Scottsdale Pedicab Accident Lawsuit

The City of Scottsdale has been approved to nearly double their contract with a defense attorney representing the city in a lawsuit brought by two Kansas men, increasing the amount from $275,000 to $525,000.

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of two Kansas men who were injured in a pedicab accident in Scottsdale last year. The pedicab that the men were riding in, both 21 years old at the time, was struck by a vehicle driven by Joseph Spano. Spano was sentenced to four years in prison on a plea deal that dropped his DUI charges for pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangerment.

The men, Cody Clark and Michael Tysver of Great Bend, Kansas, both suffered severe injuries in the crash. Tysver experienced a serious spinal injury and spent several weeks in the hospital; Clark was left with severe brain injuries that left him hospitalized for over a year, and has difficulty communicating and understanding.

The crash, which happened on Scottsdale Road near Rose Lane, led Scottsdale to create regulations for pedicab operators where none previously existed, requiring the operators to have Arizona driver’s licenses and liability insurances. The plaintiffs are bringing suit claiming that the city’s lack of regulations for pedicab drivers led to their injuries; the damages sought include $40 million for Cody Clark, $3 million each for his two parents, and $5 million for Michael Tysver.

The City has denied liability for the men’s injuries, but the new regulations have seemed to have an impact on the pedicab business, which was previously regulated in Phoenix and Chandler.

While regulations are important in maintaining safety for public transportation, the larger danger by far to pedestrians and pedicab drivers has been drunk drivers in areas jam-packed with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. If you have been injured while enjoying Scottsdale, Tempe, or Phoenix nightlife, contact our firm today to learn how you could be compensated for your injuries.