Fort Bend County, TX — January 31, 2026, Michelle Helm and one other person were injured in a car accident just after 5:30 p.m. along Manderston Drive.

According to authorities, 55-year-old Michelle Helm was traveling in a northwest bound Lincoln Nautilus on Clouston Avenue at the Manderston Drive intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, a collision occurred between the front-end of the Nautilus and the right side of a southeast bound Jeep Commander.

Helm reportedly sustained serious injuries as a result of the wreck. A 36-year-old woman who had been a passenger in the Jeep suffered minor injuries, as well, according to reports.

Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After serious crashes, the first reports often focus on who was hurt and where it happened. What matters just as much is whether the investigation digs deep enough to explain why the collision occurred in the first place.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Intersection crashes can be complex, even when they appear straightforward. A thorough investigation should look beyond vehicle damage and include precise measurements, mapping of vehicle paths, and a close review of how each driver approached the area before impact. That level of work requires time and experience. Some officers are highly trained in crash reconstruction, while others may not have the background needed to fully analyze timing, movement, or decision-making. The question is whether this investigation received the attention and expertise it deserved.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
When a collision involves the front of one vehicle and the side of another, questions about braking, steering, and acceleration naturally arise. Mechanical problems—such as brake failures, steering issues, or electronic malfunctions—can prevent a driver from responding as intended. These defects are often hidden and will not be discovered without a focused inspection of both vehicles involved.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles record valuable information that can clarify what happened seconds before impact. Data can show speed, braking activity, and whether safety systems activated. Phone records, GPS data, and nearby camera footage can also help confirm driver actions and timing. If this information is not preserved early, it may be lost, leaving important questions unanswered.

When injuries are serious, assumptions are not enough. Clear answers depend on whether investigators took the extra steps needed to uncover the full story, not just the visible damage.

Key takeaways:

• Intersection crashes often require detailed reconstruction.
• Hidden vehicle defects can play a critical role.
• Electronic data can provide clarity when details are limited.