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Family of 24-Year-Old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Fatal I-45 Collision

Houston Law Firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner Will Host a Press Conference on Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 A.M.

Deputy Erika Serrato

Houston, Texas (August 3, 2026) – Partners Brant J. Stogner and Jennifer O. Stogner and Sr. Associate Christopher D. Mahfouz of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, together with Daniel J. Werlinger of Werlinger Law Group PLLC, are representing Leticia and Rodolfo Serrato, the parents of 24-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Erika Serrato, as well as Deputy Serrato’s Estate. The attorneys filed a wrongful death lawsuit against North Houston Pole Line, L.P., Ian Perez, Quanta Services, Inc., Quanta Telecommunication Solutions, LLC, and Element Fleet Corporation following Deputy Serrato’s death in the line of duty.

Deputy Serrato served with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for six years, including a promotion to deputy just six months before her death. On June 28, 2026, she responded to assist with the investigation of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45 North. At approximately 2:52 a.m., while carrying out those duties and with emergency lights on, a large commercial truck struck Deputy Serrato, causing catastrophic injuries. She was transported from the scene for emergency medical treatment but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

The lawsuit alleges that the defendant, Ian Perez, fell asleep behind the wheel while traveling at approximately 65 mph and failed to see the emergency lights ahead, keep a proper lookout, slow down, move over, apply his brakes, or steer away from Deputy Serrato. According to the petition, the defendant failed to comply with Texas law requiring motorists to slow down or move over when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying activated emergency lights.

The petition further alleges that the defendant was acting within the course and scope of his employment with and/or for the benefit of North Houston Pole Line, Quanta Services, and Quanta Telecommunication Solutions at the time of the collision. The commercial truck involved in this fatal crash was allegedly owned or registered to one or more of those companies and leased through Element Fleet Corporation.

The lawsuit also alleges that the corporate defendants failed to exercise reasonable care in hiring, training, supervising, and retaining Mr. Perez. Among other allegations, the petition claims the companies failed to adequately investigate his driving history, evaluate his fitness for duty, monitor his hours of service and fatigue, and ensure that he was qualified to operate a commercial vehicle safely during the early-morning hours of June 28th.

The lawsuit alleges claims for negligence and negligence per se against Mr. Perez, as well as vicarious liability, negligent entrustment, negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention, and gross negligence. It seeks wrongful death damages on behalf of Deputy Serrato’s parents, survival damages on behalf of her estate, exemplary damages, interest, court costs, and other relief available under Texas law.

Deputy Serrato’s parents are seeking compensation for the loss of their daughter’s life, as well as the mental anguish and other losses they have experienced and will continue to experience. The estate’s claims include the physical pain, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, medical expenses, and other damages Deputy Serrato allegedly sustained and endured before her death.

“Deputy Serrato dedicated her life to protecting others, and she deserved to return home safely,” said Partner Brant J. Stogner. “The lawsuit alleges that this tragedy occurred because a commercial driver fell asleep at highway speed and failed to heed the emergency lights ahead. We are committed to seeking answers, accountability, and justice for Erika’s family.”

Abraham Watkins Partners Brant J. Stogner and Jennifer O. Stogner, Sr. Associate Christopher D. Mahfouz, and the Serrato family will be available during a press conference on Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. to answer questions regarding the lawsuit. The press conference is open to all media and will be held at the Abraham Watkins law office, 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002. For questions regarding the upcoming press conference, please call the firm at (713) 222-7211.

For questions regarding the lawsuit or interview requests, please contact Geoffrey Adkinson at gadkinson@awtxlaw.com or (713) 222-7211.

 

About Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner

Founded in 1951, Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is one of the longest-standing personal injury law firms in Texas. Our distinguished history and reputation work to the advantage of each of our clients. We represent injured individuals in personal injury lawsuits because we enjoy helping people. Our clients come from many walks of life: from national sports figures and artists to working-class families dealing with catastrophic accidents. We put our dedication and resources behind each case we handle with the mission of obtaining the best resolution possible. Our clients receive some of the most experienced and successful legal representation in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit abrahamwatkins.com.

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