
Signs You Need a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre ASAP
Not every fender bender requires legal help, but certain situations absolutely call for professional representation. If you’ve suffered
serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or injuries requiring surgery, an attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation for both current and future medical needs.
When the other driver disputes liability or claims you were at fault, the situation becomes complicated quickly. Insurance companies love to use these disputes to minimize payouts, and having a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre advocate can prevent you from being unfairly blamed.
Watch out for insurance company delay tactics. If weeks pass without meaningful communication or if the insurer pressures you to accept a quick settlement, these are red flags that they may not be dealing with you fairly.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre Maximizes Your Recovery
A skilled attorney brings multiple tools to your case that significantly increase your potential compensation. First, they conduct a thorough
investigation that goes beyond what police reports capture—analyzing skid marks, interviewing witnesses, reviewing traffic camera footage, and sometimes even reconstructing the accident.
During
negotiations, an experienced lawyer knows the real value of your claim and won’t be intimidated by insurance company tactics. They understand that initial offers are almost always far below what a case is truly worth.
Your attorney will prepare your case as though it’s going to
trial, even if most cases settle. This thorough preparation often convinces insurance companies to make fair offers rather than risk a courtroom battle.
When necessary, your lawyer can bring in
expert witnesses like medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists who provide powerful testimony about your injuries and losses.
With over 135 years of experience helping Pennsylvania accident victims, Metzger Wickersham’s team approach ensures your case receives the attention it deserves while you focus on what’s most important—your recovery.
The First 24 Hours After a Crash in Wilkes-Barre
The clock starts ticking the moment metal meets metal on Wilkes-Barre roads. Those first 24 hours after your accident can make or break your future claim. Whether you’ve collided on the busy Market Street Bridge or been sideswiped on the North Cross Valley Expressway, your immediate actions matter more than you might realize.
What to Do at the Scene
Your heart’s racing, adrenaline’s pumping, and you might not be thinking clearly. Take a deep breath—safety comes first.
If possible, move to the shoulder of Route 309 or find a safe spot off Interstate 81. Turn on those hazard lights so other drivers can see you, especially if it’s getting dark on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Once you’re safe, it’s time to gather what your case needs:
Call 911 right away, even if damages seem minor. That police report becomes your first official documentation of what happened. While waiting for officers, exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved.
Document everything thoroughly. As we often tell clients at Metzger Wickersham, “The evidence at an accident scene disappears faster than snow in spring.” Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, capture road conditions and traffic signs, and don’t forget to photograph visible injuries.
Those witnesses standing nearby? They might be your strongest allies later. Get their names and phone numbers before they walk away. Their unbiased account could be what proves you weren’t at fault.
Just as important is what not to say. Those instinctive “I’m sorry” comments—even when you’re just being polite—can come back to haunt your case. Don’t discuss fault, don’t minimize injuries with “I’m fine,” and save the details for your
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents trust.
Handling Medical Needs Immediately
“But I feel okay” might be the most expensive sentence you ever utter. That stiff neck or slight headache? It could signal something much more serious developing beneath the surface.
Seek medical care right away, even if you think you escaped unscathed. Many serious injuries—particularly whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding—play a dangerous waiting game, not revealing their full severity for hours or days.
Head to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center or Wilkes-Barre General Hospital directly from the scene if possible. Be completely honest with healthcare providers about every symptom, no matter how minor it seems. That slight dizziness could indicate a traumatic brain injury, while that “normal” back pain might be disc damage.
Follow through with all treatment plans and keep every follow-up appointment. These records create a continuous story of your injuries that insurance companies can’t easily dismiss. Start a simple pain journal noting how injuries affect your daily life—from missed work to needing help with household chores.
Notifying Insurers Without Hurting Your Claim
Yes, you need to report the accident to your insurance company—but no, you don’t need to give them ammunition to devalue your claim.
When making that initial call, stick to the basics: date, time, location, and vehicles involved. If they press for more details, a simple “I’m still under medical evaluation and will provide more information when I have it” works wonders.
Insurance adjusters may sound caring and concerned, but remember—their job is saving their company money, not maximizing your recovery. They’ve mastered subtle tactics that can undermine your claim:
They might call when you’re still shaken up, hoping you’ll say something they can use against you. They’ll offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Some will request blanket medical authorizations, giving them access to your entire health history to find “pre-existing conditions.”
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve seen these strategies for over 135 years. That’s why we recommend connecting with a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre victims rely on before giving recorded statements or accepting early offers.
