Bicyclist Injured in Crash With Ambulance in Oregon Sues Fire Department

A bicyclist who claims he was injured by a Columbia River Fire & Rescue ambulance and then billed for the ambulance transport to the hospital, has filed suit seeking approximately $1 million in damages. William Hoesch filed suit in Multnomah County Circuit Court naming Columbia River Fire & Rescue and Allstate Insurance as defendants.

Hoesch, 71, alleges he was injured on October 27, 2022 when the ambulance cut him off. Quoting from the complaint:

• On October 27, 2022, at approximately 5:00 p.m., plaintiff William Hoesch was riding his bicycle and was travelling westbound on West C Street in Rainier, Oregon.
• He was nearing the intersection of West 2nd Street and as he entered the intersection intending to continue his path of travel, suddenly and without warning, Daniel Marting, who was driving a Columbia Fire & Rescue ambulance and was also travelling westbound on West C Street, made a sudden right turn onto West 2nd Street directly in front of plaintiff without making sure it was safe to do so, causing plaintiff to crash into the side of the ambulance.
• Unable to stop or evade the collision, plaintiff was thrown off his bicycle.
• This collision destroyed plaintiff’s bicycle and caused him personal injuries.
• The ambulance driver, Daniel Marting, who caused the collision and plaintiff’s injuries rendered medical assistance to plaintiff at the collision scene.
• Then, 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.
• As a direct and proximate result of defendant Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s negligent acts and omissions set forth herein, plaintiff suffered injuries to his face, nasal bone, left hand, left fingers, left and right wrists, right index finger, diaphragm, left hip, and multiple skin abrasions.
• The injuries have caused plaintiff to experience pain, stiffness, tenderness, discomfort, impaired range of motion, reduced grip strength, and other symptoms.

The suit alleges negligence and seeks $47,000 for past medical bills, $50,000 for future medical bills, and $900,000 for pain and suffering. AllState is sued for uninsured/underinsured coverage. Here is a copy of the complaint.