A 71-year-old cyclist, William Hoesch, is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue after an ambulance struck him during a bike ride in Rainier, Oregon, in October 2022. The accident occurred when the ambulance driver, traveling between 2 and 10 mph, made a right-hand turn directly outside the fire station, hitting Hoesch and crushing his bicycle under the front wheels. Photos from the scene show the bike severely damaged by the impact.

After the collision, the ambulance transported Hoesch to a nearby hospital, but he was later hit with an $1,862 bill for the ride. This is just a fraction of the costs he has incurred since the crash. Hoesch has already accumulated $47,000 in medical expenses and expects another $50,000 in future treatment for injuries, which have left him with a decreased range of motion and reduced grip strength, among other ongoing symptoms.

In response, Hoesch has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider. He is seeking compensation not only for his current and future medical bills but also for $900,000 in damages for pain and suffering caused by the incident. The lawsuit alleges that the ambulance provider’s negligence led to the crash and the severe impact on his health.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, but the case raises questions about whether the ambulance provider will cover the damages or if Hoesch’s own insurance will have to make up the difference, particularly if he has uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.