Honda passenger loses life when northbound Tesla fails to stop at red light n Upper Deerfield
December 20, 2025 | Upper Deerfield, NJ
Yerlimari Quinones, a 38-year-old from Bridgeton, lost her life in a devastating two-vehicle collision in Upper Deerfield Township.
The crash occurred when a northbound Tesla ran a red light and struck a westbound Honda at the intersection of South Woodruff Road and Irving Avenue.
Yerlimari Quinones, 38, of Bridgeton, died after a two-vehicle crash injured her while she was a passenger in a Honda at South Woodruff Road and Irving Avenue in Upper Deerfield Township.
What Happened in the Crash?
According to the New Jersey State Police, the incident took place around 5:55 p.m. on Dec. 20.
Key details include:
- Vehicles Involved: Northbound Tesla on County Road 553 and westbound Honda on County Road 552.
- Cause: The Tesla driver failed to stop at the red light, leading to a side collision.
- Victim: Quinones was a passenger in the Honda and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
- Injuries: Four other individuals suffered serious injuries, and the Tesla driver had minor injuries.
- Response: Emergency services arrived promptly, but Quinones could not be saved.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances, including potential factors like speed or distractions.
Why Do Red Light Crashes Happen?
Red light running remains a significant safety issue nationwide. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights rising trends in such violations.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Daily Fatalities |
Two people are killed daily in U.S. red light crashes |
American Automobile Association (AAA) |
National Increase |
28% rise in red light running over the past five years, and a 10-year high |
AAA |
New Jersey Fatalities |
695 lives lost in traffic accidents in 2024, up 14.7% from the prior year |
NHTSA |
These accidents often stem from driver inattention, speeding, or impairment. The Federal Highway Administration notes that intersections like this one are high-risk areas without proper enforcement.
Legal Insights
Newsline consulted a national legal analyst for a perspective on motor vehicle crashes involving traffic signal violations.
"In cases such as this, reconstructing the accident is crucial to identify all involved parties and determine fault," said Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. "Insurance companies rarely prioritize victims, and those with legal representation often secure three and a half times more compensation, per the Insurance Research Institute."
Key takeaways from the analysis:
- Always involve a competent attorney early to protect rights and handle investigations.
- Avoid immediate statements to insurers, as shock can affect outcomes.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress in wrongful death scenarios.
Finkelstein emphasized the broader implications: "Victims endure profound mental and physical suffering, leaving loved ones devastated. Professional guidance ensures justice is served."
How Can Families Seek Justice After a Crash?
Pending the ongoing investigation, Quinones' family could explore a wrongful death claim. Such actions address the profound losses from catastrophic incidents.
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If you or a loved one were involved in an incident like the one in this article and wish to speak with our national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein at no cost, please use the contact details provided on this page.
(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).