When Accidents Upend Your Life: Finding Help After Injury
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Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney provides legal representation to those injured due to others’ negligence. If you’re searching for help after an accident in Luzerne County, here’s what you need to know:
| What You Need |
What To Expect |
| Free consultation |
No upfront costs – firms work on contingency |
| Timeline |
PA has a 2-year statute of limitations |
| Types of cases |
Car accidents, slip & falls, work injuries, medical malpractice |
| Potential recovery |
Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering |
| Next steps |
Call for consultation, bring accident documentation |
When the unexpected happens, life can change in an instant. A car crash on I-81, a fall on poorly maintained property, or a workplace accident in one of Wilkes-Barre’s industrial parks can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future.
Since 1888, Metzger Wickersham has been standing beside injured Pennsylvanians during their most challenging moments. Our firm understands that behind every injury case is a person whose life has been disrupted and whose family may be struggling.
“Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you,” notes one Wilkes-Barre attorney with over 30 years of experience. “Having someone who knows the local courts and understands Pennsylvania injury law levels the playing field.”
Local attorneys bring valuable knowledge of Luzerne County’s court system, familiarity with regional medical providers, and understanding of common accident locations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. This local insight can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled.
Find more about
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney:
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Car accident lawyer Wilkes-Barre
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car accident attorney wilkes barre
What Does a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney Do?
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Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney stands as your champion when life takes an unexpected turn. We’re the folks who step in after an accident to help you steer the often confusing legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve.
“I thought I could handle my own claim until I realized the insurance company wasn’t playing fair,” shares one of our clients from Kingston. “Having Metzger Wickersham in my corner changed everything.”
The truth is, handling a personal injury claim on your own is like trying to diagnose your own illness – you might miss something crucial. According to research from the
American Bar Association, accident victims who work with attorneys typically receive settlements 3-4 times larger than those who go it alone, even after legal fees.
Speaking of fees – we work on contingency, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. No upfront costs, no hourly billing. Our success is tied directly to yours, which is exactly how it should be.
Core Legal Duties of a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
When you’re hurting from an accident, the last thing you need is more stress. That’s why our team at Metzger Wickersham jumps into action immediately:
We start with a thorough
case investigation, looking beyond the obvious to identify everyone who might be responsible. In Wilkes-Barre, that could include not just the driver who hit you, but potentially their employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the municipality responsible for road maintenance.
The
evidence gathering phase is where we really roll up our sleeves. We collect police reports, track down witnesses, secure video footage before it disappears, and organize your medical records. We’ve even been known to measure skid marks at 6 AM on a Sunday to preserve crucial evidence before rain washed it away.
Complex cases often benefit from
expert witnesses who can explain complicated concepts to juries. We work with doctors who can translate your medical records into plain English, accident reconstruction specialists who can demonstrate exactly how a crash occurred, and economic experts who calculate the true cost of your injuries over a lifetime.
“One client suffered a back injury at a local manufacturing plant,” recalls a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “By bringing in an occupational safety expert, we showed how proper equipment could have prevented the accident entirely. That testimony turned a lowball offer into a settlement that covered our client’s needs for years to come.”
How a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney Adds Value
Beyond the legal heavy lifting, a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney brings additional value that can make a real difference in your life after an injury.
We’re skilled at
damage calculation – looking not just at today’s medical bills, but at what your injury might cost you five or ten years down the road. Will you need future surgeries? Home modifications? Long-term care? We make sure these costs are accounted for before you sign any settlement.
Our reputation provides
settlement leverage that individual claimants simply don’t have. Insurance adjusters know which law firms are willing to go the distance. With more than 135 years of standing up for Pennsylvanians, Metzger Wickersham has earned respect that often translates into fair offers without the need for lengthy court battles.
If your case does require
courtroom presentation, our familiarity with Luzerne County courts becomes invaluable. We understand local jury tendencies and have relationships with court personnel that help cases move smoothly through the system.
“When you’re dealing with a serious injury, you need more than just legal representation,” says one of our attorneys. “You need someone who understands what you’re going through and who will fight for you like family. That’s the difference we strive to make every day.”
Common Personal Injury Cases in Wilkes-Barre
Life in Wilkes-Barre comes with its own unique set of risks. From the busy highways that connect our community to the changing seasons that transform our landscape, certain patterns emerge when we look at personal injury cases in our area.
Car crashes happen daily around Wilkes-Barre. Whether it’s a minor fender bender near Public Square or a serious collision on Route 309, these accidents can leave lasting impacts. Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system often confuses folks trying to steer their claims without help.
