Introduction

Self-driving cars used to be something out of a sci-fi movie. Now, they’re on the streets of New York City — from Teslas with autopilot features to experimental autonomous delivery vans. But as this new technology becomes part of our everyday lives, one big question keeps coming up: What happens if a self-driving car causes an accident?

At Lockamy & Associates, we’re already helping clients navigate the legal gray areas of autonomous vehicle crashes. Here's what you need to understand if you're hurt by a vehicle that was operating on autopilot — whether you were walking, biking, or driving.

🚗 If No One’s Behind the Wheel — Who’s Responsible?

That’s the big legal challenge. When a person is driving and they run a red light, the law is clear: that driver is responsible. But with self-driving cars, the answer isn’t so simple.

Depending on how the crash happened, fault could lie with the vehicle’s owner, the software developer, the manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance company. In some situations, there may still be a human in the driver’s seat who failed to take control when they should have.

When you’re injured, you don’t need to figure that out alone. Our firm investigates these cases closely, working with accident reconstruction experts and tech specialists to determine exactly what went wrong — and who’s liable.

📉 Proving Negligence in a High-Tech Crash

Even though self-driving cars rely on advanced technology, the legal concept of negligence still applies. If the software malfunctions, if the sensors fail to detect a pedestrian, or if the owner misuses the system — that’s negligence.

For example, if a Tesla on autopilot drifts out of its lane and hits a cyclist, and the driver wasn’t paying attention or was misusing the system, both the driver and Tesla may share some responsibility. These cases are complex, and they require a legal team that understands both the technology and New York’s liability laws.

🚶 Pedestrians and Cyclists Still Have Rights

Just because technology is new doesn’t mean your rights go away. If you’re hit by a self-driving vehicle while walking or riding your bike, you may still be entitled to full compensation — just as you would be if hit by a traditional car.

That can include coverage for:

• Medical bills and hospital visits

• Physical therapy or long-term treatment

• Lost income if you can’t return to work

• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma

We’ve represented countless New Yorkers who were injured by vehicles, and we know how to build strong claims even when the responsible party isn’t obvious.

🛠️ Insurance Companies Will Push Back — So Don’t Go It Alone

One of the biggest hurdles in these cases is dealing with the insurance companies. When there’s a big corporation or tech company behind the wheel (or lack thereof), they often push back harder. They may claim the crash wasn’t avoidable, deny fault, or offer a settlement far below what you deserve.

That’s where we come in. At Lockamy & Associates, we handle all communication with the insurance companies, preserve critical evidence (like onboard data and video footage), and make sure your case is taken seriously from day one.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Self-Driving Car Crash

If you’re involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle in New York, don’t wait to take action. Here's what we recommend:

• Get medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine

• File a police report and document what you can

• Take photos of the scene, if you’re able

• Don’t speak to the vehicle owner’s insurance company before getting legal advice

Then, contact our office for a free consultation. These cases are new, evolving, and complex — but we’re here to make sure you’re protected.

Call us today at (212) 931-6363 for a FREE consultation.