Auto Accident Injury in Scranton, PA

Scranton drivers face real risks on the road. In recent years, crashes in Lackawanna County have continued to result in serious injuries and fatalities. With winter weather, steep hills, and high-speed traffic corridors, accidents in and around Scranton are not uncommon—and when they happen, the consequences can be severe.

The good news is that you don’t have to face this situation alone. A local auto accident attorney can help you understand your rights under Pennsylvania law and take action to protect your financial future.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Scranton, Pennsylvania

In 2023, Scranton reported over 800 traffic accidents, with approximately 20% of these incidents involving personal injuries . This underscores the importance of road safety measures and awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike.

Statewide, Pennsylvania experienced 110,382 reportable traffic crashes in 2023, resulting in 1,209 fatalities and 66,563 injuries . Notably, pedestrian safety remains a concern, with 186 pedestrian fatalities and 3,145 injuries reported across the state.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

In 2023, Pennsylvania reported 110,382 traffic crashes, resulting in 1,209 fatalities and 66,563 injuries.  This marked a 2.5% increase in fatalities compared to 2022, highlighting the persistent challenges in road safety across the state. 

In Lackawanna County, where Scranton is located, 220 individuals lost their lives in 207 crashes over a decade, emphasizing the ongoing risks on local roads.  Notably, nearly half of these fatal incidents involved aggressive driving, and drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in almost half of the cases.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

After a car accident in Scranton, your first priority should be your health. Even if you feel fine in the moments following the crash, many serious injuries—such as concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away. Getting evaluated by a medical professional can help detect these injuries early and prevent complications down the line.

In Pennsylvania, medical documentation is not just essential for your recovery—it’s also critical to any insurance claim or legal case. Without a timely medical record, insurers may question the severity or cause of your injuries.

File a Police Report

After ensuring everyone’s safety and seeking medical attention, it’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement. In Pennsylvania, any crash involving injury, death, or property damage estimated at $1,000 or more must be reported to the police.

If the accident occurs within Scranton city limits, you can file a report with the Scranton Police Department. For non-emergency incidents, their online reporting system allows you to submit a report immediately, provided there are no known suspects and no firearms were involved. Upon submission, you’ll receive a tracking number and can print an unofficial copy for your records.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

Once you’ve contacted police and ensured medical care is underway, it’s time to start collecting the details that will support your case. Documentation gathered at the scene of a car accident in Scranton can be the foundation for both insurance claims and potential legal action. Even small pieces of evidence—photos, names, or street signs—can make a big difference later on.

Begin by exchanging contact and insurance information with all involved drivers. You should collect:

• Full names, phone numbers, and home addresses
• Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
• Vehicle makes, models, colors, and license plate numbers
• Insurance company names, policy numbers, and contact information

Next, use your smartphone to take photos of everything related to the crash. This includes visible vehicle damage, license plates, traffic lights or signs, road hazards, skid marks, weather conditions, and injuries (if safe to do so). Try to capture wide shots of the overall scene in addition to close-up images.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

Under Pennsylvania’s fault-based system, the driver who caused the crash is generally responsible for compensating the injured party. If you’ve been hurt, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future rehabilitation costs. Even if you have limited tort insurance, you may still have legal options for compensation if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold under state law.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the average cost of a traffic crash involving an injury can exceed $25,000 when you factor in emergency services, hospitalization, and time off work (PennDOT 2023). In a city like Scranton, where access to trauma care may involve transport to nearby hospitals, those costs can climb even higher.

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Auto Accident Laws in Pennsylvania

Liability Laws for Scranton

Pennsylvania operates under a modified comparative negligence system, often referred to as the “51% rule.” This means that if you’re involved in an accident, you can recover damages only if you’re less than 51% at fault for the incident. If you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you’re barred from receiving any compensation. Furthermore, any compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re deemed 30% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000. 

Statute of Limitations in Scranton

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident is two yearsfrom the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe typically results in the loss of your right to pursue compensation through the courts. 

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured party is a minor at the time of the accident, the two-year period begins when they turn 18. Additionally, if the accident involves the government, you may be required to provide notice of your claim within six months.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Scranton, PA

Auto accident lawyers do more than file paperwork—they investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take your case to court. They understand the legal deadlines, the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts, and the best strategies for maximizing your claim. Their experience is especially valuable when liability is contested or when you’ve suffered serious, long-term injuries.

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Pennsylvania state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.