“Many people don’t realize that Pennsylvania’s insurance laws give them choices that affect their rights after an accident,” shares one of our attorneys. “Understanding these options before you need them can make all the difference.”
The presence of I-81 running through our region means
truck collisions are an unfortunate reality for Wilkes-Barre residents. These cases quickly become complicated, with multiple parties potentially sharing responsibility – from drivers to trucking companies to maintenance providers, and even cargo loaders in some situations.
Our beautiful Pennsylvania countryside attracts motorcyclists year-round, but especially during summer months.
Motorcycle wrecks typically result in more severe injuries since riders lack the protection of a vehicle around them. These cases often require a more aggressive approach to ensure fair compensation for life-changing injuries.
Premises liability cases arise when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. This includes those slippery floors at the grocery store, icy walkways outside businesses, or even inadequate security that leads to harm. Every property owner in Wilkes-Barre has legal obligations to keep visitors reasonably safe.
According to Pennsylvania court statistics, Luzerne County saw 53
medical malpractice filings in 2022 alone. These cases blend complex medical standards with legal principles of negligence, requiring thorough investigation and often expert testimony to resolve fairly.
Product defects can harm consumers without warning. From faulty vehicle components to dangerous medications, these cases may involve manufacturers, designers, and distributors – sometimes across multiple states or even countries.
Many Wilkes-Barre residents work in industrial settings, healthcare facilities, or retail establishments where
workers’ compensation claims become necessary after on-the-job injuries. These cases follow distinct rules and timelines compared to other injury claims.
Want to learn more about specific accident cases? Visit our page on
Car Accident Lawyer Wilkes-Barre.
High-Frequency Crash Corridors & Local Hazards
Some areas around Wilkes-Barre seem to attract accidents more than others. Knowing these hotspots helps both with prevention and with building stronger cases when incidents occur.
The
I-81 corridor presents particular dangers to drivers. The interchange with PA-309 regularly sees traffic backing up and sudden lane changes. Construction zones near Wilkes-Barre create bottlenecks where rear-end collisions become more common. And when winter weather hits, this stretch of highway can become treacherous in minutes.
Route 309 connects Wilkes-Barre to many surrounding communities, making it consistently busy with local traffic. The major intersections along this route see frequent crashes, especially during rush hours when everyone’s hurrying home.
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winter weather conditions in Northeastern Pennsylvania create unique hazards. Black ice forms quickly on bridges and overpasses. Visibility drops dramatically during snowstorms. And sometimes, inadequate snow removal leaves dangerous conditions that last for days or weeks from November through March.
The
industrial parks surrounding Wilkes-Barre create their own traffic patterns. Large delivery trucks mix with commuter vehicles, often on roads not initially designed for such heavy use. This combination frequently leads to accidents, particularly at entry and exit points.
“When we see a client who’s been injured at a location where we’ve handled cases before, it immediately raises flags about potential systemic issues,” notes one of our Wilkes-Barre attorneys. “That history can be valuable evidence in establishing negligence.”
Case Spotlight: Premises Liability in Downtown
Downtown Wilkes-Barre blends historic charm with modern businesses, creating unique premises liability challenges. Our older buildings sometimes have maintenance issues that newer structures don’t face. Seasonal weather changes affect walkways and entryways. And the high pedestrian traffic means more opportunities for accidents.
One case that stands out involved a client who suffered a serious hip fracture after falling on an icy walkway outside a downtown business. Through careful investigation, our team finded that the property owner had received multiple complaints about ice accumulation but had taken no action to address the hazard. This evidence of prior knowledge significantly strengthened our client’s case, leading to a settlement that covered extensive medical bills and months of lost wages.
Negligent security represents another common premises liability concern in Wilkes-Barre. When property owners fail to provide reasonable security measures – like adequate lighting in parking areas, functioning locks on apartment buildings, or appropriate staffing at late-night establishments – they may bear responsibility when foreseeable criminal acts cause injury to visitors or residents.
If you’d like to understand more about how these cases progress through our legal system, check out our detailed guide:
Legal Process: Personal Injury Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre.
Step-by-Step After an Accident: Protecting Your Rights
The moments following an accident can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take during this critical time can make all the difference in your recovery – both physical and financial. Here’s how to protect yourself when the unexpected happens:
Put your health first. Even if you feel “okay” after an accident, some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. That quick medical check-up creates an official record connecting your injuries directly to the accident – something insurance companies often try to dispute later.
