Cypress, TX — May 24, 2025, Jerald Skaines was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the 29000 block of Old Washington Road.

Authorities said a pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane of Old Washington Road when he was hit by a pickup, knocking him into a ditch on the north side of the road.

Pedestrian Jerald Skaines died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The pickup that hit Jerald Skaines skidded to a stop about 100 yards down the road before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

Evidence at the scene indicates the truck was a Dodge Ram 1500 manufactured between 1994 and 2001, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Harris County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, I think most people have plenty of questions. However, some questions tend to be overlooked by crash investigators. That’s not because they aren’t important; it’s often because they require time, specialized knowledge or persistence. When someone loses their life in a hit-and-run, especially as a pedestrian, it’s critical to explore every possible avenue for understanding what really happened.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? When someone leaves the scene of a collision, it naturally makes the investigation harder. But that’s also why a thorough process is even more important. Investigators often rely heavily on physical evidence like skid marks, debris patterns and paint transfer, but a full picture should include witness interviews, security camera footage and canvassing nearby areas for additional information. In cases like this, where the striking vehicle fled, a big part of the question becomes: How hard did investigators work to track down that vehicle? Did they check nearby gas stations or businesses for camera footage? These are things that can make or break the case.

Next, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? It’s easy to assume that all hit-and-run crashes are simply the result of reckless or impaired driving, but that’s not always the full story. What if the driver lost control because of a brake failure or a stuck accelerator? Even if someone fled afterward, a mechanical failure might have been the trigger. In this case, the pickup reportedly skidded to a stop before fleeing. That raises questions: Was the driver trying to stop but couldn’t in time? Did something go wrong with the vehicle that made it hard to control? Knowing the make and model range helps, but those vehicles are old enough that worn components or neglected maintenance could play a role.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most people don’t realize just how much modern vehicles can tell us. Even older models like a late-’90s Dodge Ram might have basic onboard diagnostics that store fault codes or airbag deployment data. Newer surveillance systems — like traffic cameras or even motion-sensitive home security — can also capture crucial moments before or after a crash. It’s worth asking whether investigators pursued this kind of data. Did they look for possible Ring doorbell footage nearby? Did they attempt to retrieve black box information if the vehicle is later found?

In the end, the best way to understand what happened isn’t just to ask what went wrong, but to make sure we’ve asked all the right questions. Not just the easy ones, but the ones that might uncover a deeper truth; about the driver, the vehicle or the road itself.

Key Takeaways:

• Investigators need to gather more than just physical evidence; witnesses and surveillance footage are crucial in hit-and-run cases.
• It’s important to consider whether a vehicle malfunction contributed to the crash, even if the driver fled.
• Data from the scene, nearby cameras and the vehicle’s electronics (if found) could reveal what really happened.