Run Over by My Own Car: Can I File an Auto Accident Claim in New York?
If you somehow run yourself over with your own vehicle, you can still file a valid auto accident claim in New York. Discuss the details during a consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC.
Can I Sue?
While a lawsuit is still theoretically possible in this scenario, there are various things to keep in mind: First, you cannot sue yourself. If you are solely responsible for the accident, then a lawsuit is not possible. Secondly, it may not be a viable option to sue a member of your family who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
For example, your child may have disengaged the parking brake when you weren’t looking, making a lawsuit unlikely. On the other hand, it could theoretically make sense to sue your spouse if you have certain types of insurance coverage, and you may want to discuss this possibility in more detail with an auto accident lawyer.
You Can Still File a No-Fault Claim
Whatever happens, the no-fault system in New York should cover all of your necessary medical bills after the crash. Even if you mistakenly ran yourself over with your own vehicle, you can still file a claim under your PIP coverage.
That said, no-fault insurance has notable limitations. You will only receive compensation for a portion of your lost income, and you won’t receive any compensation whatsoever for disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, depression, and other “non-economic damages.” This is why it makes sense to at least consider the possibility of a lawsuit in this scenario.
One of the few ways to do this is by filing a product liability claim. If you can establish that the accident was caused entirely by some kind of design or manufacturing defect in your vehicle, you may be able to pursue higher levels of compensation.
You Are Not Alone
Although running yourself over can lead to all kinds of complex emotions, you should know that you are not alone. Many other people have had similar experiences, and these kinds of accidents are actually quite common.
On September 8th, 2026, ABC Eyewitness News reported that a woman in Huntington Station had suffered serious injuries after an accident involving her own vehicle. Local officials say that the woman was exiting her vehicle in her driveway when it unexpectedly started rolling backward. The vehicle seems to have run over the woman, and she was hospitalized by first responders.
Key Takeaways
- New York’s no-fault system allows you to file a claim regardless of who is to blame
- Even if you’re to blame for your own injuries, you can still file a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Coverage applies regardless of who was behind the wheel, but a direct lawsuit could be more challenging
Can an Auto Accident Attorney in Manhasset Help Me?
If you ran yourself over with your own vehicle, you may be unsure about your legal options. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. With help from an experienced lawyer, it may be easier to pursue compensation while fighting for your rights.
Injured by your own vehicle in a car accident in Long Island or elsewhere in New York? Contact our New York car accident lawyers at Cohan Law, PLLC at 212-601-2693 to discuss your legal options during a free consultation. In your free consultation we will (1) confirm PIP eligibility, (2) preserve the vehicle for defect inspection, and (3) evaluate whether a Voss-style products case is viable within the three-year SOL under CPLR § 214.
Source:
abc7.com/story/woman-struck-injured-own-car-huntington-station-long-island-police/19806087/