Fatal NYC Pedestrian Crash Prompts Charges

Fatal Ambulance Crash on Manhattan’s Upper West Side Raises Questions of Accountability

Nearly six months after a tragic pedestrian fatality on the Upper West Side, the ambulance driver involved in the crash has been arrested — reigniting concerns about pedestrian safety and driver responsibility on some of New York City’s busiest streets.

According to NYPD reports, 69-year-old Miriam Reinharth was lawfully crossing West 96th Street on November 12, 2024, when she was struck by an ambulance turning left from Amsterdam Avenue. The driver, 28-year-old Juan Santana, remained at the scene and transported Reinharth to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital himself. Despite these efforts, authorities have now charged Santana with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to use due care.

At Kelner & Kelner, we’ve represented countless families who’ve suffered the devastating aftermath of pedestrian collisions. All too often, we see how long it can take for legal accountability — whether criminal or civil — to catch up, especially when the vehicle involved belongs to an emergency service. But the law is clear: drivers of emergency vehicles are not exempt from exercising caution, and pedestrians retain the right to safely use marked crosswalks — even when sirens are blaring.

An investigation by the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad determined that Santana failed to yield as Reinharth crossed with the right of way on a wide, high-traffic corridor that doubles as a truck route. The crash caused catastrophic injuries, including fractures to her legs and pelvis, which led to fatal internal bleeding. She died within hours of the collision — after what her husband described as a joyful day with their grandson and an evening filled with hope and travel plans.

Her story is a somber reminder of why New York’s traffic laws exist — and why they must be followed, especially in neighborhoods like the Upper West Side where seniors, children, and families frequently rely on safe pedestrian access.

Reinharth was more than a victim; she was a deeply engaged member of her community. Known for her work in public health advocacy and civic service, she dedicated her time to helping fellow New Yorkers navigate healthcare systems and build stronger cultural ties.

While criminal proceedings are a step toward accountability, they don’t tell the whole story. In cases like these, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, holding negligent parties — including employers and institutions — financially and legally responsible. Civil actions are not just about recovering compensation for funeral expenses or emotional loss. They’re also about sending a message: careless actions, even by trained professionals, carry consequences.

In a city where pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain alarmingly frequent, the justice system must speak clearly: every life lost in a crosswalk deserves recognition, accountability, and justice — no matter who was driving.