A 71-year-old bicyclist is suing an Oregon ambulance provider after one of its vehicles allegedly ran him over, then billed him for a ride to the hospital.
A nearly $1 million lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue claims cyclist William Hoesch suffered a fractured nose and other injuries when an ambulance making a right turn ran into him in the town of Rainier, according to The Oregonian. His bicycle was reportedly destroyed.
Hoesch’s lawyers claim their client was rushed to an Oregon hospital, then charged $1,862 for the ride. Costs for his medical treatment have already reached nearly $50,000 and are expected to double. He also alleges pain and suffering.
The plaintiff said in 2022 he and the ambulance were moving in the the same direction down a street lined with a mix of homes and businesses. The cyclist was struck when the rescue vehicle turned right, the complaint says. A police report photo shows the wheel of an ambulance on the wheel of Hoesch’s Giant brand bike.
Columbia River Fire & Rescue declined to comment on The Oregonian’s report. Hoesch’s personal insurance is on the hook for expenses the ambulance provider can’t cover, according to his legal filing.
Hoesch’s lawyer, Travis Mayor, told the Daily News he believes the driver who hit his client was one of the medics who treated him. He also believes the vehicle that injured his client was used to transport him to a medical center.
The crash occurred in daylight when the ambulance was being returned to its nearby station.
