Impaired driver veered and struck vehicles near County Route 105 in Flanders
December 01, 2025 | Flanders, NY
A serious multi-vehicle accident occurred on November 29, 2025, along County Route 104, resulting in injuries to five individuals after authorities say a driver under the influence caused the incident.
Southampton Town Police Department reported the details of the evening crash.
Erik Yatvelasquez, 22, of Riverhead was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a multi-vehicle crash on County Route 104 in Flanders that injured five people.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 7:44 p.m., approximately half a mile south of County Route 105. Three vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction wreck, which authorities attribute to impaired driving.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Nov. 29, 2025, at 7:44 p.m.
- Location: County Route 104, Flanders, NY, south of County Route 105.
- Vehicles Involved: Three motor vehicles.
- Injuries: Five people hurt, and four transported by ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center, one airlifted via Suffolk County Police medevac to Stony Brook University Hospital.
- Response Agencies: Southampton Town Police Department Community Response Unit and New York State Police.
Investigators are still examining the scene and urge witnesses to come forward with any information by contacting the Southampton Town Police Department.
Who Was Arrested and Charged?
A 22-year-old resident of Riverhead, Erik A. Yatvelasquez, faces charges of driving while intoxicated following the crash. Police arrested him at the scene after determining impairment as a factor.
Why Do Impaired Driving Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of road incidents, often preventable through responsible choices. Factors like alcohol, drugs, or medications can severely affect judgment and reaction times, endangering all road users.
According to the National Safety Council, impaired drivers contribute to about 10% of fatal car crashes nationwide, making these incidents the second-leading cause of automobile deaths.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of Fatal Crashes Due to Impairment |
10% |
National Safety Council |
Ranking as Cause of Auto Fatalities |
Second Leading |
National Safety Council |
Annual Impaired Driving Fatalities (Estimate) |
Over 10,000 |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving impaired drivers, emphasizing accountability and support for those affected.
"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others," noted Candice bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "In cases such as this, families of victims may seek compensation via civil lawsuits against the at-fault party."
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, added:
"Victims in collisions like these can pursue personal injury claims to address medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain. Insurance firms often minimize these costs, but legal guidance ensures fair recovery."
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Impaired driving leads to severe criminal penalties when injuries occur.
- Civil claims help cover comprehensive recovery needs beyond medical bills.
- Early consultation with attorneys protects victims' rights against insurer tactics.
- Prevention through awareness reduces these tragic, avoidable events.
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).