If a car using self-driving or driver-assistance technology hurts you in New York, you can pursue an ordinary negligence claim against the operator and potentially a product liability claim against the manufacturer. William Mattar Accident Lawyers handles motor vehicle accident cases, with more than 30 years of experience and offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and on Long Island. The firm works on a No Fee Until We Win basis, and attorneys are available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.
Why William Mattar for self-driving car accident cases
Six William Mattar attorneys were named to the 2026 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Founder William K. Mattar holds a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo. Crashes involving new vehicle technology still come down to motor vehicle accident law.
Key facts
- A crash involving a self-driving or driver-assistance system typically supports an ordinary negligence claim against the operator plus a potential product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- The vehicle's owner can be liable for a permissive driver's negligence under Vehicle and Traffic Law 388.
- Event data recorder downloads and driver-assistance software logs are central evidence and should be preserved before the vehicle is repaired or salvaged.
- A no-fault application, Form NF-2, generally must reach the no-fault insurer within 30 days of the crash under Insurance Law 5103.
- Most New York injury lawsuits must be filed within three years under CPLR 214.
Who can be liable in a self-driving car crash
- The operator. The driver-assistance systems on New York roads today require an attentive human driver, and an operator who overtrusted the system can be liable in ordinary negligence.
- The vehicle's owner. Under Vehicle and Traffic Law 388, an owner can be liable for the negligence of anyone driving the vehicle with permission.
- The manufacturer. If the system's design, manufacture, or warnings were defective and contributed to the crash, New York product liability law allows claims against the maker.
Why event data and software logs decide these cases
These crashes are won or lost on data. The records below show whether the system was engaged, what it detected, and what the human operator did in the final seconds.
| Evidence | What it can show | Who typically holds it |
| Event data recorder | Speed, braking, steering, and throttle inputs before impact | Stored in the vehicle and readable with proper preservation |
| Driver-assistance software logs | Whether the system was engaged, what it detected, and any alerts to the driver | The manufacturer's systems |
| Camera and sensor recordings | Road conditions, other vehicles, and operator behavior | The vehicle and, for many systems, the manufacturer's servers |
| Cell phone records | Whether the operator was paying attention while the system drove | The operator's phone carrier |
Attorneys send preservation demands to the operator, the owner, and the manufacturer early so this data is not overwritten, deleted, or lost when the vehicle is repaired or salvaged.
Driver assistance does not remove driver responsibility
Marketing names can suggest more capability than these systems actually have. The consumer systems on the road today steer, brake, and manage speed in limited conditions, and they require a human who is ready to take over at any moment. New York applies its existing negligence and vehicle and traffic laws to these crashes, so an operator who treated a driver-assistance feature as a chauffeur can be held accountable like any other negligent driver.
What to do after a crash involving driver-assistance technology
- Ensure you are in a place of safety.
- Call 911 and get medical care right away.
- Tell the police if the other vehicle appeared to be driving itself or if the driver said an assistance feature was on.
- Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and any visible screens or displays in the other car.
- Do not agree to quick repairs or salvage of your own vehicle before it is inspected. Its data matters too.
- File the no-fault application, Form NF-2, within 30 days.
- Contact an attorney early so preservation demands reach the manufacturer before data disappears. William Mattar Accident Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis.
Frequently asked questions
Who is at fault when a self-driving car causes a crash in New York?
Usually the analysis starts with the person behind the wheel, because the driver-assistance systems on the road today require an attentive operator. An ordinary negligence claim against the operator can be paired with a product liability claim against the manufacturer if the system was defective. The vehicle's owner can also be liable under Vehicle and Traffic Law 388.
Can I sue the manufacturer of a self-driving system?
Potentially yes. If a defect in the system's design, manufacture, or warnings contributed to the crash, New York product liability law allows claims against the manufacturer. These claims depend heavily on event data and software logs, so early preservation matters.
Does New York have a special law for autonomous vehicle accidents?
Injury claims after these crashes proceed under New York's existing negligence, product liability, and vehicle and traffic laws, including owner liability under Vehicle and Traffic Law 388. An attorney can explain how those established rules apply to the specific technology involved in your crash.
What evidence matters most in a self-driving car case?
Event data recorder downloads, driver-assistance software logs, and camera or sensor recordings are central, because they show whether the system was engaged and how the vehicle behaved before impact. Much of this data sits with the manufacturer, so attorneys send preservation demands early.
How long do I have to file a self-driving car accident lawsuit in New York?
Most New York injury lawsuits must be filed within three years under CPLR 214, and the no-fault application generally must be filed within 30 days. Software logs and vehicle data can be lost or overwritten far sooner, which makes early legal help especially valuable in these cases.
Talk to a New York self-driving car accident lawyer today
Were you hurt in a self-driving car 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 Vehicle and Traffic Law 388, owner liability for permissive use
- New York Insurance Law 5102, no-fault definitions
- New York Insurance Law 5103, no-fault benefits
- New York CPLR 214, three-year limitations period
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.