What types of aquatic and boating accidents does Smith Aquatic Safety Service investigate?

Updated

Smith Aquatic Safety Service provides expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and related counseling for water- and boating-related cases. According to the site, its work covers drowning, boat collisions, diving, personal watercraft (PWCs), personal flotation devices (PFDs), rules of the road, alcohol, hypothermia, pool and beach design and construction, lifeguarding and supervision, water skiing and tubing, dams, rafting, environmental stressors, and other water-related areas. If your case falls in one of these areas, the service may be relevant; if you do not see a past report in your area of interest, the site invites you to call or email.

Accident and incident types listed

The site groups its case experience into several broad categories:

  • Drowning
  • Boat collisions
  • Diving
  • Personal watercraft (PWCs)
  • Water skiing and tubing
  • Rafting
  • Dams

These are the incident types most directly tied to on-water recreation and boating activity.

Investigation factors and related areas

Beyond the incident type, the service also addresses factors that may contribute to an accident:

  • Personal flotation devices (PFDs) — including whether they were used or available
  • Rules of the road — navigation and right-of-way issues
  • Alcohol
  • Hypothermia
  • Environmental stressors
  • Pool and beach design and construction
  • Lifeguarding and supervision

The site notes that Dr. Smith has experience in naval science, rules of the road, federal and state boating laws, and vessel operation. It also states that his background in educational psychology has supported testimony on behavioral issues such as reaction time, learning progressions, and the propriety of signs and warnings.

How to check whether your case fits

The site says its Contact-Archives page contains numerous past case reports in the above areas of aquatic litigation. If you do not see a past report in your area of interest, the site advises calling or emailing to ask.

For aquatic or boating accident investigation and reconstruction, the listed contact number is 734-276-5357 (cell). The home office address is 5074 Breckenridge Dr., Ypsilanti, MI 48197, and the email is [email protected].