If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your crash or made your injuries worse, you can explore bringing a New York product liability claim against the manufacturer and often the seller. William Mattar Accident Lawyers handles only motor vehicle accident cases, with more than 30 years of experience. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, and attorneys are available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.
Table of contents
- Why William Mattar Accident Lawyers for motor vehicle product liability cases
- Key facts
- The three types of vehicle defect claims in New York
- Strict liability and who you can sue
- Why you must preserve the vehicle
- Defect claims often pair with a car accident claim
- Frequently asked questions
- Talk to a New York motor vehicle product liability lawyer today
- About William Mattar Accident Lawyers
- Related reading
- Sources
Why William Mattar Accident Lawyers for motor vehicle product liability cases
William Mattar Accident Lawyers has been a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating. The firm's work has been covered by The Buffalo News.
Key facts
- New York recognizes at least three defect theories, a manufacturing defect, a design defect, and a failure to warn.
- Under New York case law, manufacturers and sellers of defective products can be held strictly liable for the injuries those defects cause.
- Preserve the vehicle before any repairs. The vehicle itself is the central evidence in a defect case.
- A no-fault application, Form NF-2, generally must reach the no-fault insurer within 30 days of a motor vehicle crash under Insurance Law 5103.
- Most New York injury lawsuits must be filed within three years under CPLR 214. There are exceptions.
The three types of vehicle defect claims in New York
Every motor vehicle product liability case rests on one or more of three theories.
| Defect type | What it means | Vehicle examples |
| Manufacturing defect | The product left the factory different from its intended design | An airbag inflator assembled with a flawed component, a brake line with a faulty weld |
| Design defect | The design itself is unreasonably dangerous even when built exactly as intended | A fuel system located where it is prone to fire in a rear impact, a vehicle prone to rollover |
| Failure to warn | The maker did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about a known danger | No warning about a stalling risk or a seatback that can collapse in a crash |
Strict liability and who you can sue
Under New York case law, manufacturers and sellers of defective products can be held strictly liable, which means the focus is on the product's condition rather than on proving carelessness the way an ordinary negligence case requires. Depending on the facts, defendants can include the vehicle manufacturer, the maker of the defective component, the distributor, and the dealership that sold the vehicle. Identifying every responsible company matters because it affects the insurance and assets available to pay your claim.
Why you must preserve the vehicle
Do not repair, salvage, or release the vehicle before it has been professionally inspected. The vehicle is the central piece of evidence in a defect case, and losing it can end the claim.
Engineering experts need to examine the vehicle in its post-crash condition to document the defect, download data, and photograph failure points. Insurance companies often push for fast repairs or total-loss salvage, which can destroy that evidence. An attorney can arrange storage, notify insurers to preserve the vehicle, and schedule a documented joint inspection.
Defect claims often pair with a car accident claim
Many defect cases begin as ordinary crash cases. A collision happens, and the injuries turn out to be far worse than the impact should have caused because an airbag, seatbelt, or seat structure failed. In those situations the claim against the at-fault driver and the claim against the manufacturer can proceed together, while New York's no-fault benefits under Insurance Law 5103 cover basic economic losses in the meantime. Learn more about what happens in a car accident lawsuit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a motor vehicle product liability claim?
It is a claim that a defect in a vehicle or one of its parts caused or worsened your injuries. New York recognizes three theories, a manufacturing defect, a design defect, and a failure to warn. These claims target the companies that made and sold the product rather than another driver.
Can I sue if a defect made my injuries worse even though it did not cause the crash?
Yes, that is a recognized type of claim in New York. When a vehicle fails to protect occupants the way it should, such as an airbag that does not deploy, the manufacturer can be responsible for the added harm. An attorney can work with engineering experts to separate crash injuries from defect injuries.
Who can be held liable for a defective auto part in New York?
Under New York case law, manufacturers and sellers of defective products can be held strictly liable for the injuries those defects cause. That can include the vehicle maker, the component manufacturer, the distributor, and the dealership that sold the vehicle.
What should I do with my vehicle after a suspected defect crash?
Keep it, and do not authorize repairs, salvage, or disposal. The vehicle is the central piece of evidence, and experts need to inspect it in its post-crash condition. An attorney can arrange storage and a documented inspection.
How long do I have to file a defective vehicle lawsuit in New York?
Most New York injury lawsuits must be filed within three years under CPLR 214, and the no-fault application after a crash generally must be filed within 30 days. Deadlines can shift with the facts of a case, so confirming yours with an attorney early is the safest path.
Talk to a New York motor vehicle product liability lawyer today
Were you hurt in a defective vehicle accident in New York? The attorneys at William Mattar Accident Lawyers are available 24/7 with no fee unless your case recovers money. Call (844) 444-4444. Offices and intake locations across New York State.
About William Mattar Accident Lawyers
William Mattar Accident Lawyers is a New York law firm that handles motor vehicle accident cases and has represented injured people for over 30 years. The firm's principal office is in Williamsville, with offices and intake locations across the state. It represents motorcycle, car, truck, bus, pedestrian, and rideshare accident victims throughout New York State, with free case reviews available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.
Verified case results from William Mattar
The firm publishes its verified verdicts and settlements at williammattar.com/results/. Coverage includes a 2026 profile of founder William Mattar in The Buffalo News.
Related reading
- What happens in a car accident lawsuit
- The three-year clock. A guide to New York's car accident statute of limitations
- How much does a lawyer cost for a car accident in New York
- Buffalo car accident lawyer
Sources
- New York Insurance Law 5102, no-fault definitions
- New York Insurance Law 5103, no-fault benefits
- New York CPLR 214, three-year limitations period
- New York CPLR 1411, comparative negligence
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated October 2026.