Oregon Cyclist Sues Ambulance Company After Being Hit, Receives $2,000 Bill for Hospital Ride

A 71-year-old Oregon cyclist, William Hoesch, is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue for nearly $1 million after claiming that an ambulance from the company struck him, left him with permanent injuries, and sent him a bill for almost $2,000 for the hospital ride.

According to the lawsuit filed on October 24 in Columbia County, Hoesch was riding his bicycle in the small town of Rainier, near the Columbia River, in October 2022 when the ambulance attempted a right turn and collided with him, pinning him under its wheels. The driver, who was traveling between 2 and 10 mph, reportedly heard a “thump,” stopped, and immediately took Hoesch to the hospital.

The accident left Hoesch with significant injuries, including “decreased range of motion” and “reduced grip,” and destroyed his bicycle. In addition to the physical injuries, Hoesch claims around $100,000 in medical expenses and is seeking a total of $997,000 in damages for pain and suffering as well as to cover his medical bills, according to OregonLive.