Drunk Driving Accidents
Fighting for Victims of Impaired Driving
When someone chooses to drive under the influence, the consequences can be catastrophic - and deeply personal. At GPJ Legal, we represent individuals and families throughout New Mexico who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk or drug-impaired driver.
We bring over 35 years of civil trial experience to every case we handle, and we’re known for taking on difficult, high-stakes matters with clarity, strategy, and compassion. If you’ve been hurt by someone else's reckless decision, we’ll help you pursue accountability - and the compensation you need to move forward.
Understanding Drunk Driving Injury Claims
Impaired driving crashes are not just accidents - they are preventable tragedies. Under New Mexico law, victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. In some cases, additional parties - such as bars or establishments that overserved a visibly intoxicated person - may also be held liable.
We handle cases involving:
Alcohol-related crashes
Drug-impaired driving (prescription or illegal substances)
Repeat offenders or drivers with prior DUI convictions
Dram shop liability (bars, restaurants, or hosts)
Hit-and-run drunk drivers
Wrongful death caused by intoxicated drivers
We investigate thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, and work with toxicology and crash experts to prove fault and damages.
Common Injuries in DUI-Related Crashes
Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds or reckless driving, which can result in severe or fatal injuries. We represent clients suffering from:
Brain injuries and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal trauma
Broken bones and orthopedic damage
Severe burns or scarring
Emotional trauma
Fatal injuries and wrongful death
We fight to ensure your medical needs, long-term care, and emotional losses are fully accounted for.
What Compensation Can Cover
If you've been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to:
Medical bills and future care costs
Lost wages or earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
We tailor our approach to your goals and fight for a resolution that reflects the full impact of your losses.
Why Choose GPJ Legal for your car accident cases
✔ We’re Trial-Ready from Day One
Drunk driving cases often involve strong emotions and complex liability. We’re prepared to litigate when necessary and negotiate from a position of strength.
✔ Experience on Both Sides of the Courtroom
We’ve represented both injury victims and insurers. That perspective allows us to anticipate defense strategies - and build better cases.
✔ Trusted Advocates. Proven Results.
Our firm has built its reputation on integrity, professionalism, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right for our clients.
What should I do if I’m in a car accident with a drunk or intoxicated driver?
Any person who is injured by the wrongful conduct of a drunk driver, or the survivors of someone who was killed by a drunk driver can bring a lawsuit against the defendant driver and any other person or entity who was responsible for the accident.
Who can sue in a drunk driving case?
Any person who is injured by the wrongful conduct of a drunk driver, or the survivors of someone who was killed by a drunk driver can bring a lawsuit against the defendant driver and any other person or entity who was responsible for the accident.
Do criminal actions against a drunk driver have to be completed before civil actions against the driver can be filed?
No. Those injured by a drunk driver can file a civil suit before the criminal actions against the drunk driver are concluded. The preservation of evidence can be a critical part of any drunk driving collision. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is three years and the criminal action may not be completed by the time the statute of limitations expires. It is best not to wait.
I was hit by a car that was driven by a drunk driver who was going home after a night out. What can I do, in addition to suing the drunk driver?
Not only are you entitled to recover damages against the at-fault drunk driver, you may be able to collect from your own uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage for damages you suffered from the drunk driver. Often, the drunk driver may be uninsured or under insured, meaning the driver’s policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages. In some instances, the drunk driver’s insurance excludes punitive damages. In other words, if the drunk driver does not have automobile liability insurance, or enough automobile liability insurance, your uninsured or underinsured coverage from your own policy may provide you some relief.
New Mexico also allows you to recover damages from the owner of a licensed liquor establishment where the drunk driver was served the liquor. When intoxicated people are served by a licensed establishment and then later while driving the establishment may also be held liable.
What if the person who injured me was found to be a drunk driver, but I feel like I also was probably at fault. Can I bring a lawsuit?
Yes. New Mexico is a pure comparative fault state. This means that you can sue any responsible party even if you are partially at fault in the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your own negligence.
Will expert testimony be necessary for me to establish that the other driver was under the influence?
Sometimes. If necessary, we utilize toxicologists to establish the level of alcohol and/or drugs in a person’s body at the time of a collision. Other experts may be necessary to establish the relationship between the blood alcohol or drug level and the drunk driver’s impairment.
What damages can I recover in a wrongful death or serious drunk driving accident case stemming from the negligence of a defendant who was driving under the influence?
The injured person is entitled to recover damages for past and future medical treatment, past and future wage loss, and damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement and loss of household services amongst others. Further, the plaintiff may be able to recover punitive damages. If the injured person dies, his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for the economic losses that result from the injured person’s death, the loss of the value of that individual’s life, as well as monetary damages that stem from the loss of society, care, and comfort of the decedent.
How long do I have to bring my case against a drunk driver?
New Mexico’s statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is three years from the date of the collision. However, special conditions may apply.
Do I need an attorney to pursue my case against a drunk driver?
Yes. You will need an attorney to help you establish the degree of impairment of the defendant. Further, an attorney will assist you in establishing the damages you are entitled to collect. This can help you achieve a larger settlement or verdict than you would ever be able to achieve on your own.
Are drunk driving accident claims different from regular car accident cases?
Yes. Drunk driving cases often involve both civil and criminal components. They may allow for punitive damages because the driver’s conduct was reckless or intentional. GPJ Legal handles every aspect - from gathering police reports and BAC results to ensuring victims receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
