A cyclist was run over by an ambulance then allegedly charged more than $1,800 after it transported him to a hospital.
William Hoesch, 71, was riding his bicycle in Rainier, Oregon, when an ambulance made a right turn and hit him, according to a lawsuit obtained by The Oregonian.
Hoesch sustained a fractured nose and scrapes, among other injuries, states the suit.
A photo from the scene showed the front wheel of his bike was crushed under the front right wheel of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue ambulance.
The same ambulance took Hoesch to a hospital to be treated.
After the ordeal, Hoesch said he was surprised to receive a bill for $1,862 for the ambulance ride.
‘Defendant Columbia River Fire & Rescue transported plaintiff to the nearest hospital for treatment of his injuries that were caused in the subject collision by its ambulance driver, and billed him for the service,’ states the complaint.
‘This collision destroyed plaintiff’s bicycle and caused him personal injuries.’
The cyclist is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue and seeking nearly $1million in damages. That includes $900,000 for pain and suffering, $50,000 for estimated future medical bills and $47,000 for medical expenses he already incurred.
Hoesch claims he still suffers from injuries including lowered grip strength.
‘The injuries have caused plaintiff to experience pain, stiffness, tenderness, discomfort, impaired range of motion, reduced grip strength, and other symptoms,’ stated the complaint, that ‘have interfered and will continue to interfere with his normal activities’.
Hoesch was cycling at 5 to 10mph when the ambulance which was returning from a trip made a sudden right turn on him, according to an Rainier Police Department report at the time of the October 22 incident.
The ambulance was traveling 2 to 10mph when the driver heard a thump and stopped the vehicle to discover Hoesch had been struck, stated the report.
Rainier is about 50 miles north of Portland.
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