New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, which means that thousands of people throughout West Covina and the San Gabriel Valley are busy making their NYE plans.
While, like other holidays, NYE is a time for fun, friends, and celebration, it is also a time when more drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol take to the streets. Studies show that the most traveled holiday period of the year is Thanksgiving weekend, and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend.
What’s more, according to MADD,
In 2013, 9.9 million people (3.8% of the population) reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs. This was highest among 18-25 year olds, where 10.6% reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
When it comes to drunk driving, 
Every day in America, 29 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes.
These numbers are tragic and avoidable.
Pedestrians and NYE Crashes
It’s not just other drivers and passengers who are at an increased risk of being injured in an auto accident on New Year’s Eve. Indeed, pedestrian accidents tend to go up around this holiday. Thanks to Los Angeles’ temperate winter weather, many partygoers decide to skip their cars and walk to local restaurants, bars, and parties. While this may seem to be the safer option, and certainly it is from a drunk driving standpoint, it may not take into consideration drunk drivers who fail to see an individual or group of people crossing the street in a crosswalk. Or the drugged driver who takes to wide of a left turn and ends up on the sidewalk, hitting a group of innocent bystanders.
If you or a loved one are injured in a pedestrian accident in West Covina on NYE, know that the law and our experienced accident lawyers are on your side.
Financial Recovery and NYE Car Accidents
For those injured by a drunk or high driver, you may have the right to recover financial compensation for your injuries. You can learn more about your potential for monetary compensation after being injured in a drunk driving accident here. Types of expenses that are recoverable include:
- medical bills
- hospital visits
- ongoing physical therapy
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
This list is not exhaustive. To discuss your specific case and potential for financial recovery with a knowledgeable lawyer, contact the attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today for a free, no obligation consultation.