An Oregon cyclist sues an ambulance service for $1 million after being struck and billed for the ride to the hospital.
At a Glance
- William Hoesch, 71, was hit by an ambulance in Rainier, Oregon, causing multiple injuries
- The ambulance service billed Hoesch $1,862 for transporting him to the hospital
- Hoesch has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue
- The cyclist has incurred nearly $47,000 in medical bills with an additional $50,000 expected
- Columbia River Fire & Rescue has not commented on the lawsuit
Ambulance Collision Leads to Controversial Bill
William Hoesch, a 71-year-old cyclist, experienced a shocking turn of events when an ambulance operated by Columbia River Fire & Rescue struck him in Rainier, Oregon. The collision occurred as the ambulance made a right turn, crushing Hoesch’s bicycle and leaving him with multiple injuries, including a fractured nose and body scrapes.
Insult to injury! Ambulance hits Oregon cyclist then charges him $2K for a ride to the hospital: lawsuit https://t.co/Eydkdc34gJ pic.twitter.com/XFZMyoXU5s
— New York Post (@nypost) November 6, 2024
Adding insult to injury, Hoesch later received a bill for $1,862 for the ambulance ride to the hospital. This controversial charge has sparked outrage and raised questions about emergency service billing practices, especially in cases where the service provider is responsible for the patient’s injuries.
Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Injuries and Damages
In response to the incident and subsequent billing, Hoesch has filed a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue, seeking nearly $1 million in damages. The legal action aims to recover costs for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts of the accident.
Hoesch’s attorney, Travis Mayor, has stated that the cyclist has already incurred nearly $47,000 in medical bills and expects an additional $50,000 for future treatment. The lawsuit also claims that Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance should cover any damages not paid by the ambulance provider.
Long-Term Consequences and Similar Incidents
The collision has left Hoesch with lasting physical damage. Court documents reveal that he suffers from “decreased range of motion” and “reduced grip” strength, among other symptoms. These long-term injuries have significantly impacted his quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities.
This incident is not isolated. In January 2024, another cyclist in Oregon was killed by an ambulance, leading to a $6 million lawsuit. Additionally, in July 2024, an ambulance struck and killed a woman in Oregon, though no lawsuit was filed in that case. These incidents highlight a concerning pattern of accidents involving emergency vehicles and vulnerable road users.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As the lawsuit progresses, Columbia River Fire & Rescue has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment on the pending legal action. The case raises important questions about accountability in emergency services and the ethical considerations surrounding billing practices in such unique circumstances.
The outcome of this case could potentially set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, particularly regarding the responsibility of emergency service providers in accidents involving their vehicles. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely to see how the court balances the needs of emergency services with the rights and safety of citizens.
Sources:
Cyclist Billed $1800 for Using the Ambulance That Ran Him Over
Ambulance hits Oregon cyclist then charges him nearly $2K for a ride to the hospital: lawsuit
