An Oregon cyclist who was struck by an ambulance that made a right turn into him — fracturing his nose and leaving him with scrapes and other injuries across his body — has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider after it scooped him up, drove him to the hospital and then billed him for the service. Columbia River Fire & Rescue sent 71-year-old William Hoesch a bill in the amount of $1,862 for an ambulance ride after they crashed into him and destroyed his bicycle. So far, Hoesch’s medical bills amount to $47,000, with another $50,000 of medical costs he expects in the future. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. claims Hoesch’s uninsured motorist coverage is obligated to cover any damages that the Columbia River Fire & Rescue is unable to. According to police reports, the driver who struck Hoesch and a passenger in the ambulance heard a thump, stopped, and found Hoesch injured. Hoesch said he didn’t think the ambulance was going to turn in front of him. His bicycle was crushed under the ambulance wheel. Hoesch’s lawsuit also seeks $900,000 for pain and suffering, stating he suffered decreased range of motion, reduced grip strength and other symptoms.
