Passenger Killed in Harris County Car Accident
The passenger has been identified as Berenice Barraza, who died after a crash on Salt Grass Trail Way early Sunday morning.
Berenice Barraza was killed in a car crash on Salt Grass Trail Way near Katy Hockley Cut Off Road in Harris County on November 8, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
What Happened on Salt Grass Trail Way
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened around 2 a.m. in the Katy area. Investigators said the driver, Gerardo A. Rodriguez, was headed west in a Jeep with Barraza as his passenger. The sheriff's office said the two argued, and during the argument Barraza opened her door and stepped out while the Jeep was still moving. The sheriff's office said Rodriguez described to officers a sensation like rolling over a bump in the road. Investigators said he kept going west, then parked and came back, and found Barraza on the ground, where she was not breathing. The sheriff's office said he began CPR. Emergency medical crews then brought her to Memorial Hermann Katy, where the sheriff's office said she died.
Where the Sheriff's Office Investigation Stands
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is investigating the fatal crash. The sheriff's office said deputies detained Rodriguez after they noticed a smell of intoxicants and that his eyes looked glassy. The sheriff's office said he declined field sobriety tests and was arrested.
Blood test results from a state lab can take weeks, so charges sometimes come well after a crash.
Candice Bond· Bond LegalFrom an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice. The contributor may not be licensed in your state.Sources
- click2houston.com, “Woman dies after jumping from moving Jeep during argument, driver arrested”
Lost someone in a crash like this?
Here is what families in Texas usually need, in the order it comes up.
Death certificates. The funeral home or the family can order them, and banks and insurers each usually want a copy.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Funeral costs. Every state has a victim fund that pays funeral costs after some crashes, and the fund decides who qualifies.
Survivor payments. If the person who died had worked, their spouse or children may get monthly Social Security payments. Applying early matters.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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