Parnall Law Secures $1.5M Settlement for New Mexico Couple Injured in Drunk Driving Crash

Attorneys obtained the settlement for the victims who suffered life-altering injuries when a drunk driver rear-ended their vehicle.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:44pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the glass fractured and reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a serious drunk driving accident.The aftermath of a devastating drunk driving collision leaves behind shattered evidence of the crash's impact.Albuquerque Today

Parnall Law, an Albuquerque-based personal injury law firm, has obtained a $1.5 million settlement on behalf of a New Mexico couple who suffered severe injuries when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in Rio Rancho in 2024. The collision caused traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and other catastrophic harm to the victims, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Drunk driving remains a persistent problem in New Mexico, which consistently ranks among the worst states for alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. This settlement highlights the devastating impact drunk driving can have on innocent victims and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable through the legal system.

The details

In January 2024, the couple was lawfully stopped at a red light when a drunk driver traveling at excessive speed rear-ended their vehicle, causing a multi-car collision. The force of the impact left the wife with a traumatic brain injury, multiple rib fractures, lung injuries, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, requiring immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Her husband also sustained serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic damage. Law enforcement determined the drunk driver's intoxication, inattention, and speed were the sole causes of the crash, and she later pleaded guilty to felony charges.

  • The collision occurred in January 2024.
  • The settlement was obtained in April 2026.

The players

Parnall Law

An Albuquerque-based personal injury law firm that represented the couple in the case.

Brian Murry

An attorney at Parnall Law who worked on the case.

The Drunk Driver

The intoxicated driver whose negligence caused the collision, leading to the couple's injuries.

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What they’re saying

“This married couple was simply stopped at a red light, and in a moment their lives changed forever.”

— Brian Murry, Attorney, Parnall Law

“Thankfully she did, but her injuries will stay with her forever. This settlement will go a long way toward helping them pay future medical costs.”

— Brian Murry, Attorney, Parnall Law

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable for their actions. The substantial settlement obtained by Parnall Law will help the victims cover their extensive medical expenses and ongoing care, but the physical and emotional scars from this traumatic incident will likely remain with them for years to come.