A cyclist was hit by an ambulance which then billed him $1,862 for transportation to the hospital, resulting in a lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue, People reported.
On October 27, 2022, in Rainier, Oregon, a serious accident occurred involving cyclist William Hoesch and an ambulance from Columbia River Fire & Rescue. Hoesch was biking westbound on West C Street when the ambulance made a sudden right turn at an intersection, directly in his path.
The impact led to severe damages including the destruction of Hoesch's bicycle and numerous personal injuries. At the scene, emergency personnel from the same ambulance that hit him administered first aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
Following his hospital treatment, Hoesch received a bill from Columbia River Fire & Rescue for $1,862 for the ambulance ride. This occurred even though the ambulance had been involved in the collision. His total medical costs related to the accident are estimated to be around $47,000, with an additional $50,000 expected for future treatments.
The Rainier Police Department's investigation into the incident determined that the ambulance was moving ahead of Hoesch, descending slowly down a hill. The ambulance driver reported using his turn signal and claimed to be moving at only 2-3 mph when he made the turn that led to the accident.
In the aftermath, the driver underwent a voluntary breathalyzer test at the police station, which registered a blood alcohol content of 0.00%, ruling out alcohol influence at the time of the crash. This was part of the standard procedure to ensure no impairment was involved in the accident.
Faced with mounting medical expenses and continuing pain from his injuries, Hoesch decided to take legal action. He is claiming that his injuries, involving his face, left hand, left hip, and diaphragm, were due to negligence on the part of Columbia River Fire & Rescue.
Travis Mayor, Hoesch's attorney, emphasized the compounded indignity of being charged for the very ride that implicated the injuries his client sustained. According to the Mayor, this move by the district's emergency services added unnecessary stress and insult to an already grievous situation.
Hoesch's lawsuit, filed in Oregon Circuit Court on October 24, 2023, argues for approximately $900,000 in damages. He claims the injuries have caused ongoing pain, stiffness, and a significant decrease in his quality of life, precluding him from enjoying everyday activities.
In light of the lawsuit, Columbia River Fire & Rescue has delegated the matter to their legal team and insurance company. On November 7, 2024, they issued a statement acknowledging the complaint against their personnel, clarifying that while they recognize the allegations, they cannot discuss ongoing legal matters.
The case has generated significant local interest, as it raises questions about the responsibility and accountability of emergency response teams in accidents involving their vehicles. Residents and community leaders are closely watching the proceedings, eager for insights into the operational protocols of local emergency services.
By turning a critical eye towards the intersection of public safety services and civil liabilities, this lawsuit may drive changes or at the very least, a reevaluation of emergency response procedures to prevent such incidents in the future. The broader implications regard how emergency services navigate accountability and operational integrity when their actions directly lead to harm.