Your first 24 hours set the foundation for everything that follows. By focusing on safety, documentation, proper medical care, and careful communication, you’re giving your future claim the strongest possible start—and yourself the best chance at full recovery, both physically and financially.
When & Why to Call a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre Residents Rely On
Time matters when you’ve been in a car accident. Pennsylvania gives you just two years to file a personal injury claim, and this countdown begins the moment your accident happens.
But there’s more at stake than just legal deadlines. With each passing day, skid marks fade from the North Cross Valley Expressway, surveillance footage gets deleted, and witnesses who saw what happened on the Market Street Bridge start forgetting important details.
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand that many people worry about affording legal help after an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront to get started
- We only collect a fee if we win your case
- Our payment comes as a percentage of your recovery
- We cover all case preparation costs in advance
This approach ensures everyone can access quality legal help, regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
Signs You Need a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre ASAP
While talking to a lawyer is helpful after any collision, certain situations make legal representation absolutely necessary:
When
serious injuries or fatalities are involved, the stakes rise dramatically. Insurance companies fight harder to limit payouts when dealing with traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or permanent disabilities. The true cost of lifelong care requires proper calculation and advocacy.
If
liability is disputed or unclear, you need someone to investigate thoroughly and establish who’s at fault. This happens frequently at complicated intersections or in multi-vehicle crashes common on Wilkes-Barre’s busier roads.
When the
insurance company delays, denies, or undervalues your claim, this often signals they’re hoping you’ll give up or accept less than you deserve. A sudden change in how quickly they respond or a surprisingly low offer are red flags.
Cases with
special circumstances need specialized knowledge. This includes accidents involving commercial trucks, government vehicles, rideshare services like Uber, or uninsured drivers.
If you’re
being blamed for the accident, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rules could prevent you from recovering anything if you’re found more than 50% at fault. Protecting your version of events becomes crucial.
“After my accident, the other driver’s insurance kept saying I was partially responsible, even though they ran a red light,” shares Maria, a former client. “Having a lawyer made all the difference in proving what really happened.”
How a Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre Maximizes Your Recovery
A
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre victims trust does far more than just paperwork. They transform your case through several vital services:
During the
investigation phase, your attorney collects and preserves all available evidence before it disappears. They interview witnesses while memories are fresh, work with accident reconstruction professionals to establish exactly what happened, analyze police reports for errors, and track down surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
The
negotiation process is where experience truly matters. Your lawyer calculates the true value of your claim (including future impacts), handles all communication with insurance adjusters, prepares detailed demand packages, counters lowball offers with documented justification, and even negotiates medical liens to maximize what you take home.
If a fair settlement isn’t possible,
litigation preparation becomes essential. This includes filing court documents within critical deadlines, navigating Luzerne County’s procedural requirements, preparing compelling exhibits for trial, securing expert witness testimony, and representing you at every stage from depositions to the final verdict.
As one client noted: “When I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle in November 2021, I learned that having a lawyer would be important to making sure all of my expenses would be compensated by the driver’s insurance.”
The numbers support this approach: people who hire car accident attorneys typically receive more than three times the compensation compared to those handling claims on their own. This difference can mean the difference between financial stability and years of medical debt.
For more detailed guidance on handling the legal aspects of your accident, our resource on
Car Accident Legal Advice offers additional insights.
Navigating Pennsylvania Insurance & Fault Rules
Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system is like a maze with its own unique rules and pathways. Our team at Metzger Wickersham has been helping local residents find their way through these complexities for over 135 years.
What makes Pennsylvania special is our “choice no-fault” system. When you buy insurance here, you must choose between “limited tort” or “full tort” coverage – and this choice dramatically affects your rights after a crash.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Explained
Think of your insurance choice as setting the rules for what happens after an accident:
Full Tort Coverage preserves your complete right to seek compensation for everything – including pain and suffering. While it costs more in monthly premiums, it gives you unlimited access to the court system with no restrictions on what damages you can claim.
Limited Tort Coverage offers lower premiums, but at a significant cost: you generally can’t seek compensation for pain and suffering unless you meet specific exceptions. You can still claim economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, but the emotional and physical suffering aspects are off the table unless your case fits certain criteria.
There are important exceptions that allow even limited tort policyholders to seek pain and suffering damages. These include cases involving death, serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, pedestrian accidents, being hit by an out-of-state vehicle, being struck by a drunk driver, or accidents with commercial vehicles.
“This area of law is very complicated; there are exceptions and technicalities that if you do not know the law can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars,” our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham have observed through decades of helping accident victims.
No-Fault Doesn’t Mean No Lawsuit
Despite what many Wilkes-Barre residents believe, Pennsylvania’s no-fault elements don’t completely prevent lawsuits. The system is more nuanced than that.
