Wilkes-Barre, PA – Pedestrian Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Injuries in Boulevard Crash

Wilkes-Barre, PA (Sept 16, 2026) – A pedestrian was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Wilkes-Barre early Wednesday, according to city police. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was hit around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Wilkes-Barre Boulevard and Butler Street.

Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Michael Boyle said officers rushed the woman to an area hospital following the collision. Because of the severity of her injuries, investigators used a “total station” device to survey the scene, Boyle said, and police are treating the location as a crime scene.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and has been identified by police, Boyle said. On the morning of September 16, investigators closed Wilkes-Barre Boulevard between Conyngham Avenue and Butler Street to work the crash, causing delays during the morning commute.

Police said it was not immediately known whether charges would be filed.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

Pedestrian Accidents in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

A driver striking a pedestrian in a city crosswalk or intersection carries a duty to see what is there to be seen. Investigators in a case like this look at vehicle speed, sight lines, whether the driver had the right of way, and whether the pedestrian’s own position in the roadway played a role.

More than one party can end up responsible:

• The driver, if speed, distraction, or a failure to yield contributed to the crash
• The vehicle’s owner, when someone other than the driver was behind the wheel
• The City of Wilkes-Barre or a contractor, if a broken signal, faded crosswalk marking, or poor lighting at the intersection contributed

Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence standard (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102). A pedestrian who was partly in the wrong place, or crossing outside a marked crosswalk, is not automatically barred from recovering. She loses that right only if she is found more than 50 percent at fault, so an open police investigation does not close off a claim.

Under Pennsylvania law, an injury claim generally must be filed within two years of the crash, by September 16, 2028 (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524). That clock is already running, even while police finish their work at the scene.

Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Accident Attorneys

Being injured because of someone else’s negligence is overwhelming, and knowing where to turn next shouldn’t add to that stress.

Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer team has spent decades representing injured people and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania, recovering meaningful compensation case after case.

Evidence, witness accounts, and insurance company tactics can all work against you the longer you wait, so acting early matters.

We work on contingency. There is nothing to pay upfront, and nothing owed at all unless we recover for you. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (570) 346-2600. We’re here to answer your questions and help you understand your options.