AMERICAN SHENGJIA TOUR BUS CRASH DISASTER September 20, 2019
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AMERICAN SHENGJIA TOUR BUS CRASH DISASTER September 20, 2019 Information Letter Prepared by: HERRMANN LAW GROUP Aviation Disaster Attorneys HERRMANN LAW GROUP MASS TRANSIT DISASTER ATTORNEYS – EST. 1950 – FORMER SENATOR & INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Karl Herrmann (1915-1997) Founder Re: AMERICA SHENGJIA TOUR BUS CRASH DISASTER September 23, 2019 To Victim Families and Loved Ones: We have heartfelt sympathy for all victims of the horrific crash of America Shengjia Tour Bus near Bryce Canyon, Utah on September 20, 2019. Having spent years representing victims of tour bus crash cases, we know the sense of sorrow, shock and trauma you’re experiencing. You have our sincere condolences. Many victims of tour bus crash disasters and members of their families need advice concerning their legal rights and how they should go about enforcing them. At the outset, you should understand that there are many complex issues presented by a particular case. Books have been written on these subjects. It is impossible to provide a complete explanation in just a few pages. Further, the answers to some questions are a matter of opinion and subject to much argument. The investigation is just beginning. It will eventually reveal evidence required to reach conclusions. At this point, without all the evidence, we can only discuss potential answers that may be merely indicated. With this understanding, we address the issues involved. Most Important Many aspects of this complicated case are discussed in what follows. However, experience has taught us four lessons on what victims need to know immediately to avoid serious mistakes: 1. Do not discuss your case with representatives of American Shengjia, Shanghai Zhuyuan International, government agencies, insurers or anyone else other than your family, your doctors, or your lawyers. People working for American Shengjia, Shanghai Zhuyuan International, and other potential defendants may seem sympathetic and helpful, but their goal is to protect their employers and to help settle your claim as cheaply as possible; HERRMANN LAW GROUP 2. Start a diary/journal in which you record all your suffering—both physical and emotional—daily. Preserve all financial records including income, taxes, business/corporate records, bank account, and budgets. Further, keep records of all medical treatment and all expenses; 3. Seek out psychological/grief counseling. Not only can it be vital for your mental health, but it will also document your suffering, which will help prove the extent of your damages when the time comes; and, 4. All victims need legal advice. Lawyers representing American Shengjia and Shanghai Zhuyuan International are already at work preparing their clients’ cases opposing you and your family. You should seek legal counsel as soon as you are able. You need lawyers not only skilled in these complicated tour bus crash disaster cases, but also experienced in representing victims and their families in U.S. and International courts. They must be aware of the cultural differences to be effective. The sooner your lawyers start work on your behalf, the more successful they will be. HERRMANN LAW GROUP has been representing victims of tour bus crash disaster cases for years. We have a proven track record representing victims in major disaster cases and have the resources and ability to assist international clients. You need the right professional lawyers on your side to receive the just compensation you deserve. See our record on our website at: www.hlg.lawyer INVESTIGATION On Friday, September 20, 2019, a tour bus carrying 29 tourists, one tour guide, and one driver was involved in a single vehicle fatal crash near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The 37-person Freightliner bus operated by America Shengjia, a tour bus company based out of Monterey Park, California, was traveling on State Highway 12 en route to Bryce Canyon National Park as part of a 16-day trip organized by Shanghai Zhuyuan International Travel Agency when the driver lost control. The passengers came from Shanghai and the nearby provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Heilongjiang. At around 11:15 a.m., the bus drifted to the right-hand side of the roadway, steered hard left and fishtailed before rolling over a guardrail and ultimately coming to rest on its wheels. The top of the bus was caved in, while bodies and debris were thrown from the bus. First Responders described a scene of chaos and heartache. “It was my understanding that people were flying from the bus,” first responder Jim Neilson told Utah’s ABC-TV Channel 4. 