Here’s how it actually works: Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays first for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. But if your injuries exceed certain thresholds or you have full tort coverage, you absolutely can pursue the at-fault driver for additional compensation. And property damage claims always go against the at-fault driver’s insurance, regardless of your tort selection.
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry minimum coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, $5,000 for property damage, and $5,000 in medical benefits.
The problem? These minimums rarely cover the real costs of serious accidents. That’s why having a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents trust becomes essential – they can identify and pursue all possible sources of compensation when bills start piling up.
According to
PennDOT crash data, Pennsylvania roads see thousands of serious accidents each year, many involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Imagine doing everything right – carrying proper insurance, driving carefully – and then being hit by someone with no coverage at all. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. Approximately 1 in 8 Pennsylvania drivers is uninsured, creating significant risks for everyone else on Wilkes-Barre roads.
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) becomes your financial lifeline. This optional coverage steps in when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. In many cases, you may even be able to “stack” coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy for greater protection.
Hit-and-run accidents present their own challenges, especially in busier areas of Wilkes-Barre. When this happens, report to police immediately, try to recall details about the fleeing vehicle, look for witnesses, and check for surveillance cameras that might have captured the incident. Your uninsured motorist coverage typically applies in these situations too.
Research from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that distracted driving continues to be a major factor in accidents, making proper insurance coverage even more critical.
“You and your loved ones don’t deserve to pay for an accident that hurt you but wasn’t your fault,” we remind our clients at Metzger Wickersham. With Pennsylvania’s complex insurance rules, having a knowledgeable
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre can make the difference between covering your losses or facing financial hardship on top of your injuries.
Building a Strong Claim: Evidence, Compensation & Timelines
The strength of your car accident case isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what you can prove. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve seen how the right evidence transforms uncertain claims into compelling cases that insurance companies can’t ignore.
Essential Evidence Checklist
Think of evidence as the building blocks of your case. Each photo, document, and statement works together to create a clear picture of what happened and how it’s affected your life.
Right after your accident on Wyoming Avenue or the Casey Highway, start gathering:
At the scene evidence matters tremendously. Your police report becomes the official record of what happened, so always get the report number before leaving. Snap plenty of photos showing vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Weather conditions and visibility notes can explain factors that contributed to the crash.
“Evidence disappears quickly after an accident,” our attorneys often remind clients. “Those skid marks on Public Square won’t be there tomorrow, and that broken traffic light might get fixed before anyone documents it.”
Your
medical evidence tells the story of your injuries. Keep everything from emergency room discharge papers to physical therapy notes. Those X-rays, MRIs, and doctor’s treatment plans connect your injuries directly to the accident. Even mental health treatment records for trauma or PTSD can be crucial parts of your claim.
Don’t overlook the
financial impact documentation. Medical bills tell only part of the story—pay stubs showing lost wages, property damage estimates, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses like medications or transportation to doctor appointments all demonstrate the real-world cost of your accident.
For serious injuries,
long-term documentation becomes essential. A simple pain journal tracking your daily symptoms and limitations can powerfully illustrate how the accident changed your life. Before-and-after evidence showing lifestyle changes helps others understand your loss, while expert testimony on future medical needs ensures your settlement covers what lies ahead.
What Compensation Can You Seek?
When you’ve been hurt in a Wilkes-Barre car accident, the law recognizes different types of harm you’ve suffered. A
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents trust can help you identify all potential areas of compensation.
Your economic damages cover the concrete financial losses—these are the bills and expenses with clear dollar amounts. They include your ambulance ride to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication costs, and any future medical care you’ll need. Lost wages count too, both what you’ve already missed and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
The less visible impacts fall under non-economic damages. Your physical pain after being rear-ended on Route 309, the emotional distress of flashbacks when driving past your accident site, the activities you can no longer enjoy—these very real losses deserve recognition too. If your injuries left permanent scars or disabilities, compensation should reflect that permanent change.
One client told us after her case: “I never realized how much my injury would affect my marriage until I couldn’t help with household chores or even pick up my grandchildren. Metzger Wickersham made sure the settlement reflected those real-life impacts.”
In cases involving drunk drivers or extraordinarily dangerous behavior, Pennsylvania law sometimes allows for punitive damages. These additional amounts aren’t about compensating you directly but punishing truly reckless conduct to prevent it from happening to someone else.
Understanding Case Timelines in Luzerne County Court
Car accident cases rarely resolve overnight. Understanding the typical timeline helps you prepare mentally and financially for what lies ahead.
