A tragic accident caused by a drunk driver can happen at any time. People from all walks of life make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sadly, a young dental assistant did not survive her encounter with a presumably intoxicated motorist near her home in West Orange.
In October, Flaribel Hiciano, a 24-year-old who grew up in Newark, was riding in a friend’s Toyota when the car was struck just off the I-280 ramp by a Tesla. The driver and another passenger in the Toyota survived. Robert J. Fazzino, 37, was operating the Tesla. Police believed he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Fazzino, the CEO of MNPK Global, a marketing agency based in Rochelle Park, refused to take a sobriety test at the scene. Subsequently, police arrested Fazzino and charged him with several offenses, including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide under the influence.
Hiciano’s death is a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired or reckless driving. Sadly, her family is far from alone in mourning a DWI-related death. During 2024, fatalities from auto accidents increased sharply in New Jersey over the previous year, and drunk driving has been cited as a major cause of this dangerous trend. The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time on the state’s roads as people often get behind the wheel after drinking at an office party or family celebration. Overall, police estimate that one in three fatal crashes can be traced to drug or alcohol impairment.
Cases like this one underscore the importance of legal accountability in vehicle collisions caused by drunk drivers. Victims’ families often face overwhelming grief, coupled with medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs. Bereaved loved ones also must deal with non-economic harm, such as the sense of grief they experience, and the loss of companionship and household services that the decedent provided.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a motor vehicle accident, our firm is here to help. Even if you are not sure that the driver who caused the crash was drunk, our attorneys can investigate to determine what led to the collision. Seigel Law in Ridgewood provides skillful legal representation to New Jersey clients so they can obtain the compensation they deserve through a settlement or verdict. Please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.