A serious car crash can flip your life upside down in seconds. One minute you’re driving through Scranton like any other day; the next you’re dealing with pain, a damaged car, missed work, and a growing stack of medical bills. On top of that, the insurance company is already calling and asking questions you’re not sure how to answer.
If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer in Scranton, you’re probably wondering three things:
- Do I actually need a lawyer?
- How will they help with my medical bills, lost income, and pain?
- How do I choose the right firm in Northeast PA?
This guide walks you through what a Scranton car accident lawyer does, how Pennsylvania law affects your claim, and what to expect if you decide to get help.
Why It Helps to Have a Local Scranton Car Accident Lawyer
Car crash cases are about more than just filling out forms. A local car accident lawyer in Scranton brings:
- Knowledge of Scranton and Lackawanna County roads and traffic patterns
- Familiarity with the local courts and judges
- Experience dealing with the auto insurers that regularly operate in NEPA
- Understanding of how local juries tend to look at different kinds of crashes
When your lawyer knows the area, they’re better able to investigate the crash, understand the context, and tell your story in a way that makes sense to people who live here too.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We See in Scranton
Every crash is unique, but certain patterns come up again and again on Scranton’s roads and highways:
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
- Left-turn and intersection crashes (including T-bone collisions)
- Head-on collisions on two-lane roads
- Highway crashes on I-81 and other major routes
- Distracted driving accidents (texting, phone use, in-car distractions)
- Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving incidents
- Weather-related crashes where ice, snow, or rain made conditions worse
A car accident lawyer in Scranton will look at not just what happened, but why: Was the other driver speeding? Distracted? Impaired? Ignoring traffic signals or following too closely? Those details matter when it comes to proving fault.
Do I Really Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Not every fender-bender requires a lawyer. But you should seriously consider hiring a Scranton car accident attorney if:
- You have moderate to serious injuries (fractures, surgeries, head or spine injuries, ongoing pain)
- You’ve missed work or can’t return to your old job yet
- The insurance company is blaming you or arguing about who caused the crash
- You’re getting mixed messages about what your claim is “worth”
- You’re feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, forms, and phone calls
A lawyer steps in to: - Deal directly with the insurance companies
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Calculate and document your damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and go to court if the insurer won’t be reasonable
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re unsure whether your situation calls for a Scranton car accident lawyer, you can start with a simple conversation.
Contact Moran Law Group for a free consultation.
What a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer Actually Does
People sometimes think hiring a lawyer just means “someone else sends letters.” In reality, a good car accident attorney in Scranton is doing a lot behind the scenes.
Investigating the Crash
Right away, your lawyer works to understand how the collision happened by:
- Getting the police crash report
- Tracking down and interviewing witnesses
- Securing any available video (traffic cameras, business surveillance, dashcams, doorbell cameras)
- Reviewing photos, vehicle damage, and scene diagrams
- In serious cases, working with accident reconstruction experts
This investigation is about more than pointing a finger. It’s about building a clear, evidence-based picture of fault that stands up to insurance company scrutiny and, if necessary, to a jury.
Handling the Insurance Companies
From the moment you hire a lawyer, the insurance companies should communicate with your attorney, not with you directly. That alone can be a huge relief. Your lawyer:
- Responds to adjuster calls and letters
- Controls what medical and employment records are released (and when)
- Pushes back against tactics that try to shift blame onto you
- Makes sure deadlines, including the statute of limitations, are not missed
The insurance company has professionals protecting its interests; you deserve a professional protecting yours.
Documenting Your Injuries and Losses
A big part of your case value comes down to documentation. Your Scranton car accident lawyer will gather and organize:
- Medical records and bills from all providers
- Proof of lost wages and benefits
- Reports from specialists about your prognosis and future medical needs
- Details about how your injuries affect your daily life, hobbies, and family
In more serious cases, we may consult with vocational experts and economists to quantify long-term loss of earning capacity and the cost of future care.
Negotiating Settlement and, If Needed, Going to Court
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement or we have a solid handle on your injuries and prognosis, your lawyer will:
- Prepare a detailed settlement demand explaining fault, injuries, and damages
- Negotiate with the adjuster or defense attorney
- Advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of any settlement offers
If the insurance company refuses to take your case seriously, your car accident lawyer in Scranton can file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Many cases still settle after suit is filed, but being ready and willing to go to court often leads to better offers.
