- The 71-year-old cyclist is suing the ambulance provider for nearly $1 million after the accident.
- Medical expenses for the injured man have already reached $47,000, with more expected in future costs.
An ambulance provider in the Pacific Northwest had the gall to charge a cyclist nearly $1,900 for a ride to a hospital after one of its drivers hit the man while making a right-hand turn. The 71-year-old cyclist is now fighting back, and has filed a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue.
The incident occurred in October 2022, when 71-year-old William Hoesch was out for a bike ride through the town of Rainier in Columbia County. After making a turn directly outside the Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s station, the ambulance driver struck Hoesch while traveling between 2 mph and 10 mph. Photos captured at the scene show that the bicycle was crushed under the ambulance’s front wheels.
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After the impact, the ambulance operator transferred Hoesch to a local hospital, only to later send him a $1,862 bill for the ride. However, that bill isn’t the most significant the 71-year-old has faced since the crash. According to Oregon Live, he has already racked up $47,000 in medical expenses and expects to face another $50,000 moving forward.
The cyclist has now filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider. In addition to seeking reimbursement for his current and future medical bills, Hoesch wants $900,000 for pain and suffering. He claims he now has a decreased range of motion, reduced grip strength, and continues to suffer from other symptoms caused by the fall.
Columbia River Fire & Rescue has yet to comment on the lawsuit, which could place Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in a critical role. According to the legal filing, if the ambulance provider doesn’t cover the damages, Hoesch’s own insurance may be forced to bridge the gap.
