In a bizarre twist of fate, a 71-year-old cyclist in Oregon found himself not only struck by an ambulance but also slapped with a hefty $1,800 bill for the very ride that transported him to the hospital following the accident. The cyclist, William Hoesch, is now suing the Columbia River Fire and Rescue department for nearly $1 million, seeking compensation for the injuries and medical expenses he incurred as a result of the incident.
The Accident that Added Insult to Injury
According to reports, the incident occurred in October 2022 as Hoesch was cycling through Columbia County, Oregon. He was traveling in the same direction as an ambulance when the emergency vehicle attempted to make a right turn, colliding with Hoesch and destroying his bicycle in the process.
The impact left Hoesch covered in blood, with a fractured nose and an array of scrapes and injuries across his body. He was swiftly transported to the hospital by the very ambulance that struck him, only to later receive a $1,862 bill for the ride.
A Slow-Speed Collision with Lasting Consequences
Police reports indicate that both the ambulance driver and a passenger estimated their speed at the time of the accident to be between 2 and 10 miles per hour. Hoesch, too, told police he believed he was traveling between 5 and 10 mph. Despite the relatively low speeds involved, the impact has left Hoesch with lasting injuries.
The lawsuit filed by Hoesch on October 24th asserts that he has suffered “pain, stiffness, tenderness, discomfort, impaired range of motion, and reduced grip” as a result of the crash. These prolonged injuries have contributed to the substantial medical expenses Hoesch has accrued, totaling approximately $47,000 thus far, with an additional $50,000 in anticipated future costs.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
In light of the physical, emotional, and financial toll the incident has taken, Hoesch is suing the Columbia River Fire and Rescue department for $997,000. This sum accounts for his pain and suffering, as well as the significant medical bills he has incurred and expects to face in the future.
The lawsuit also seeks to hold the fire and rescue department accountable for the actions of its ambulance driver, whose attempt to turn right resulted in the collision that upended Hoesch’s life. As the case unfolds, it will shed light on the responsibilities of emergency responders and the consequences they may face when their actions cause harm to the very individuals they are meant to protect and serve.
A Call for Cyclist Safety and Accountability
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities cyclists face on the road, even when sharing the street with vehicles dedicated to saving lives. It underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution from all parties involved in order to prevent such accidents from occurring in the first place.
Moreover, the case raises questions about the billing practices of emergency services and the potential for adding financial insult to physical injury in the aftermath of a traumatic event. As Hoesch’s lawsuit progresses, it may prompt a closer examination of these issues and spur discussions about how to better protect and support individuals in similar circumstances.
For now, William Hoesch’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected challenges life can present and the importance of holding those in positions of trust and responsibility accountable for their actions. As he seeks justice and compensation for his ordeal, his case may well have far-reaching implications for cyclist safety, emergency response protocols, and the very notion of being billed for a ride one never intended to take.