The journey usually begins with your initial consultation, when we review your case details and explain your options. During those first weeks, we notify insurance companies, begin our investigation, and make sure you’re getting proper medical care.
Over the next few months, we gather your medical records, secure witness statements, and work to resolve property damage claims. Once we understand your injuries well enough, we prepare initial settlement demands based on a thorough assessment of your damages.
By the 3-6 month mark, we’re typically engaged in serious negotiations with insurance companies. This is often a decision point—can we reach a fair settlement, or do we need to file a lawsuit in Luzerne County Court?
If we file suit, the timeline extends to accommodate the findy process—that’s when both sides exchange information through depositions, written questions (interrogatories), and document requests. Mediation or settlement conferences often follow, with trial preparation moving forward simultaneously.
Some cases reach trial around the 18-24 month mark if settlement efforts don’t produce fair results. After a verdict, there may be appeals before final resolution and disbursement of funds.
Throughout this journey, our team provides regular updates so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your case. As one client shared, “You kept in contact with me through everything. I would recommend you to everyone.”
The wait can feel long, but rushing a case often means settling for less than you deserve. Our experienced team at Metzger Wickersham works efficiently while ensuring every aspect of your claim receives the attention it needs to maximize your recovery.
Choosing & Working With Your Attorney
Finding the right
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre accident victims can trust isn’t just important—it’s essential for your recovery journey. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve built our practice on relationships that feel personal, because they are.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
When you’re sitting across from a potential attorney for the first time, don’t be shy about asking the tough questions. Think of it as interviewing someone for an incredibly important job—because that’s exactly what you’re doing.
“Do you know the difference between the courthouse in Wilkes-Barre and the one in Scranton?” might seem like small talk, but local knowledge matters tremendously. An attorney familiar with Luzerne County judges and local insurance adjusters brings valuable insight to your case.
Ask who’ll be handling your day-to-day concerns. At some firms, you meet with a senior partner initially, only to be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. Understanding the team structure helps set proper expectations.
Communication style is another crucial factor. Will they call you? Email? How often can you expect updates? At Metzger Wickersham, we believe regular communication isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Financial transparency matters too. While most car accident attorneys work on contingency, percentages can vary, and some firms charge for costs even if you don’t win. Get clarity about what happens in all possible scenarios.
Not every case goes to trial, but you want an attorney ready and able if yours does. Some lawyers avoid courtrooms entirely, preferring quick settlements that might shortchange you. Ask about their trial experience and success rate.
Finally, don’t hesitate to request references or read testimonials. A lawyer’s reputation among former clients speaks volumes about what your experience might be like.
Common Mistakes Clients Should Avoid
Even with stellar legal representation, we’ve seen clients accidentally undermine their own cases. Let us help you avoid these common pitfalls.
That innocent photo of you enjoying a day at Frances Slocum State Park? Insurance companies might use it to argue you’re not really injured.
Social media posts can be devastating to your case, regardless of privacy settings. We generally recommend taking a social media break during your case—it’s temporary, but your settlement is permanent.
Consistency in medical treatment tells a powerful story about your injuries. When you skip appointments or stop going altogether, it suggests you’ve recovered—even if you’re still in pain. Keep every appointment and follow all treatment recommendations.
Insurance adjusters often request
recorded statements early in the process. They sound friendly, but their questions are carefully crafted to elicit harmful responses. Always direct these requests to your attorney.
That quick settlement offer might seem tempting when bills are piling up, but
early settlements rarely account for the full scope of your injuries. Some conditions take months to fully manifest. Let your attorney evaluate any offer before accepting.
Finally, conversations about your case aren’t private unless they’re with your attorney.
Casual discussions with friends, neighbors, or coworkers could potentially be finded during litigation.
Partnering Effectively With Your Legal Team
A successful attorney-client relationship works like any good partnership—with trust, communication, and shared responsibility.
Honesty forms the foundation of effective representation. That fender-bender three years ago might seem irrelevant, but if finded later, it could undermine your credibility. Share everything with your attorney—they can only defend what they know about.
Your daily pain journal, receipts from the pharmacy, and notes about missed family events might seem trivial, but these
detailed records create a compelling narrative about your injuries. The more documentation you provide, your attorney can build a stronger case.
When your doctor recommends physical therapy three times a week, that schedule becomes part of your job during recovery.
Following medical advice not only helps you heal faster but creates a clear record of your commitment to getting better.
Your attorney will occasionally need information or documents from you.
Responding promptly keeps your case moving forward without unnecessary delays. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means time is always a factor.