Types of Compensation in a Scranton Car Accident Case
Every case is different, but a car accident claim in Pennsylvania may include:
- Medical expenses
- ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications
- Future treatment you’re reasonably expected to need
- Lost income
- Wages you missed while you couldn’t work
- Reduced hours or light duty
- In serious cases, long-term loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Towing and rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies
- Other out-of-pocket costs
- Travel to medical appointments
- Help with household tasks you can’t do anymore
A “quick check” from the insurance company often focuses on immediate bills and ignores many of these categories. A car accident lawyer in Scranton looks at the full impact, now and in the future.
What If I’m Partly at Fault for the Crash?
A lot of people hesitate to call a lawyer because they think, “I might have been partly to blame.” Maybe you were going a little over the speed limit, glanced at your GPS, or weren’t sure who had the right of way.
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is just reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies love to exaggerate your share of blame to save money. A Scranton car accident lawyer works to:
- Show exactly what the other driver did wrong
- Put any mistakes you made in proper context
- Keep your fault percentage as low as the evidence supports
What to Do After a Car Accident in Scranton
If you’ve just been in a crash, here are some practical steps that help protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Get medical attention, even if you feel “okay” at first
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) (names, contact, insurance)
- Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Get witness contact information if anyone saw what happened
- Avoid arguing about fault at the scene
- Notify your own insurance company, but be cautious about giving detailed statements until you’ve talked to a lawyer
The more information you can preserve early, the better positioned your attorney will be later.
How Much Does a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers, including Moran Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis. That typically means:
- No upfront attorney’s fees
- The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of your recovery (settlement or verdict)
- If there’s no recovery, there’s usually no fee
Your fee agreement should spell out the percentage, how case expenses are handled, and what happens in different scenarios. A reputable firm will walk you through it and answer your questions before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Lawyers in Scranton
1. When should I call a car accident lawyer after a crash?
Sooner is usually better. You don’t have to wait until you’re drowning in bills or the insurance company denies your claim. Calling a car accident lawyer in Scranton soon after the crash lets your attorney preserve evidence, control communication with insurers, and guide you on medical documentation from the start. That doesn’t mean you’re “going to court tomorrow”; it just means you have help early, when it matters most.
2. What if the insurance company already gave me an offer?
You are not required to accept the first offer—ever. In many cases, early offers barely cover immediate bills and ignore future care, lost income, and pain and suffering. Once you sign a release, you usually can’t go back and ask for more, even if your condition gets worse. It’s a good idea to have a Scranton car accident lawyer review any offer before you sign anything, so you understand what you’re giving up.
3. How long will my car accident case take?
There’s no universal timeline. Factors include:
- How serious your injuries are and how long treatment takes
- How clear liability is
- Whether the insurance company negotiates fairly or fights every issue
- Whether a lawsuit and trial are needed
Some cases settle in several months once your medical situation stabilizes. Others take a year or more. A good lawyer will give you a realistic sense of the process and keep you updated instead of leaving you guessing.
4. What if I can’t work because of my car accident injuries?
If the crash keeps you from working or forces you to work fewer hours, your case can seek compensation for:
- Past lost wages
- Lost benefits (like overtime or bonuses)
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job or field
Your lawyer will gather documentation from your employer and, in serious cases, may involve vocational or economic experts to explain the long-term financial impact.
5. Can I handle my car accident claim on my own?
In very minor accidents with no injuries or only a short doctor visit, handling your own claim might be reasonable. But if you have ongoing pain, missed work, or any uncertainty about the future, it’s risky to go it alone. The insurance company has experience, systems, and lawyers on its side. A car accident lawyer in Scranton helps level the playing field, makes sure all of your damages are considered, and is prepared to go to court if the insurer won’t be fair.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash in or around Scranton and you’re not sure what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You can contact Moran Law Group for a free, confidential consultation about your rights, your options, and how we can help you move forward.
Additional Car Accident Resources
Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Scranton
Head-On Collision Claims in Pennsylvania
T-Bone and Intersection Accidents
Drunk Driving / DUI Accident Lawyer
Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Scranton
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Claims
You Were Overserved- Who’s at Fault?
Injured or Your Car Damaged Due to a Pothole? Here’s What You Need to Know
Distracted Driving Accidents: Your Legal Options if You’ve Been Injured