2 Seattle: 505 5th Ave South Ste. 330, Seattle, WA 98104 ∙ (206) 625-9104 www.hlg.lawyer Tacoma: 1535 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma, WA 98402 ∙ (253) 627-8142 HERRMANN LAW GROUP Sadly, four Chinese passengers, three women and one man, were killed and all 27 other passengers were injured, many critically in this horrific crash. Although the 2017 bus was equipped with seatbelts, it is unknown if any of the passengers were wearing them at the time of the crash. The driver was restrained. Thorough investigation will be required in the coming weeks regarding who is responsible for this deadly crash. Local authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have already begun investigations into the tour bus company, the driver, and highway construction and safety. According to federal crash investigators, the driver had recently been hired by the California-based company, America Shengjia, and this was his first trip for the company. The name of the driver, a Chinese-American U.S. citizen, has not yet been released. However, investigators have traveled to California to look further into his medical and driving history. A blood sample was taken from the driver by the Utah Highway Patrol, but the results have not yet been processed. The tour bus company, American Shengjia, had only been in operation a short time. According to the California Secretary of State website, the company was registered in 2015. Investigators will be looking at the bus’s safety features, the tour bus company, American Shengjia’s, background, safety and hiring practices. Additionally, they will look into the roadway and marks left behind during the crash, highway construction and maintenance, signage, grades, slopes and guardrails. While the investigation will take months to complete, estimated 12 to 24 months per Pete Kotowski, investigator with the NTSB, a preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks. The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism urged the travel agency, Shanghai Zhuyuan International Travel Agency, to spare no effort in rescuing the injured and properly handle the follow-up matters. Lu Yong, the travel agency’s general manager, told a Chinese TV program that the agency’s American partners sent 10 staff members to hospitals to help the victims communicate with doctors and police. It has also been reported by the News Perspective program, part of the Shanghai Media Group, that seven relatives of the victims were expected to leave for the United States on Monday or Tuesday with travel agency staff and officials from the culture and tourism bureau. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said it sent officials to assist the victims on Friday. “We are saddened to hear about the accident in Utah involving a bus carrying Chinese tourists. We are thankful to authorities in Utah for their 3 Seattle: 505 5th Ave South Ste. 330, Seattle, WA 98104 ∙ (206) 625-9104 www.hlg.lawyer Tacoma: 1535 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma, WA 98402 ∙ (253) 627-8142 HERRMANN LAW GROUP assistance. The Embassy has initiated its emergency protocols, sent personnel to the area, and will assist victims as needed,” the embassy tweeted. Usually there is not just a single cause of tour bus crash disasters such as this. Most often, multiple errors come together to simultaneously causing these tragedies. We always examine the travel agency and tour bus company, including its crew, maintenance, management and training. We also look at the manufacturer of the tour bus and its subcomponents. Further, we must look at the roadway construction and design. COMPENSATION Issues of the amount of compensation are unique to each individual victim. The loss of a loved one is immeasurable. The loss of love, companionship, and guidance as well as support and all other financial losses can amount to substantial sums of money depending upon family relationships, age of the victim, actual and potential earnings. Many factors go into calculating the just amount for each victim. We fully prepare every aspect of a case, using experts when necessary, to maximize your just reward. In previous cases, we’ve recovered compensation frequently for as much as several million dollars in wrongful death claims. For specific amounts, please refer to our “Firm Record” and “Our Legal Team” sections that follow this letter. However, we want to be clear that past results do not guarantee any amount for future recoveries for different victims in other accidents. Each case is determined on its own merits. We invite all passengers and victim’s families to contact us for a totally free, personal, and private consultation. Please contact Holly Li at cell: 206.369.8373 or email [email protected]. Charles Herrmann at cell: 206.488.5911 / [email protected] Lara Herrmann at cell: 253.380.5272 / [email protected] Or any of our 5 attorneys at either of our two offices. Seattle Office: 206.625.9104 Tacoma Office: 253.627.8142 Respectfully, HERRMANN LAW GROUP Charles Herrmann Attorney at Law 4 Seattle: 505 5th Ave South Ste. 330, Seattle, WA 98104 ∙ (206) 625-9104 www.hlg.lawyer Tacoma: 1535 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma, WA 98402 ∙ (253) 627-8142 HERRMANN LAW GROUP Direct: 206.488.5911 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hlg.lawyer 5 Seattle: 505 5th Ave South Ste.