Legal terminology can sometimes feel like a foreign language.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification when something confuses you. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe informed clients make better decisions about their cases.
“Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorneys care for you the person while also representing you the client,” isn’t just a slogan at Metzger Wickersham—it’s how we’ve approached every case for over 135 years. We understand that behind every file is a person whose life has been disrupted, and our commitment extends beyond legal representation to genuine care for your wellbeing.
If you’re ready to discuss your case with a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents have trusted for generations, consider reaching out through our
Car Accident Attorney Wilkes-Barre page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre
How long do I have to file a claim?
The clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from your crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might sound like plenty of time, but between medical treatments and trying to get your life back on track, those two years can fly by surprisingly fast.
It’s worth noting that some situations come with much tighter deadlines:
If your accident involved a government vehicle or happened on government property, you might need to file a notice within just six months. And those no-fault insurance claims? They often come with much shorter deadlines than you’d expect.
There’s a bit of breathing room if the injured person is a minor—the two-year countdown typically doesn’t start until they turn 18.
Missing these deadlines isn’t just an inconvenience—it usually means permanently losing your right to compensation. That’s why connecting with a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre families trust shouldn’t be something you put off “until you feel better.”
Can passengers file their own claims?
Absolutely! In fact, passengers often have particularly strong claims since they’re rarely considered at fault for what happened. If you were a passenger during a crash, you’re in a unique position with multiple potential sources of compensation:
The insurance of the driver who caused the accident is your primary source. But you also might have claims against the driver of the vehicle you were riding in, especially if they share some responsibility.
Don’t forget your own auto insurance might provide coverage even though you weren’t driving. And your health insurance can help with medical bills while your claim processes.
Just like drivers, passengers need to be mindful of that two-year filing deadline. The main difference is that passenger claims often involve navigating multiple insurance companies simultaneously—a process that can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance.
One of our clients who was a passenger told us: “I never realized I had my own claim separate from the driver. Having someone explain my rights made all the difference in my recovery.”
What happens if I’m partly at fault?
We all make mistakes, and Pennsylvania law recognizes this reality with its “modified comparative negligence” approach. Here’s what this means for your case:
As long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for what happened, you can still recover damages. Your compensation gets reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you.
For example, imagine you’re texting while driving through downtown Wilkes-Barre and someone runs a red light and hits you. If the court determines you’re 20% at fault (because being distracted affected your reaction time) and awards $100,000 in damages, you’d receive $80,000.
However, if you cross that 50% threshold of responsibility, Pennsylvania law prevents you from collecting anything at all.
This is where things often get tricky. Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and frequently try to push more blame onto you to reduce what they pay—or avoid paying altogether. They might suggest you were speeding or didn’t have your headlights on, even when evidence doesn’t support these claims.
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve seen these tactics countless times over our 135+ years serving Pennsylvania. We counter them by thoroughly investigating your accident, preserving crucial evidence, and working with accident reconstruction professionals when needed to establish what really happened on those Wilkes-Barre streets.
Accepting fault at the scene—even saying something as innocent as “I’m sorry”—can significantly impact how fault gets distributed later. This is why we always recommend speaking with a
car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre residents trust before discussing the accident with insurance representatives.
Conclusion & Free Consultation
The moments after a car crash in Wilkes-Barre can feel like your world has been turned upside down. With 3,347 traffic accidents in Luzerne County in 2022 causing over 1,100 injuries, please know you’re not alone in this experience.
Throughout this guide, we’ve walked through the critical steps to take after an accident, from documenting the scene to finding the right legal support. The decisions you make in those first hours and days truly matter – they can shape your physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, and financial future.
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve been standing beside Pennsylvania accident victims for more than 135 years. We’ve seen how each person’s story is unique, which is why we approach every case with fresh eyes and a personal touch. Our team works together, pooling our knowledge and resources to help you steer this challenging time.
Why reaching out matters:
Pennsylvania’s insurance system is notoriously complex. Between limited and full tort options, modified comparative negligence rules, and strict filing deadlines, having someone who understands the landscape can make all the difference in your recovery.
We believe everyone deserves strong legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our consultations are always free, and we work on a contingency basis – you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Your next step forward:
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, we’re here to help. Our team is available 24/7 because we understand accidents don’t just happen during business hours.
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming. But remember – a conversation about your options doesn’t commit you to anything. It simply gives you the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
The road to recovery starts with understanding your rights. Contact Metzger Wickersham today for a free, no-pressure consultation about your situation. Let us help you turn the page on this difficult chapter and move forward with confidence.
Contact Us for a free case review and take the first step toward healing today.