Grab your phone and document everything. I remember a client who was certain his case was hopeless after a slip-and-fall with no witnesses. “But you know what saved him?” shares a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “The quick photos he snapped of that unmarked wet floor before management cleaned it up. Those images became the cornerstone of his successful claim.”
Make it official with a police report. Those formal documents carry significant weight. Make sure responding officers file a report, and always request your own copy – you’ll need it when dealing with insurance companies.
Notify your insurance company promptly, but stick to just the basics. This isn’t the time for detailed statements or accepting blame. Simply report that an accident occurred, and let them know you’re seeking medical attention.
Don’t throw anything away. Those torn clothes, damaged personal items, even broken pieces of your vehicle might seem like trash, but they could be valuable evidence. Store everything safely until you’ve spoken with a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney.
Immediate Actions When Injured
The first 24 hours after an accident require special attention. Beyond getting medical help, there are several steps that protect your future claim:
Write everything down while it’s fresh. Grab a notebook and jot down witness names and phone numbers, the badge number of responding officers, and details about the accident scene that might change – like skid marks that will wash away or temporary construction that might be removed.
Start a pain journal right away. Record how you feel, what hurts, and activities you can’t do because of your injuries. These daily notes create a powerful record of how the accident has affected your life.
Be careful with social media. That innocent photo of you smiling through the pain at your child’s birthday party? Insurance companies might use it to claim you’re not really hurt. Consider taking a social media break until your case resolves.
Find safe storage for your damaged vehicle. If possible, don’t rush to get repairs. Your car itself might contain critical evidence that could disappear once repairs begin.
Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations might seem like plenty of time, but evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses move away, memories fade, and surveillance footage gets deleted. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
When to Call a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
While a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney can help with any accident case, certain situations make professional representation especially important:
When you’re dealing with serious injuries requiring hospitalization or ongoing care, the stakes are simply too high to steer alone. The same applies if you’re facing permanent disabilities or visible scarring.
If you receive calls from insurance adjusters pressuring you for quick statements or offering fast settlements, that’s often a red flag. They know your claim is valuable and want to settle before you realize its true worth.
Multiple potentially responsible parties, government entities, or commercial vehicles add layers of complexity most people aren’t equipped to handle without legal support.
When insurance companies deny your claim or offer settlements that won’t even cover your medical bills, it’s definitely time for professional help.
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand accidents don’t conveniently happen during business hours. That’s why we offer free consultations 24/7. There’s absolutely no risk in discussing your situation with us – the sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
Filing and Valuing Your Claim
When you’ve been injured, understanding how your claim will be valued can feel overwhelming. Pennsylvania law has specific rules that affect what you can recover and how your case proceeds.
“Many clients are surprised to learn what their case is actually worth,” says one of our Wilkes-Barre attorneys. “It’s almost always more than the insurance company’s first offer.”
The
statute of limitations in Pennsylvania gives you just two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you’ll likely lose your right to compensation entirely. That’s why reaching out to a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney early is so important—time flies when you’re dealing with recovery.
Pennsylvania’s “modified comparative negligence” rule means your compensation depends partly on your role in the accident. If you’re found 30% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 30%. But here’s the critical part—if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing at all. This makes having strong representation crucial to how fault is assigned in your case.
The impact of quality legal representation is clear in the numbers. According to the
Pennsylvania Courts’ Medical Malpractice Statistics, plaintiffs with strong legal teams in Luzerne County secured significantly higher awards among the eight medical malpractice verdicts in 2022.
Proving Liability & Overcoming Partial Fault
Every personal injury case hinges on establishing four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. In simple terms, we must show someone had a responsibility to keep you safe, they failed in that responsibility, this failure directly caused your injury, and you suffered real harm as a result.
When multiple parties share blame—or when you might be partially at fault—things get tricky. This is where having a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
“Insurance companies love to claim shared fault,” notes a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “I remember a case where our client was initially blamed for 60% of a three-car crash on Route 309. After our investigation and accident reconstruction, we proved she was less than 30% responsible—more than doubling what she could recover.”
Our approach to minimizing your share of fault might include bringing in accident reconstruction experts, gathering witness statements, analyzing video footage, examining physical evidence, and applying industry standards. Every percentage point matters when it comes to your compensation.
Calculating Full Compensation
Many injured people focus only on their current medical bills, missing the bigger picture of what they’re truly entitled to recover. A proper valuation of your claim includes:
Your
medical expenses go far beyond the initial hospital visit. We factor in surgeries, medications, physical therapy, future treatments, medical devices, and even home modifications if your injury requires them.
