Ambulance Collision Lawsuit: Unexpected $1 Million Claim in Small Town Dispute

An Oregon cyclist hit by an ambulance faces a shocking bill for his own hospital transport, leading to a million-dollar lawsuit.

At a Glance

William Hoesch, 71, was struck by an ambulance in Rainier, Oregon, sustaining multiple injuries.
The ambulance that hit him charged $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.

Collision Details and Immediate Aftermath

In October 2022, a routine bike ride in Rainier, Oregon, turned into a nightmare for 71-year-old William Hoesch. An ambulance operated by Columbia River Fire & Rescue made a right turn, colliding with Hoesch and crushing his bicycle. The impact, described in police reports as a “thump,” left Hoesch 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

Authorities reported that the ambulance was traveling between 2 and 10 mph at the time of the collision. Ironically, the same ambulance that struck Hoesch then transported him to the hospital. What followed was a startling turn of events that has since sparked a legal battle and raised questions about emergency service billing practices.

The Controversial Bill

In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, Columbia River Fire & Rescue sent Hoesch a bill for $1,862 for the ambulance ride to the hospital. This action prompted Hoesch’s attorney, Travis Mayor, to take legal action. The billing decision has been met with disbelief by many, including Hoesch himself.

The incident has sparked a debate about the ethics of emergency service billing, particularly in cases where the service provider is at fault. The situation raises important questions about accountability and fair practices in emergency medical services.

Long-Term Consequences and Legal Action

The collision has had significant long-term impacts on Hoesch’s health and finances. He has reportedly suffered from “decreased range of motion” and “reduced grip” strength, among other symptoms. These injuries have led to substantial medical expenses, with Hoesch incurring nearly $47,000 in medical bills to date. Future treatment is expected to cost an additional $50,000.

In response to these mounting costs and the controversial billing, Hoesch filed a $997,000 lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue on October 24, 2024. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the long-term impacts of the accident. Hoesch’s legal team is also pursuing coverage through his uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance for any damages not paid by the ambulance provider.

Broader Implications and Similar Incidents

This case is not isolated. Oregon has seen similar incidents involving emergency vehicles and cyclists. In January 2024, a cyclist was killed by an ambulance, leading to a $6 million lawsuit. Another tragic incident occurred in July 2024 when an ambulance struck and killed a woman, though no lawsuit was filed in that case.

These incidents highlight the need for improved safety measures and protocols for emergency vehicles, especially in areas with high bicycle traffic. They also underscore the importance of fair and ethical billing practices in emergency services.

As the legal battle unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it might impact future policies and practices in emergency medical services. Columbia River Fire & Rescue has yet to comment on the lawsuit, leaving many questions unanswered about their perspective on the incident and their billing decisions.