71-Year-Old Oregon Bicyclist Struck by Ambulance Files Lawsuit for Nearly $1 Million

A 71-year-old Oregon cyclist, William Hoesch, has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $1 million in damages after an ambulance struck him while making a right turn, resulting in multiple injuries, including a fractured nose and scrapes across his body.

Where and When Did The Accident Happen?

The incident occurred in October 2022 in Rainier, a small town in Columbia County, and has led to Hoesch facing over $47,000 in medical bills, with expectations of another $50,000 in future costs.

According to the lawsuit, Hoesch was cycling on the same road as the ambulance when it turned into him, destroying his bicycle. Despite causing the accident, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, the ambulance provider, transported Hoesch to the hospital and later billed him $1,862 for the service.

Hoesch’s attorney, Travis Mayor, emphasized that Columbia River Fire & Rescue has not provided a comment regarding the lawsuit, which was filed on October 24, 2024. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance should cover any damages that Columbia River Fire & Rescue does not.

How Fast Was The Ambulance Driving?

The crash occurred directly in front of Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s Rainier station as the ambulance was returning from a previous call. According to police reports, the ambulance was traveling at a low speed, estimated between 2 and 10 mph, when the driver and passenger heard a “thump” and discovered Hoesch injured. Hoesch, who was traveling between 5 and 10 mph on his bike, told police he did not expect the ambulance to make the turn in front of him.

In addition to the $47,000 in medical bills, Hoesch is seeking $900,000 for pain and suffering, citing a reduced range of motion, grip strength, and other lingering symptoms.

This Is Not The First Time An Ambulance Has Hit A Pedestrian

Though rare, ambulance accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians have occurred in Oregon before. In January 2024, 25-year-old Kelsey Seibel was killed in a crash involving an ambulance, leading her estate to file a $6 million lawsuit. Additionally, in July 2024, an AMR ambulance struck and killed a woman on the side of Interstate 84 in Hood River County, though no lawsuit has been filed in that case.

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