The Personal Injury Attorney in Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, 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 Waldwick, NJ
"Jolly Old England" Concert by the Waldwick Band
Wyckoff, NJ Patchhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/calendar/event/20250202/542a476c-3291-4e0f-b882-f831d2bc92e7/jolly-old-england-concert-by-the-waldwick-band
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Wyckoff|Local EventBilly, NeighborSun, Feb 2, 2025 at 2:30 PMThe Village School, 100 W Prospect St, Waldwick, NJ, 07463...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Wyckoff|Local Event
- Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 2:30 PM
- The Village School, 100 W Prospect St, Waldwick, NJ, 07463
- More info here
Come enjoy music from & inspired by England at this fun (and free) concert by the Waldwick Band. Selections include Greensleeves, English Folk Song Suite, Noel Coward Medley & more. Plus, there are no NFL playoffs on Feb. 2! Visit https://waldwickband.org/ for more information. Free admission.
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How one small North Jersey town produced several successful soccer coaches
Sean Farrellhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2024/10/15/waldwick-nj-soccer-small-town-program-coaches-jon-noschese/75612969007/
The rookie coach tried to treat it like any other game. Reality made that nearly impossible.When Hawthorne reached the sectional semifinals back in 2014, it brought Ryan McMann home to the place where he made so many indelible memories as a forward.His opponent was top seed Waldwick and his former head coach Jon Noschese."It was definitely weird facing him," McMann said. "He was one of the first people I told about getting the job."McMann was the first disciple to coach against Noschese after b...
The rookie coach tried to treat it like any other game. Reality made that nearly impossible.
When Hawthorne reached the sectional semifinals back in 2014, it brought Ryan McMann home to the place where he made so many indelible memories as a forward.
His opponent was top seed Waldwick and his former head coach Jon Noschese.
"It was definitely weird facing him," McMann said. "He was one of the first people I told about getting the job."
McMann was the first disciple to coach against Noschese after being penciled into his lineup on Wyckoff Ave. Surely, he will not be the last to face the 27-year veteran.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
One of Bergen County's smallest towns has produced one of its largest coaching trees with seven North Jersey soccer programs run by Noschese alums. Two more branches sprouted up this year, and one on each side. Steve Contreras is the new bench boss with the Paramus boys and Dylan Van Riper is getting his start with the Dumont girls team.
These days, the North Jersey schedule is full of matchups between coaches cut from the same cloth. Sometimes it's one high school teammate versus another.
"It doesn't matter if they are four years above or below me," Indian Hills boys soccer coach Chris Mayer said. "Waldwick is such a small town that we get excited. It's special. I can't imagine there are many towns that can say they have something like that."
How did Waldwick become a breeding ground for coaches?
There is at least one simple explanation for how a Group 1 school has developed such a wide reach. Loving the game is easy in good times and Waldwick has had plenty of them under Noschese (383-131-36) and longtime assistant Joe Kelly, cited by many as a key to the dynasty.
During their tenure, Waldwick has racked up nine sectional titles and twelve divisional crowns. Plus, a trip to state tournament in every year but two.
The last 13 senior classes have all laid hands on at least one sectional title.
"It's just so intoxicating the way you can put together a couple of kids and build a family, set a goal and go for it every single year," Mayer said. "It's just the most special thing. I think in all of our hearts, we're trying to recreate everything we did in Waldwick."
Of course, even the closest of families can be torn apart.
Mayer sees it first-hand whenever he and Braves assistant Mark Sinclair renew acquaintances with Mahwah coach Tommy Schultz.
All three were upperclassmen in 2006 when Waldwick beat border rival Midland Park in the North 1, Group 1 final – although the Mahwah coach watched most of the game from the bench after sustaining a concussion.
"Those two are like two of my best friends on planet Earth," Schultz said. "We rode in Mark Sinclair's car together, the three of us, every single day."
Like many of his peers, Schultz has been shaped by his upbringing. His philosophy of building from the back, creating a brotherhood and maintaining an engaged alumni network are all things he's tried to incorporate from the Waldwick way.
Throughout the season, Schultz often stays in touch with other members of his blue-and-white tinged coaching tree.
"We're constantly talking to each other," Schultz said. "We're constantly bouncing ideas off each other and supporting each other. I know that's what Coach [Noschese] had in mind within their program but it's grown to something so much more."
Jon Noschese's beginnings
A former player at Shore Regional, Noschese developed a love of coaching from his college coach, Marc Whitehouse, at Gordon College in eastern Massachusetts. Another mentor came after college when Noschese cut his teeth at Clifton for seven years under the legendary Fernando Rossi.
When Noschese got to Waldwick in 1998, the program was only a year removed from a run of four straight sectional titles. But aesthetically, things have come a long way since then. Installing two turf fields is chief among them.
"You had to [train] behind the high school and that thing was a mud pit or a dirt pit or a dust bowl by the end of double sessions," said Bryan Press, a 2004 graduate who runs the Indian Hills girls program.
"Then we had the privilege of playing on the football field, but that was still grass on the bigger games or state games. But Waldwick soccer has always been – and you could ask anybody – the sport in Waldwick."
