Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

Channel 2 is reporting that, per investigators, Ashli Nicol Heil‘s blood test revealed that she was three times the legal limit for intoxication at the time her Chevrolet Suburban left the roadway in Cut and Shoot earlier this week, striking a tree and killing Ms. Heil’s 8-month old daughter, baby Whilow Heil. Ashli Heil’s Facebook page indicates that she is from Kingwood, Texas and lives in Humble, Texas. The crash happened on FM 1484 on Monday. Investigators, whose names were not included in the Channel 2 article, said Ashli Heil’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .28, significantly above Texas’ legal limit for intoxication of .08.  Investigators also said data downloaded from the Suburban’s on board computer showed the vehicle was speeding at 68 MPH at the time of the wreck. Harris County Clerk records indicate Ashli Heil has had two prior run-ins with the law: a 2004 criminal mischief arrest followed by a guilty plea and two days in jail, then a 2007 arrest for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, for which she got four years probation that ended in August. Baby Whilow was in a car seat at the time of the crash, but the impact was very severe and was to the rear passenger door where Whilow’s car seat was located.

One of Ashli’s favorite quotes on her Facebook page is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This accident is a terrible tragedy. Whilow’s life has been lost and of course, Ashli Heil’s life is forever changed.

Ashli Nicol Heil

8 month old Whilow Heil died 04/02/2012 in a single vehicle crash

Montgomery County officials are investigating the cause of a single vehicle crash that has tragically taken the life of eight month old Whilow Heil. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has said that Whilow died when a Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Whilow’s mother Ashli Heil, left the roadway Monday night in Cut and Shoot and struck a tree. Accident witness Becky Paschel said she saw the Suburban approaching her from the opposite direction on FM 1484. Paschel describes the Suburban as “not making the curve” and traveling as if it were out of control. Deputies think the crash happened at around 7:00pm at 18125 FM 1484. According to investigators Ashli Heil was not wearing a seat belt. EMTs who arrived at the scene said they could smell alcohol on Ashli’s breath, which is being investigated as a possible cause in the crash. Investigators believe speed and the wet road surface may also have been factors in the accident. Ashli Heil is at Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition. Channel 2 News’ story is here. Channel 11’s story is here.

Eight month old Willow Heil died in this single vehicle accident on FM 1484 in Cut and Shoot

A collision last night on Scott Street has left two HPD officers injured.  The officers were responding to a burglary call at around 9:30pm and were driving with emergency lights and sirens in operation. The police car was heading northbound on Scott Street when a man in a pickup truck pulled in front of them and they were unable to avoid the collision. The police car struck a tree after the initial crash with the truck.  The officers were taken to Memorial Hermann hospital for treatment.

If you, a friend or a family member have been injured in a car accident, Smith & Hassler’s experienced personal injury attorneys are available to give you a free consultation either in-person or by phone.  Sometimes people injured in car accident wait before consulting an attorney. They have good intentions: not wanting to seem “sue happy,” waiting to see if their injuries will get better or because an insurance adjuster is discouraging them from seeking legal advice (that happens).  It is better to know your rights early in the process and have an experienced Houston personal injury attorney explain the steps involved in car accident injury claim and what you can do NOW to increase the chances of a good outcome.