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News September 14, 2022

Mother relives horrific car crash involving former NFL coach that left her daughter critically injured: 'She didn't recognize me'

WATCH: Mother of girl injured in DWI involving ex-Chiefs assistant coach speaks out

It was a mother's worst nightmare.

On a night in February 2021, Felicia Miller had pulled over on the side of the road to help her cousin, whose car had broken down, as her 5-year-old daughter waited in the backseat. As both cars were stopped on the shoulder, a pickup truck slammed into both vehicles.

PHOTO: Felicia Miller is the mother of Ariel, the little girl who was critically injured in a car crash in Feb. 2021.
ABC
Felicia Miller is the mother of Ariel, the little girl who was critically injured in a car crash in Feb. 2021.

Behind the wheel was Britt Reid, the son of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and, at the time, the assistant coach for the team.

MORE: Families slam ex-NFL coach's plea deal over DWI crash that left girl with serious brain injuries

Miller spoke exclusively to ABC News on "Good Morning America" days after Reid pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence as part of a plea deal for a reduced sentence.

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The night of the crash, Miller said she found her daughter Ariel trapped beneath the crush of the seats. She had been critically injured with a traumatic brain injury.

PHOTO: Family members and supporters of Ariel Young attend the court appearance of former NFL coach Britt Neil in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 13, 2022.
KMBC-ABC
Family members and supporters of Ariel Young attend the court appearance of former NFL coach Britt Neil in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 13, 2022.

"I was just freaking out and then finally, we find her, because she's buried under the seats," said Miller. "When I got her outta the car, she was stiff … she was just stiff like a board."

Ariel was rushed to the hospital where she would spend nearly two weeks in a coma. When Ariel woke up, Miller said she was relieved, but knew her daughter was still hurting.

PHOTO: Quality control coach Britt Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on from the sideline before a game in Pittsburgh, Dec. 21, 2014.
George Gojkovich/Getty Images, FILE
Quality control coach Britt Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on from the sideline before a game in Pittsburgh, Dec. 21, 2014.

"She didn't know who I was, so as I'm trying to touch my baby, like, 'Hey, baby,' she was, you know, moving away. And … she didn't recognize me," said Miller.

According to a search warrant application obtained by ABC News, an officer on the scene reported smelling "a moderate odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from [Reid]." Reid reportedly told the officer that he'd had "2-3 drinks" and was on the prescription drug "Adderall."

MORE: Lawyer for family of girl injured in pre-Super Bowl crash speaks out: ABC News exclusive

Miller said her daughter does not remember the crash, but due to her injuries, has had to re-learn many of her favorite things -- including dance.

PHOTO: The scene of the Feb. 4, 2021 crash with Britt Reid that critically injured Ariel Young is seen in an image released by the Young family's attorney Tom Porto.
Young Family via Tom Porto via KMBC
The scene of the Feb. 4, 2021 crash with Britt Reid that critically injured Ariel Young is seen in an image released by the Young family's attorney Tom Porto.

"She didn't remember the wreck or anything, so she just woke up seeing her pictures and a whole bunch of videos from before [and she compares those to] now, like, 'Why am I like this?' is how she thinks," said Miller.

Reid, who has faced prior legal trouble -- including pleading guilty to driving under the influence in 2008 -- will be sentenced in late October. He can be sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison.

PHOTO: Former NFL coach Britt Reid attends his plea hearing in connection with the alleged drunk driving crash on Feb. 4, 2021 that resulted in the critical injury of Ariel Young, the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 13, 2022..
KMBC-ABC
Former NFL coach Britt Reid attends his plea hearing in connection with the alleged drunk driving crash on Feb. 4, 2021 that resulted in the critical injury of Ariel Young, the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 13, 2022.

"I think the family is upset, because they perceive a different system of justice for those who have privilege and those who don't, those who have privilege and those people from the victim's community," said Tom Porto, the family's attorney.

In part of a statement to ABC News, Reid's attorney, J.R. Hobbs, told ABC News that Reid "has accepted responsibility for his conduct," and added that, "[Reid] continues to be remorseful and has apologized to all affected."

Details about Ariel's condition remain limited because of a legal agreement with the Chiefs, who have worked out a payment plan for her medical care.

Ariel, who is now 7, has returned to school. Miller said her "Ariel Strong" shirt serves as a reminder that her daughter is improving every day, but still has a long way to go.

"She's been strong through the whole last almost two years," she said. "So my family, we all wear the 'Ariel Strong' shirts."