Alcohol, New Year’s Eve & New York Crashes: Protect Your Rights After a DUI Collision
New Year’s Eve is meant to be a time of celebration — ringing in a new year with friends, family, and festivities. Celebrating fresh starts. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous nights of the year to be on the road, especially here in cities like New York.
Each year, alcohol-related car crashes spike dramatically on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Nationally, approximately 30% to 34% of traffic fatalities during this time of the year involve alcohol-impaired drivers with blood-alcohol concentrations of (0.08) g/dL or higher. This makes the New Year holiday recognized as one of the most dangerous times for impaired driving (from Christmas to New Years).
Alcohol impairment continues to play a role in roughly 30% of fatal crashes in NYC and more than 30% statewide. With increased holiday travel, late-night celebrations, and winter road conditions, New Year’s Eve remains a particularly high-risk time for serious motor vehicle accidents.
At the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr., we regularly represent injury victims whose lives were changed in an instant by a drunk or reckless driver. Understanding your rights after a New Year’s crash is critical — especially when alcohol is involved.
Why New Year’s Eve Is One of the Deadliest Nights on the Road
Several factors combine to make New Year’s Eve especially dangerous:
Increased alcohol consumption at parties, bars, and celebrations.
Late-night driving, when fatigue and impaired visibility are common.
Higher traffic volume, including rideshare vehicles and pedestrians.
Winter road conditions, such as snow, ice, or rain.
In New York, law enforcement agencies also increase DWI/DUI patrols, saturation patrols, and sobriety checkpoints during the holiday season — a clear indication of how serious the risk is. Even responsible drivers can become victims when others make reckless decisions behind the wheel.
Real-World Scenarios We See After New Year’s Crashes
Alcohol-related accidents take many forms. Some of the most common scenarios include:
A drunk driver running a red light and striking another vehicle.
A head-on collision caused by a driver crossing the center line.
Pedestrians hit near bars, restaurants, or party venues.
Multi-vehicle crashes caused by speeding or delayed reaction times.
Hit-and-run accidents involving intoxicated drivers attempting to flee.
These crashes often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and long-term physical or emotional harm that can require extensive medical care.
What to Do Immediately After a New Year’s Eve Car Accident
If you are injured in a crash involving alcohol, the steps you take early can protect both your health and your legal rights:
Call 911 immediately. A police report is essential, especially if impairment is suspected.
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the scene, including photos of vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather witness information, such as names and contact details.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies or accepting a settlement before consulting an attorney.
Can You Recover Compensation If the Other Driver Was Drunk?
Yes — and in many cases, alcohol involvement strengthens a personal injury claim.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Long-term rehabilitation or disability
In certain cases, additional legal consequences for the impaired driver may also affect liability and available insurance coverage.
Why Having an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Matters
Drunk driving cases are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame — even when alcohol impairment is clear. At the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr., we know how to obtain and analyze police and toxicology reports, work with accident reconstruction and medical experts, identify all liable parties and insurance coverage, and pursue full and fair compensation — not quick, inadequate settlements
Our role is to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Start the New Year by Protecting Your Rights
If your New Year’s celebration was cut short by a serious car accident — or if a loved one was injured by a drunk driver — you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
📞 Call the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr. today at (516) 505-7001
💻 Or contact us online to schedule a free consultation
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.
A new year should bring new beginnings — not unanswered questions. Let us help!