TIERRA AMARILLA, New Mexico — Yesterday, a New Mexico jury awarded $47 million to military veteran Austin Drewry and his mother, Crystal Drewry, following a trial over a devastating commercial tanker truck crash that left Austin with severe traumatic brain injuries and needing lifelong care.
Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. represented Austin and his mother in the case against Pilot Thomas Logistics LLC and other defendants in New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court in Rio Arriba County.
“The defense’s first pre-trial offer of $100,000 did not come close to recognizing the harm Austin suffered or the care he will need,” said James Tawney, Partner at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro. “The jury listened to the evidence and recognized what this crash has meant for Austin and his mother, who now takes care of him full-time. No verdict can restore his independence, but it can provide for his lifelong care and hold those responsible accountable. We are grateful to the jurors for their time and careful consideration.”
The trial focused on the head-on collision that happened in November 2022 on a two-lane highway near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The commercial truck driver was traveling too fast for the weather conditions and failed to recognize and respond to Austin’s vehicle before the collision.
Austin was 21 at the time. The crash left him with severe brain injuries and extensive injuries to his spine, bones, and internal organs. Nearly four years later, he remains bedridden and dependent on others for daily care.
A native of northeastern Louisiana, Austin joined the Louisiana National Guard at 18 years old and completed two deployments. He was working on an oil rig in New Mexico and planned to return home for Thanksgiving with his family when the crash happened.
The verdict recognizes the lasting harm to Austin and his mother and the care he will require throughout his life.
The case is Austin Drewry Jackson et al. v. Pilot Thomas Logistics LLC et al., case number D-117-CV-2024-00161.
ABOUT TAWNEY, ACOSTA & CHAPARRO P.C.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C. Truck Crash & Injury Attorneys, we’re relentless advocates for victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
Our team of seasoned trial attorneys are driven by an unwavering passion for justice and a fearless commitment to fighting for our clients in court. We don’t just settle–we go to trial, taking cases before juries to secure the maximum results our clients deserve.
With extensive experience in high-stakes litigation across New Mexico, West Texas, and Arizona, we focus on complex personal injury cases, including semi-truck collisions, workplace and oilfield injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and serious auto accidents. Please call 1-877-TAC-WINS or visit our website attacinjurylaw.com/
Alejandro Acosta is a lifelong El Paso resident and a skilled trial lawyer with extensive experience in Texas and New Mexico courts. He graduated from Cathedral High School and later St. Mary’s University before earning his J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, along with an Indian Legal Certificate for his work with tribal nations. Licensed in Texas since 2008 and New Mexico since 2011, Alejandro co-founded Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. to advocate for individuals and families seeking justice after serious injuries.
