Fatal Pedestrian Collision Under Investigation on Frelinghuysen Avenue
July 11, 2025 | Newark, NJ
A 62-year-old woman was tragically killed late Friday night after being struck by a vehicle in Newark, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said Jessica Perez, a Newark resident, was walking across the 900 block of Frelinghuysen Avenue at approximately 11:45 p.m. when she was hit by a northbound Toyota Camry. Sadly, Perez succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The driver of the Camry remained present and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Jessica Perez, 62, was fatally struck by a Toyota Camry Friday night while crossing Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite laws designed to protect them, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users across the country. Tragically, Jessica Perez, 62, became one of the latest victims when she was struck and killed by a vehicle on Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark on Friday night.
According to recent data from the New Jersey State Police, pedestrian deaths in the state climbed to 221 in 2024—a staggering 29% increase from the previous year.
“Generally, driver negligence is to blame for most pedestrian accidents,” said Andrew G. Finkelstein, Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. “Whether it’s distraction, rushing, or simple inattention, these actions often lead to catastrophic outcomes for victims.”
Finkelstein emphasized the importance of conducting an independent investigation to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
“It is essential to reconstruct the accident, identify all vehicles involved, and determine the circumstances that led to the crash,” Finkelstein said. “An experienced attorney ensures that no stone is left unturned and that the family receives the justice they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the official investigation, the family of Jessica Perez, 62, who was fatally struck by a Toyota Camry while walking across Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark, may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Such claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a tragic accident.
“People who get into accidents such as this suffer unimaginable consequences in the form of mental and physical pain, and, in cases of fatalities, the victim’s family and loved ones are left devastated,” said Andrew G. Finkelstein, Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices and a national legal analyst for Newsline.
Finkelstein warned that families often face resistance from insurance companies seeking to minimize liability:
“As a pedestrian accident victim, you will most likely face an insurance company expert who will attempt to place partial or full blame on you. The situation becomes even more tragic when the pedestrian is killed and it’s the loved ones that are told that person was at fault.”
He added that such tactics are meant to reduce payouts and protect company profits:
“You should never give a statement directly to the insurance company. The best course of action is to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney large enough to take on the insurance company and speak up for you as a victim—or for your loved one who cannot.”
An attorney can guide families through the process while fighting for fair compensation and ensuring that their legal rights are fully protected.
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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Newsline''s national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one need support, he’s available for a free consultation to help guide you.
(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).