Lost income isn’t just about the paychecks you’ve already missed. We look at reduced earning capacity, lost benefits, career advancement opportunities that vanished, and potential retraining costs if you can’t return to your previous profession.
Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced. These “non-economic” damages often far exceed the medical bills themselves.
For severe injuries, we work with medical and economic experts to create detailed
life care plans. These comprehensive documents project all your future needs—from ongoing medical care to home assistance—ensuring nothing is overlooked in your settlement.
“When a client with a spinal injury was offered $50,000 by an insurance company, it seemed reasonable to him at first,” shares one of our attorneys. “After we calculated his future care needs and diminished earning capacity, we secured a settlement nearly ten times that amount. That’s the difference thorough valuation makes.”
At Metzger Wickersham, we leave no stone unturned when valuing your claim. Insurance companies know this, which often leads to better settlement offers when they see our name on your case.
Hiring the Right Advocate in Wilkes-Barre
Finding the right
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney after an accident isn’t just about picking a name from a search result – it’s about finding someone who’ll truly fight for you when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Experience and Track Record: When you’re hurting and worried about your future, you need someone who’s been there before. Since 1888, Metzger Wickersham has helped countless Pennsylvanians steer the aftermath of serious injuries. That’s over a century of knowledge working for you.
Resources: Let’s be honest – taking on insurance companies requires firepower. Our firm has the financial strength to thoroughly investigate your case, bring in top-notch experts, and if necessary, take your fight all the way to trial without cutting corners.
Communication Style: There’s nothing worse than feeling left in the dark about your own case. We’ve built our reputation on being accessible and speaking plainly. We’ll explain complex legal matters in terms you can understand, and you’ll never wonder where your case stands.
Local Knowledge: The Luzerne County court system has its own rhythm and personality. Our Wilkes-Barre team knows the local judges, understands regional jury tendencies, and recognizes which strategies work best in this community. That hometown advantage can make all the difference.
Client Testimonials: The true measure of any firm is what former clients say. We’re proud that so many of our clients become our greatest advocates, referring friends and family because of the care and results we provided during difficult times.
Fee Structure: Money worries shouldn’t keep you from quality representation. We work on contingency, which means a simple promise: if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us. Period.
Learn more about our approach to personal injury cases:
Personal Injury
Questions to Ask a Prospective Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
When you sit down with a potential attorney, come prepared with questions. The right lawyer will welcome your curiosity rather than dodge tough questions.
“Have you handled cases like mine before?” This reveals whether they have relevant experience with your specific type of injury or accident.
“Who will actually be working on my case?” At some firms, you meet with a senior partner but then get handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. You deserve to know who’s steering your ship.
“How do you communicate with clients?” Some people prefer texts, others want detailed emails, and some need regular phone calls. Make sure their style matches your needs.
“What’s your approach to settlements versus trials?” Some attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom. Others are known for their trial skills. Understanding their philosophy helps set expectations.
“What challenges do you see in my case?” A good attorney will be honest about potential problems rather than just telling you what you want to hear.
“Can you walk me through your fee structure?” Beyond the contingency percentage, understand what case expenses you might be responsible for.
“How long might my case take?” While no one can predict exactly, experienced attorneys can give you a reasonable timeframe based on similar cases.
“What will you need from me?” Understanding your role in the process helps create a smooth partnership from day one.
At Metzger Wickersham, we welcome these conversations. The attorney-client relationship works best when built on honesty and clear expectations.
What to Expect at Your First Meeting with a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
Your initial consultation serves two important purposes: it helps the attorney understand your case, and it helps you decide if this is someone you want in your corner.
Bring relevant documents to make the most of this meeting. This includes accident reports, photos of injuries and the accident scene, medical records, insurance information, pay stubs if you’ve missed work, and witness contact details. The more information you provide, the better your attorney can evaluate your case.
Be ready to share your story – not just the facts, but how this injury has affected your daily life. Can you pick up your children? Are you sleeping through the night? Have you had to modify your home? These personal details help paint a complete picture of your damages.
The attorney should explain next steps clearly, including how they’ll investigate your claim, what medical documentation they’ll need, and how they’ll approach the insurance company. They should also review their fee agreement in detail and answer any questions you have about the arrangement.
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve designed our initial consultation process to be stress-free. It’s completely free, there’s no obligation to hire us afterward, and we’ll give you our honest assessment of your case – even if that means telling you something you weren’t expecting to hear.
This meeting is as much about you interviewing us as it is about us evaluating your case. The right attorney should make you feel heard, respected, and confident in their ability to handle your claim with care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Injury Claims in Wilkes-Barre
How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?
