Bicyclist Suing An Oregon Ambulance Service For $900,000 Following A Collision in 2022

An Oregon man, William Hoesch, is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue after he was hit by one of their ambulances while cycling. Travis Mayor, Hoesch’s attorney, said that his client was billed $1,862 for transport to the hospital. The incident occurred on October 27, 2022, when Hoesch was cycling west on West C Street in Rainier, Oregon. As he entered an intersection, the ambulance suddenly turned right, causing him to collide with it. The crash destroyed his bike and led to multiple injuries.

Hoesch’s complaint, filed in Oregon Circuit Court, accuses the ambulance service of negligence, alleging injuries to his face, left hand, hip, and diaphragm, along with ongoing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The lawsuit details that he has accrued around $47,000 in medical costs, with potential future expenses estimated at an additional $50,000. He is seeking approximately $900,000 in damages for his injuries and loss of enjoyment of life.

The Rainier Police Department’s report includes differing accounts of the incident. Hoesch stated that he attempted to pass the ambulance on the right, assuming it would continue straight, but it turned suddenly. The ambulance driver claimed he was traveling slowly, had his turn signal on, and did not notice Hoesch until the collision. The driver later provided a breath sample, showing a 0.00% blood alcohol content.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue, aware of the allegations, has referred the case to their legal team and declined further comment.