An American cyclist, William Hoesch, 71, from Rainier, Oregon, is suing an ambulance service after being struck by one of its first-response vehicles. Following the accident, the ambulance took Hoesch to the hospital, where he was billed for the injuries he sustained in the collision. Hoesch has filed a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue, seeking $997,000 in damages.
The incident, which occurred in October 2022, happened as Hoesch was cycling down a semi-residential street in the same direction as the ambulance. While attempting a right turn onto another road, the ambulance collided with him, destroying his bicycle. The collision took place near the Columbia River Fire & Rescue station in Rainier, as the ambulance was returning from a previous trip. According to Penn Live, Hoesch sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured nose and abrasions on his body.
Attorney Travis Mayor revealed that Hoesch was stretchered onto the ambulance and transported to the hospital, where he was billed $1,862 for the ride. This expense added to Hoesch’s other medical costs from the crash, which included $47,000 already paid and an estimated $50,000 in further costs.
The lawsuit argues that Columbia River Fire & Rescue has failed to provide him with any compensation for these damages. Hoesch hopes his motorist insurance will cover the costs. According to a police report, Hoesch estimated his speed at the time of the collision to be between 8–16 km/h and stated he had no warning that the ambulance would turn in front of him. The ambulance, which had two occupants, was reportedly moving at a speed of 3–16 km/h when it hit him.
The ambulance driver stopped to check on Hoesch, who was found injured on the ground with his bike crushed under a wheel. In addition to medical expenses, Hoesch’s lawsuit seeks an additional $900,000 for “pain and suffering” due to decreased range of motion and grip strength resulting from his injuries.
