Ambulance Hits Cyclist, Takes Him to Hospital, Then Sends Injury Bill

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.