A 71-year-old Oregon cyclist is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue for $1 million after being hit by one of their ambulances and then charged for the ride to the hospital.
At a Glance
- William Hoesch was struck by an ambulance in Rainier, Oregon, in October 2022
- The cyclist suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured nose and body scrapes
- Hoesch received a $1,862 bill for the ambulance ride to the hospital
- He has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue
- The incident has sparked discussions about emergency service billing practices
Collision Details
In a startling incident that occurred in Rainier, Oregon, 71-year-old cyclist William Hoesch found himself in an unexpected predicament when he was struck by an ambulance operated by Columbia River Fire & Rescue. The collision, which took place in October 2022, resulted in significant injuries to Hoesch, including a fractured nose and multiple body scrapes.
According to police reports, the ambulance was traveling at a speed between 2 and 10 mph when it turned right, colliding with Hoesch and crushing his bicycle. The impact was described as a “thump” in official documentation. This low-speed collision has nonetheless led to severe consequences for the elderly cyclist.
Medical Aftermath and Billing Controversy
Following the accident, Hoesch was transported to the hospital by the very same ambulance that had struck him. In a turn of events that has sparked outrage, he later received a bill for $1,862 for the ambulance service. This charge has become a central point of contention in the ensuing legal battle.
The financial impact of the incident extends far beyond the ambulance bill. Hoesch has reportedly incurred nearly $47,000 in medical expenses and anticipates an additional $50,000 for future treatments. These substantial costs stem from the long-term injuries sustained in the accident, including “decreased range of motion” and “reduced grip” strength, as described by Hoesch himself.
Legal Action and Implications
In response to the incident and its aftermath, Hoesch has taken legal action against Columbia River Fire & Rescue. On October 24, 2024, he filed a lawsuit seeking $997,000 in damages. The suit aims to cover not only his medical expenses but also compensation for pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident.
The case has drawn attention to the practices of emergency service providers and raised questions about accountability in situations where service providers are at fault. Columbia River Fire & Rescue has yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, maintaining silence on the controversy surrounding the billing and the accident itself.
