In October 2022, a 71-year-old cyclist named William Hoesch was injured when he was struck by an ambulance making a turn in Rainier, a town in Columbia County, Oregon. The ambulance, driven by an employee of Columbia River Fire & Rescue, collided with Hoesch’s bicycle at a low speed, estimated between 2 and 10 mph. The impact was severe enough to crush Hoesch’s bike under the ambulance’s wheels. This accident set off a chain of events that ultimately led Hoesch to file a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue, alleging negligence and seeking compensation.
Following the collision, the ambulance operator transported Hoesch to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, Hoesch later received a bill from the ambulance service charging him $1,862 for the ride. This unexpected cost was only part of the financial burden resulting from the incident. To date, Hoesch has accumulated $47,000 in medical expenses, with projections suggesting he may face an additional $50,000 in healthcare costs related to injuries sustained in the accident.
In response, Hoesch filed a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue, seeking a total of $997,000 in damages. This includes reimbursement for his medical expenses and anticipated future costs, as well as $900,000 for pain, suffering, and the lasting physical limitations he now endures. Hoesch claims that the collision has led to a diminished range of motion, reduced grip strength, and other ongoing symptoms that have affected his quality of life.
Columbia River Fire & Rescue has not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. The outcome could hinge on whether Hoesch’s insurance policy provides adequate coverage for his expenses if the ambulance provider refuses to pay. If Columbia River Fire & Rescue does not accept liability for the incident, Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage could be required to cover his losses, potentially complicating his path to full compensation.
This case underscores the complexity and potential financial strain that can arise from accidents involving medical service providers. Hoesch’s lawsuit not only seeks to address the immediate costs of his medical treatment but also highlights the issue of liability in accidents involving emergency vehicles. The outcome could have broader implications for similar cases in which injured individuals seek compensation from publicly funded emergency service providers.