It won't be long before another coach gets a trip down memory lane. Contreras will face his old school on Wednesday when Paramus hosts Waldwick in the second round of the Bergen County tournament. One of the takeaways from his high school experience was the importance of being honest with players and not sugarcoating the truth.
A core tenet for Noschese is not just saying what to do, but explaining the process and the why behind it.
"He was tough," said Contreras, a two-time sectional champion in the midfield. "He was on you. And I always feel like he got the best out of you as an individual and the best out of his teams. You could even go back to my senior year team. We weren't the most talented, but he squeezed everything he could out of our team collectively."
For Noschese – or "Mr. N" as his history students tend to call him – he would much rather cheer on a former pupil than strategize against them. Seeing others pay it forward is still worth the odd encounter.
"My grandmother was always getting on my case about to whom much is given, much is required," Noschese said. "We always talk about the fact that we've been given a lot here in this town and we want to give back to soccer."
Another team that could be on Waldwick's schedule sooner than later is Indian Hills. Both Braves' soccer teams were moved to Group 1 this summer, leaving open the possibility for a state tournament showdown.
"It has crossed my mind and you root for your own guys but you're always a Waldwick fan," Mayer said. "Noschese has always been good to my family. I lost my brother [Michael in 2011] and he still gives out an award after every game honoring him. It's more than just a group of guys. I'm cracking up a little bit about it. He's always kept my brothers' legacy alive and I don't talk about it much and I don't say it to him enough but that means so much to my family."
Traits of a warrior
A rapid-fire scouting report from Waldwick boys soccer coach Jon Noschese on his seven players-turned-coaches.
BOYS SOCCER
Hawthorne's Ryan McMann (2002): One of the best goal-scorers in Waldwick history still.
Mahwah's Tommy Schultz (2007): Always the brains. He always studied the game and was intelligent about it.
Indian Hills' Chris Mayer (2008): All out, 100 percent.
Paramus' Steve Contreras (2016): Late-bloomer, hustle kid. It was unbelievable how he worked and willed his way to becoming a starter and a captain and a champion.
GIRLS SOCCER
Indian Hills' Bryan Press (2004): Probably the nicest boy I've ever coached. Super nice, considerate and smart.
Dumont's Dylan Van Riper (2011): Really tough as nails. Would do almost whatever it takes to win.
Bergenfield's Steve Palaia (2011): Probably the most versatile of all the kids that I've coached.
Boys soccer countdown: No. 6 team sets the standard for small-school programs
Sean Farrellhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/boys-soccer/2024/08/23/waldwick-nj-boys-soccer-standard-small-schools/74885190007/
Team: WaldwickCoach: Jon NoscheseLast year's record: 16-42023 final ranking: No. 10Rearview mirrorIn 2023, Waldwick showed that the kids were all right.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.A team that had only one senior finished unbeaten in division play, won a r...
Team: Waldwick
Coach: Jon Noschese
Last year's record: 16-4
2023 final ranking: No. 10
Rearview mirror
In 2023, Waldwick showed that the kids were all right.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
A team that had only one senior finished unbeaten in division play, won a round in the Bergen County tournament and advanced to a seventh-straight sectional final.
How did the Warriors do it? By pairing a defense that ranked second in North Jersey in goals allowed with an offense that tore through opponents behind Bergen County scoring champ JJ Ruehlemann.
Yet, the Warriors still come into 2024 with more to accomplish. A 1-0 home loss to Mountain Lakes back in November ended their bid for a three-peat in North 1, Group 1.
Best assets
This is usually the time of the year when coach Jon Noschese rounds up his team on the bleachers to announce the new group of captains. Things are a little different this summer on the eve of his 27th season.
"Something I've never had in my career is having three returning captains who were juniors last year," Noschese said. "That's crazy for me to think about. Usually it's big honor to be named captain in Waldwick and you work your way up to your senior year."
That core of leaders is spread all over the lineup with seniors Axel da Silva (goalie), Jake Carroll (defender) and Ruehlemann (forward). Da Silva took over the Warriors' net as a sophomore and built on it in 2023 en route to second-team, all-county honors. Ruehlemann reached the first team after pouring in 31 goals and 13 assists.
The athletic talent isn't limited to the senior class, though. The grade behind them will have plenty to say with the defensive play of Erik Mezini and the extra scoring punch from Ethan Brezden (7 goals, 5 assists) and Isaac Vargas (5 goals, 6 assists).
"I still have a team pretty much dominated by juniors," Noschese said. "I had five or six sophomores out there last year so there is still a lot of room to grow. But for the most part, I would say that our summer went pretty well."
Noschese is also encouraged by the growth of basketball star Andrew Del Rey, who's picking up the nuances of the midfield.
MORE:Counting down North Jersey's top girls and boys soccer teams
Expectations
Winning a sectional title is always a goal for the Warriors, who have done it six times in the last decade. That is certainly in reach again with only one starter to replace.
Like any Group 1 school, staying healthy and developing depth will be crucial.
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