Overview
- Deputy Erika Serrato was struck while directing traffic at a crash scene on I-45 on June 28, 2026, and later died from injuries sustained at about 2:52 a.m.
- On Aug. 3–4 the deputy’s parents and estate filed a wrongful-death and survival lawsuit that names driver Ian Perez and companies including North Houston Pole Line, Quanta Services, Quanta Telecommunication Solutions and Element Fleet.
- The suit alleges Perez fell asleep while driving about 65 mph and failed to slow down, move over, keep a lookout, apply brakes or steer away from Serrato; those facts are allegations in the petition and have not been proven in court.
- Plaintiffs also allege the corporate defendants neglected basic safety duties by failing to properly vet, hire, train, supervise or monitor Perez, including not reviewing his driving history or monitoring hours-of-service and fatigue; Element Fleet is alleged to have leased the truck.
- The case follows Perez’s arrest and a Montgomery County DWI enforcement initiative held in Serrato’s honor, and it could lead to civil damages for the family and renewed calls for stricter rules on driver fatigue and move-over enforcement.