The Personal Injury Attorney in Garfield, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.
The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.
Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Garfield, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Service Areas
The William Gonzalez Law Difference
William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.
After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.
Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Garfield, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Workers' Compensation Cases
- DUI Cases
- Municipal Court Cases
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
- Driving Too Fast
- Talking or Texting While Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Making Improper Lane Changes
- Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
- Rear-Ending Other Drivers
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Garfield, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
- Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
- Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
- Poor Lighting
- Narrow Stairs
- Wet Floors
- Missing Handrails
- Uneven Flooring
- Defective Sidewalks
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Garfield, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.
William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.
What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?
When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.
There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:
- Pain and Suffering
- Bodily Harm
- Emotional Distress
Pain and Suffering in New Jersey
Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.
To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.
Bodily Harm in New Jersey
When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.
Emotional Distress in New Jersey
Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Garfield, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.
How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
Legal Duty
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
Breach of Duty
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
Causation
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Garfield, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.
Damages
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.
A Personal Injury Attorney in Garfield, NJ, You Can Count On
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
Latest News in Garfield, NJ
Randolph boys volleyball makes history, tops Garfield in sectional final
Jane Havsyhttps://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/high-school/volleyball/2025/06/06/nj-volleyball-garfield-at-randolph-group-2-north-final/84049991007/
RANDOLPH — There is only one senior banner left hanging on the far wall of Randolph's gym: setter Kevin Tinio. All the others have been taken down.Tinio will get to keep his place of honor for a few more days. The Rams outlasted Garfield, 25-23, 21-25, 29-27 to win Group 2 North on June 6.It is the first sectional trophy for the 5-year-old boys volleyball team. Randolph (25-4) advances to face two-time defending Group 2 South champion St. Joseph (Metuchen) for the overall title on Wednesday at South Brunswi...
RANDOLPH — There is only one senior banner left hanging on the far wall of Randolph's gym: setter Kevin Tinio. All the others have been taken down.
Tinio will get to keep his place of honor for a few more days. The Rams outlasted Garfield, 25-23, 21-25, 29-27 to win Group 2 North on June 6.
It is the first sectional trophy for the 5-year-old boys volleyball team. Randolph (25-4) advances to face two-time defending Group 2 South champion St. Joseph (Metuchen) for the overall title on Wednesday at South Brunswick.
Tinio had an inkling this would be a solid season as soon as practice started. It was the bonds between the other starters who have played together for Xtreme Volleyball Academy in Ledgewood.
Tinio only started playing volleyball as a Randolph freshman, but he stepped into the leadership role as the team's lone senior. It was particularly important after the Rams (25-4) were upset on their home floor in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference tournament semifinal.
"That loss from NJACs started the fire in us," said Tinio, who plans to continue his academic and volleyball careers at Widener. "We've got to lock in. We saw we could really take it this far if we took it seriously."
But perhaps not too seriously.
Head coach Erik Novack and assistant Bryan Mate, who launched the boys volleyball program, had been getting steadily more dressed up with each NJSIAA Tournament win. They started in team polos, then upgraded to button-down shirts, and added ties for the semi. Novack and Mate were each wearing a full suit at the start of the sectional final, but quickly shed their jackets in the sweltering gym.
"We're out here sweating. But we're a team, and we want to be sweating together, if that means winning it," joked sophomore Jan Rostek, who had nine kills, three blocks and two digs on June 6.
Fourth-seeded Garfield (21-10) came into Randolph's gym on June 6 as the defending sectional champion, with more than two decades of history. The Boilermakers had gone undefeated in the NJIC-American without even dropping a game, and won their first Bergen County Tournament title.
All that experience helped fuel Garfield – which upset top seed Ramapo in a June 4 semifinal – during long rallies, and as match point seesawed back and forth.
Boilermakers coach Heidi Dawson called timeout with Randolph ahead, 24-23. Senior outside Ylan Tapper put the ball down, tying the score. But Rostek gave the Rams the lead back on a crosscourt kill.
Tapper had Garfield's kills in the final stretch of the third game. But finally, Cole Cantada put the ball down and the Boilermakers were unable to respond.
"It stinks to lose that way," said Dawson, a Garfield alumnus who founded the boys program in 1998 and coached there until 2005. "I'm very proud of this group. ... It's been a struggle to get some respect, because Ylan is such an amazing player. But it's not a one-man show. There's a lot of hard work going on, and a real team effort."
Tapper had a game-high 30 kills, a block, three aces and 11 digs. Junior middle Ben Barninger led Randolph with 10 kills, three blocks, three digs and an ace. Tinio added 26 assists, a kill, four blocks and two digs.
"We accomplished beautiful things," Rostek said. "How we fight, that's really beautiful. I don't think you can put that in a stat book."
Bergen County Tournament Boys Volleyball Final Preview: Garfield vs Hackensack
Tyler Duffyhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/05/bergen-county-tournament-boys-volleyball-final-preview-garfield-vs-hackensack.html
BERGEN COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINALFriday, May 16 at Fair Lawn High School, 4:30 | BRACKET4-Garfield (16-5) vs 2-Hackensack (22-1)HOW THEY GOT HEREGarfield: Garfield’s quest to the Bergen County title game started with a bye in the play-in round, and it prepared for its first round matchup against 13th-seeded Lyndhurst, where it earned a 2-1 victory...