The clock starts ticking the moment you’re injured in Pennsylvania. Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from your accident date. This might seem 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.
“I’ve seen too many people wait until the last minute, only to find critical evidence has disappeared,” shares one of our Wilkes-Barre attorneys. “By then, witness memories fade and surveillance footage is typically long gone.”
Several important exceptions to this timeline exist:
For children injured in accidents, the two-year countdown doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday, giving families more time to understand the full impact of injuries.
Medical malpractice cases sometimes benefit from the “findy rule” when injuries weren’t immediately obvious. In these situations, the clock might start when you reasonably should have finded the injury.
Claims against government entities like city buses or municipal facilities come with much shorter notice requirements—sometimes as brief as six months. Miss these tight deadlines, and your claim could be permanently barred.
A
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney can help ensure you don’t miss these critical deadlines that could cost you your right to compensation.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Pennsylvania’s approach to shared fault is actually quite fair. The state follows what’s called “modified comparative negligence,” which means you can still recover money even if you were partly responsible for what happened—with one important catch.
As long as you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still seek compensation. Your recovery simply gets reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a distracted driver hit you while you had a broken taillight, a jury might find you 20% at fault. With $100,000 in damages, you’d receive $80,000.
However, cross that 51% threshold of responsibility, and Pennsylvania law prevents you from recovering anything at all.
“This is exactly why fault determination is such a battleground,” explains a
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney at Metzger Wickersham. “Insurance companies work hard to push your fault percentage as high as possible—ideally above 50%—because it dramatically reduces what they have to pay or eliminates their liability entirely.”
Our attorneys fight these tactics by gathering strong evidence, working with accident reconstruction professionals, and presenting your case in the most favorable light possible.
What will hiring an attorney cost me up front?
Here’s the good news—working with Metzger Wickersham won’t cost you a single dollar out of pocket to get started.
We handle personal injury cases on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. In fact, we advance all the expenses needed to build your case—things like:
- Investigation and evidence gathering costs
- Expert witness fees for doctors or accident reconstructionists
- Court filing fees and document preparation
- Medical record collection and analysis
Our payment comes as a percentage of your successful recovery, typically between 33-40% depending on case complexity. If we don’t win money for you, you don’t owe us attorney fees.
“The contingency system creates equal access to justice,” notes a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “Whether you’re a factory worker or a CEO, you get the same quality representation against powerful insurance companies.”
This arrangement also means we’re fully invested in maximizing your recovery. We only succeed when you do, creating a true partnership throughout your case.
We’ll explain all fee details clearly during your free consultation, answering any questions you have about costs. Our transparent approach ensures you’ll never face surprise bills or hidden charges while recovering from your injuries.
Conclusion
When life throws you a curveball in Wilkes-Barre, finding your way back—both physically and financially—can feel like climbing a mountain. But you don’t have to make that climb alone. The right
Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorney can transform your journey from overwhelming to manageable, turning your pain into fair compensation that helps rebuild your life.
Metzger Wickersham has been walking alongside injured Pennsylvanians since 1888. That’s over 135 years of standing up for people just like you when they needed an advocate most. Our approach is simple but powerful—we surround your case with a dedicated team that ensures every detail receives proper attention, while remaining available 24/7 because we understand that questions and concerns don’t follow business hours.
“After my accident, I felt lost in paperwork and insurance calls while trying to heal,” shares a recent client. “Having Metzger Wickersham take that burden off my shoulders let me focus on what mattered—getting better for my family.”
Your decision to pursue a personal injury claim reaches beyond your own recovery. When you hold negligent parties accountable, you create ripples that help protect others. That driver who texts behind the wheel? That property owner who ignores icy walkways? That manufacturer who cuts safety corners? Your case helps ensure they think twice next time, making our Wilkes-Barre community safer for everyone.
The reality is simple: insurance companies maintain teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize what they pay you. They have resources, experience, and strategies developed over decades. Shouldn’t you have someone equally determined fighting for your interests?
We invite you to contact our Wilkes-Barre office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our conversation will help clarify your options and potential path forward, without adding any pressure to an already stressful situation. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case—aligning our success directly with yours.
For specific information about how we handle particular types of accident cases, visit our detailed resource page:
car accident attorney services
Time matters in personal injury cases. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and legal deadlines approach. Reaching out sooner rather than later preserves your options and strengthens your potential claim.
Your story matters. Your recovery matters. And having the right legal partner can make all the difference in writing the next chapter of your journey after an injury.
