If you live in Scranton, you already know Wyoming Avenue isn’t some quiet side street. It’s one of those roads you’re on constantly; going to work, heading to the doctor, grabbing takeout, running to the store. It connects everything.
And because everyone uses it, it’s also one of the most common places we see serious car accidents.
At Pisanchyn Law Firm, we’ve talked to too many people who started their day like any other; coffee in the cupholder, radio on; and ended it in an ambulance. Wyoming Avenue has a way of turning routine drives into crash scenes in a split second.
Let’s talk about why.
Why Are There So Many Accidents on Wyoming Avenue?
It’s not random. There are real, predictable reasons crashes happen here over and over again.
Heavy Traffic, All the Time
Rush hour on Wyoming Avenue isn’t fun. It’s constant stop-and-go. One driver looks down at a phone for two seconds, and suddenly it’s a chain reaction of brake lights and bent bumpers.
Rear-end crashes are incredibly common here, especially in the late afternoon.
Intersection After Intersection
From South Washington Avenue all the way toward Keyser Avenue and beyond, there are lights, crosswalks, turn lanes, and merge points everywhere. Every intersection is another opportunity for someone to make a mistake.
Left Turns That Go Wrong
Unprotected left turns are a big problem. Drivers try to “beat” oncoming traffic or misjudge speed, and the next thing you know, someone’s car is crushed on the driver’s side.
T-bone crashes are some of the most violent accidents we see — and they happen often on this stretch.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Wyoming Avenue isn’t just cars. People are walking to businesses, crossing near apartment complexes, heading to bus stops. Add distracted driving into that mix and it becomes dangerous fast.
Parking Lot Chaos
Cars pulling in and out of shopping centers, gas stations, and restaurants interrupt traffic flow constantly. One sudden stop leads to another and that’s when collisions happen.
The Types of Crashes We See Most Often
Here’s what it actually looks like in real life.
Rear-End Collisions
It’s 5:15 p.m. Traffic is backed up near Viewmont. You’re stopped at a light. The driver behind you is texting and never sees traffic slow down. You get hit at full speed.
Even if the damage doesn’t look catastrophic, neck and back injuries can linger for months, sometimes years.
Left-Turn T-Bone Accidents
A driver tries to turn left onto Wyoming Avenue from a side street and miscalculates. Another vehicle slams into the driver’s side door.
These crashes often cause serious injuries, broken ribs, leg fractures, head trauma, because there’s less protection on the side of a vehicle.
Pedestrian Accidents
A person starts crossing near Wyoming & Roosevelt. A distracted driver doesn’t notice until it’s too late.
Pedestrian crashes are rarely minor. The human body doesn’t stand a chance against a moving vehicle.
Lane Change and Merge Accidents
Wyoming Avenue narrows and widens in different sections. Drivers merge aggressively or fail to check blind spots, leading to sideswipes and multi-car incidents.
Parking Lot Entry Collisions
A car suddenly pulls out from a grocery store lot. The driver behind you slams on the brakes. Someone else doesn’t.
That’s how three-car accidents start.
Injuries We Commonly See
Even accidents that seem “not that bad” can lead to serious problems:
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
Herniated discs
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Long-term back pain
In severe cases, permanent disability or death
And here’s the thing adrenaline hides injuries. You might feel “okay” at the scene and wake up two days later barely able to move.
What To Do If You’re in a Crash on Wyoming Avenue
If it happens to you, here’s what matters:
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Make sure a police report is filed.
Take photos vehicles, road conditions, traffic lights, everything.
Get names and numbers from witnesses.
Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor.
Do not give a recorded statement to insurance before speaking with a lawyer.
Insurance companies move fast and not in your favor.
How Fault Works in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows something called comparative negligence.
That means if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you were found 20% at fault, you could still recover $80,000.
But make no mistake insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you whenever possible.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters
After a crash, you’re dealing with:
Medical bills
Missed work
Car repairs
Pain that doesn’t go away
Insurance adjusters calling constantly
Their goal is to minimize payout. Ours is to protect you.
At Pisanchyn Law Firm, we investigate thoroughly, gather the evidence that matters, work with experts when necessary, and fight for full compensation not quick, lowball settlements.
Because a crash on Wyoming Avenue shouldn’t derail your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes most crashes on Wyoming Avenue?
Heavy traffic, frequent intersections, and dangerous left turns are the biggest contributors.
2. Can I recover money if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible.
3. What damages can I recover after a car accident?
Medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and property damage are commonly recoverable.
4. Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes. Some injuries, especially soft tissue injuries and concussions; don’t show symptoms right away.
5. Should I talk to the insurance company first?
No. Speak with a lawyer before giving any recorded statements.
