Nearly six months after a tragic pedestrian crash in Manhattan, justice is finally catching up — and with it, renewed outrage over the dangers New Yorkers face simply trying to cross the street.
On November 12, 2024, 69-year-old Miriam Reinharth was doing what every pedestrian in this city has a right to do: lawfully crossing W. 96th Street. But in a devastating turn, she was struck by an ambulance making a left turn from Amsterdam Avenue — a move that proved fatal.
The driver, 28-year-old Juan Santana, remained on scene and even transported Miriam to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital himself. But despite these actions, the facts remain: he failed to yield and failed to exercise due care.
She died hours later from internal bleeding caused by multiple pelvic and leg fractures. What began as a joyful day with her grandson ended in tragedy — the kind no family should ever have to face.
Last week, Santana was charged by the NYPD. But the delay in accountability raises deeper concerns. Why did it take nearly half a year to file charges?
And how many more preventable deaths will it take before this city gets serious about pedestrian safety — especially in heavily trafficked corridors like the Upper West Side?
Let’s be clear: emergency vehicle drivers are not above the law. Even with lights and sirens on, they must respect the rules of the road. Crosswalks aren’t suggestions — they’re legal protections. When those protections are violated, lives are shattered.
As experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in NYC, we know too well the devastating aftermath families face. The emotional pain. The funeral costs.
The unanswered questions. Criminal charges are only one part of the equation. True justice often requires a civil lawsuit — to expose the full extent of negligence and to demand accountability from both the individual and the institutions that failed to prevent the harm.
Miriam Reinharth wasn’t just a victim — she was a pillar of her community: a healthcare advocate, a cultural organizer, and a New Yorker who gave back every chance she could.
Her death leaves a gaping hole in the lives of those she touched — and in a city that too often turns a blind eye to pedestrian deaths.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a preventable crash, don’t stay silent. You have the right to fight back. And we’ll stand beside you every step of the way.
Every pedestrian life matters. And every act of negligence must be answered — in full.
