New York Teenager Dies In Tragic Drunk Driving Crash

teen drinking a beer while driving
A Clarkstown teen is facing homicide and driving while intoxicated charges after allegedly causing a fatal multi-vehicle crash in May 2021. According to CBS New York, Alan Mendoza, an 18-year-old Clarkstown North High School student, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and vehicular homicide.

The charges stem from a spring crash on Congers Road in New City, where Mendoza was driving a sedan with two passengers when he lost control. A 17-year-old girl in the car was severely hurt. The other passenger, Vlad Mosyuk, 16, succumbed to serious injuries and died in a local hospital the next day.

Vlad's high school friend, Olivia Cunningham, started a GoFundMe campaign for the family. The money will help the Mosyuks pay for his funeral, hospital stay, and surgery that ultimately could not save Vlad's life. Cunningham was hoping to raise $50,000. As of late June, more than 950 people had donated over $63,300 to the family.

Vlad's tragic death is the second fatal accident involving an area teen in recent memory. Less than two weeks before Vlad died, Suffern High School student Jacqueline Zangrill died in a rollover accident in Montebello. The allegedly at-fault driver faces DWI and manslaughter charges in connection with the fatal crash.

Teenage drinking & driving is still a big problem

In response to the drunk driving crashes, and other similar accidents, local leaders in the police, fire, ambulance, funeral home, town justice, and medical evacuation have held events featuring a mock DWI accident. The setups are deliberately jarring — just like real accidents — with heavily damaged vehicles, gurneys, a swarm of emergency responders, and body bags.

One of the mock crashes was filmed for a documentary aimed at increasing awareness of DWI risks and alternatives to drunk driving.

Statewide, New York entered into an agreement with Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) in 2020 to start SADD high school clubs and provide driver safety programs. In its first year, 136 safety programs were conducted and 71 SADD clubs were registered.

Certain factors contribute to fatal teen crashes

Fatal car accidents involving young drivers (ages 16-20) account for about 10% of all deadly crashes in New York state. Since 2015, about 80 to 100 deadly crashes involving young drivers happen annually.

The most frequent contributing factors in fatal crashes involving young drivers, from most to least common, are:

Distracted driving (e.g., texting, using a cellphone, eating, drinking, self-grooming, etc.)
Tailgating or following too closely
Failure to yield or observe the right of way
Speeding
Disregard for roadway signage, signals, lights, or other traffic devices
Driver inexperience
Driving under the influence of alcohol

A car accident lawyer can protect your rights

When people drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the roadway. If you were injured or a loved one died in an accident with a suspected drunk driver in the Bronx or anywhere in New York City, we can help you hold them financially accountable for your losses. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other compensable damages you suffered as a result of your crash.

At Giampa Law, we know how to build a compelling case and fight for maximum compensation. We use evidence such as the official police accident report, test results that show the at-fault driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and eyewitness testimony. We have relationships with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists. And we know how to counter the tricks insurance companies use to downplay the severity of your claim.

Find out how our law firm can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.