BERGEN COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINAL
Friday, May 16 at Fair Lawn High School, 4:30 | BRACKET
4-Garfield (16-5) vs 2-Hackensack (22-1)
HOW THEY GOT HERE
Garfield: Garfield’s quest to the Bergen County title game started with a bye in the play-in round, and it prepared for its first round matchup against 13th-seeded Lyndhurst, where it earned a 2-1 victory. In the quarterfinal round, Garfield faced fifth-seeded Bergen Tech, and once again earned a close 2-1 win. Garfield moved on to the semifinal round where it faced its biggest test yet, going up against top-seeded Fair Lawn, No. 6 in the NJ.com Top 20 rankings, and earned a 3-2 victory in a best-of-five set.
Hackensack: Hackensack, the second seed in the Bergen County Tournament, earned a bye in the play-in round, and faced 15th-seeded Don Bosco Prep in the first round where it won 2-0. In the quarterfinal round, Hackensack defeated seventh-seeded Bergenfield, 2-1, and continued its undefeated season in a nail biter. Hackensack then competed in the semifinal round against third-seeded Ramapo, and won, 3-2, in a best-of-five set to clinch its spot in the 2025 Bergen County title game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
GARFIELD
Ylan Tapper, Sr.
Tapper has been one of the most consistent outside hitters all season long, and has led Garfield to a 16-5 record and an undefeated record in conference play. The senior has 303 kills this season along with 138 digs, and will be the biggest offensive threat for a very offensively skilled Garfield team.
Roger Chavez, Sr.
Chaves has 472 assists this season and is also a key contributor to a Garfield offense that has a high motor. The senior setter has 107 service points, and also has 14 aces in 50 sets played this season.
Raul Cortorreal, Sr.
Cortorreal has 191 digs this season, and has also added 133 service points to go along with 20 aces, which is second on the team. Cortorreal has been one of the most consistent members of this Garfield offense, and the fellow senior joins other veteran members of the starting lineup that has potential to breakout.
HACKENSACK
Marcos Estrada, Jr.
Estrada has been the leader and undisputed offensive threat for a very talented Hackensack offense. Estrada has 228 kills this season, along with 45 blocks and 14 digs, and has led Hackensack to a 22-1 record this season.
Ricky Lozado, Sr.
The senior has been a key contributor all season long, and has 336 assists, along with 116 service points and 68 digs. Lozado is just one member of a long list of veterans on this team, as Hackensack is coming into this tournament with a ton of experience at the varsity level.
Jason Ludizace, Sr.
Ludizace has 327 digs this season and has also contributed 24 assists and 95 service points to a team that not only excels on offense, but has been one of the better teams in the state defensively, leading to one of the best records so far this season across high school volleyball.
PREDICTION
Hackensack 2, Garfield 1
Tyler Duffy can be reached at tduffy@njadvancemedia.com.
The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now!
Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
New Garfield football coach hopes to wake a 'sleeping giant'
Darren Cooperhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/02/25/farsheed-taschayyodi-garfield-nj-football-coach/80030442007/
NorthJersey.comFarsheed Taschayyodi is brushing up on his Garfield football history.“City of Champions, I’m reading the book right now,” Taschayyodi said, referring to the definitive book on Boilermaker football by Hank Gola. “It was one of the first things I asked about and they got...
NorthJersey.com
Farsheed Taschayyodi is brushing up on his Garfield football history.
“City of Champions, I’m reading the book right now,” Taschayyodi said, referring to the definitive book on Boilermaker football by Hank Gola. “It was one of the first things I asked about and they got me a copy.”
The 40-year-old will write the next chapter of Garfield football history. The longtime Mount Olive assistant was approved as the Boilermakers' new head coach on Monday night. He will also be joining the faculty as a math teacher.
Taschayyodi, also known as Coach Sheed or Coach T, brings a wealth of experience as an assistant. He was coaching the Wayne Valley freshman team when he was still in college, then he followed former Indians coach Brian O’Connor to Hanover Park and Mount Olive.
Taschayyodi has coached multiple position groups, but most recently was the Marauders quarterbacks coach. This is his first varsity football head coaching position.
“I know it sounds cliché, but I really do think Garfield is a sleeping giant,” Taschayyodi said Tuesday morning. “When Brian and I went to Mount Olive, we saw a lot of things I see now in Garfield, kids ready to win and willing do to do the work to be successful on and off the field and in life. I am excited to guide them in the right direction and help them reach those goals.”
Garfield hasn’t had a winning season since the makeshift COVID football season of 2020. Veteran coach Pete Santacroce stepped away to focus his efforts on the school's baseball program.
Taschayyodi planned to have his first meeting with the team on Tuesday afternoon. He planned on speaking with former assistant coaches and hoped many would stay. He’s approaching the job not thinking about wins and losses first, but creating leaders.
“Our leadership piece is the No. 1 thing,” Taschayyodi said. “I want to create a unity council and a leadership council. The Xs and Os are small in the big picture. We want to show guys what it means to be a leader. I saw a presentation on the New Zealand national rugby team and they said better men make better All Blacks. Our philosophy is that better people will make better Boilermakers.”
Taschayyodi also coached wrestling at Wayne Valley and coaches golf at Mount Olive. He said leaving Mount Olive was not an easy decision.
“Garfield is an incredible community with a great support system,” he said. “There weren’t many jobs that I would leave Mount Olive for, but this was one of those dream jobs that you can’t pass up.”
Taschayyodi parents, Mohammad and Soheila, are from Iran. He is the oldest of four siblings. While his parents rooted for one to be a doctor, all four became civil servants or teachers.
“There’s an old Persian joke, that first there is doctors and then there is God,” Taschayyodi said with a laugh. “I was studying to be a doctor, but then realized this is my passion to teach and coach.”
Disclaimer:
