Jeff Smith, a Massachusetts lawyer, is demanding $9.5 million in damages from the government following a snowmobile crash with a Black Hawk helicopter in March 2019. The crash left Smith with severe injuries, including the loss of use of his left arm and respiratory issues. Smith's lawyers argue that the crew of the helicopter was negligent for parking the aircraft on a rarely used airfield also used by snowmobilers. Despite the government's attempts to dismiss the case, Smith is pushing forward with the lawsuit, claiming that the crew failed to warn snowmobilers of the helicopter's presence and left the aircraft unattended on the trail.

The night of the accident, Smith was driving his snowmobile when he collided with the helicopter, resulting in a chaotic scene in which he was thrown from his sled and suffered severe injuries. Smith's brother, who was waiting for him on the trail, described the heart-wrenching moment when he realized it was his brother who had been involved in the crash. Smith was airlifted to a trauma center with multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding.

Now, Smith struggles with everyday tasks and is unable to participate in activities he once enjoyed, such as golfing and snowmobiling. He is living with his parents and relying on federal disability assistance. Smith hopes that winning the lawsuit will provide him with the funds needed for a procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital that could improve movement in his left arm and allow him to regain some independence. Despite the challenges he faces, Smith remains determined to seek justice and hold the military accountable for the crash that changed his life forever.