Ambulance attacks cyclist, takes him to emergency room, then slaps him

A Pacific Northwest ambulance provider has the audacity to charge a cyclist nearly $1,900 after he struck him while making a right turn. The 71-year-old cyclist is now fighting back and filing a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire Rescue.

The incident occurred in October 2022 when 71-year-old William Hoesch was riding his bicycle through the town of Rainier in Columbia County. The ambulance driver was traveling between 2 mph and 10 mph when he struck Hoesch after making a turn directly outside the Columbia River Fire Rescue Station. Photos taken at the scene showed the bicycle being pinned under the front wheel of the ambulance.

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After the impact, the ambulance operator transferred Hoesch to a local hospital but later sent him $1,862 for the ride. However, the bill is not the most significant the 71-year-old has faced since the accident. He has racked up $47,000 in medical bills and is expected to face another $50,000 in future medical bills, Oregon Live reported.

The rider has now filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider. In addition to seeking reimbursement for current and future medical expenses, Hoesch is seeking $900,000 to treat pain and suffering. He claims that he now has a reduced range of motion, decreased grip strength, and continues to suffer from other symptoms from the fall.

Columbia River Fire Rescue has not commented on the lawsuit, which could make Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage play a key role. If the ambulance provider doesn’t cover the loss, Hirsch’s own insurance may be forced to pick up the slack, according to legal documents.

Photo Credit: Rainier Police Department