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 Allendale, 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.
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 Allendale, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
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.
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.
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 Allendale, 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.
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.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Allendale, 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.
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:
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.
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 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 Allendale, 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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Allendale, 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.
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
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.
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.
ALLENDALE2-minute readNorthJersey.comALLENDALE — Four years after it was plastered over, the borough's centennial mural is about to be resurrected.A multi-stage project to create a new mural will begin next week under the supervision of resident sculptor Simon Rigg, said Mayor Amy Wilczynski."The Allendale mural project will result in a magnificent and unique piece of art," Wilczynski said in a ...
ALLENDALE
NorthJersey.com
ALLENDALE — Four years after it was plastered over, the borough's centennial mural is about to be resurrected.
A multi-stage project to create a new mural will begin next week under the supervision of resident sculptor Simon Rigg, said Mayor Amy Wilczynski.
"The Allendale mural project will result in a magnificent and unique piece of art," Wilczynski said in a message to residents on the borough website. "This is an exciting project to be a part of Allendale history."
The original mural was designed by art director George Takayama. It was painted by volunteers on the side of a retail/apartment building at 83-89 W. Allendale Ave., in the central business area, as part of the borough's 1994 centennial celebration. Over time it had become cracked as a result of the shifting brick wall under the plaster the mural was painted on. The mural was covered when the wall was repaired and replastered in December 2019.
Wilczynski was on the council at the time and encouraged suggestions for a mural replacement. However, the COVID-19 shutdown postponed the project, which is just getting off the ground now.
"Ed Kalpagian of State Farm owns the building and Frank Tommaso owns the land," Wilczynski said. "They are both very accommodating and in support of this project."
Rigg is proposing a ceramic bas-relief three-dimensional mural in which kilned and enameled clay animals and birds are affixed to glazed painted panels that are attached to the wall.
"These are more weatherproof, and can be removed and preserved in the event further building work is required," Rigg said.
The first stage, scheduled for next week, will be the molding in clay of various fish, turtles, birds and insects native to the borough's 107-acre Celery Farm nature preserve. The work will be done by Hillside School's 91 third graders during art classes.
"These will later be colored and enameled, and eventually glued to the painted panels," Rigg said. "Students at Northern Highlands will later be involved in painting the murals and larger animals."
Allendale historian Fred Litt provided input for the mural's elements, which are similar to the original, but not exactly the same. Those included the borough clock at the intersection of Myrtle and West Allendale avenues, the circa-1760 Fell House on Franklin Turnpike, the Allendale Bar & Grill, Highlands Presbyterian Church, the borough train station, the Memorial Park monument, the Grand Stand Field at Allendale Recreation Park, Crestwood Park and elements of the Celery Farm.
Rigg is hoping the mural, which he called a "large, complicated project," will be in place by June.
ALLENDALE2-minute readNorthJersey.comBlame it on the water or an alignment of the planets — no one can say what is responsible for the astounding 11 sets of twins in this year's Northern Highlands graduating class of 340 students.Principal Joe Occhino called it near-unique in the history of the regional high school, which serves students in Allendale, Upper Saddle River, Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus."This group of twins is certainly a record-breaker for Highlands," Occhino said Wednesday. &q...
ALLENDALE
NorthJersey.com
Blame it on the water or an alignment of the planets — no one can say what is responsible for the astounding 11 sets of twins in this year's Northern Highlands graduating class of 340 students.
Principal Joe Occhino called it near-unique in the history of the regional high school, which serves students in Allendale, Upper Saddle River, Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus.
"This group of twins is certainly a record-breaker for Highlands," Occhino said Wednesday. "This sensational group is truly a microcosm of what the Class of 2023 represents — unique, special, fun-loving and confident! I am honored to be their principal."
Interviewing 22 high school seniors at once would be a challenge on any day, but on the last day of classes the group was additionally distracted by signing yearbooks, which include a two-page spread on the twins because the occasion was so momentous. A spontaneous chorus of "Sweet Caroline" erupted among the students between classes as they waited for slow-moving brothers and sisters to arrive.
None of the identical twins will admit to switching classes while growing up to fool their teachers.
There was general consensus that an overarching advantage of being twins is two-for-one privileges: two sets of phone calls for snow day closings, and two sets of tickets for graduation. A general disadvantage is that the keys of the family car are always missing, or that whoever drove the car last left it in the driveway with no gas. Also that one twin is always being compared to the other.
From there, opinions diverge on the best part of making people see double.
"Someone always has your back," Tom Scornacchia said about twin sister Sarah.
"You always know somebody the first day of school," Anthony Gentile said of twin brother Kyle.
Highlands apparently makes no effort to keep the pairs separated. Justin and Roman Dario said they had five classes together this year.
"Yes, but I did all the homework," Roman said, while Justin attempted to administer a half-nelson wrestling hold. "Don't tell anyone."
Among the disadvantages: impromptu clothes sharing.
"You miss a bunch of sweatshirts," said Juliana Lavino. Brother John denied that any such borrowing took place.
Whether the twins will stay close or go their separate ways in college got diverse answers. Andre Johnson said he was headed to Penn State while brother Gabe would be relatively close at Lafayette, also in Pennsylvania. On the other hand, Olivia Flynn is headed for Virginia Tech while sister Arden is going to the University of Georgia. Isabel Padilla chose Savannah College of Arts and Design in Georgia while brother Tommy will attend High Point University in North Carolina.
As the students departed for their classes, Tommy stayed behind to emphasize that telepathy between twins is "very real." And what does Tommy think was in the water that produced so many twins?
"Lead," Tommy said without hesitation.
The twins are:
Graduation at the school is June 22.
Editor's note: The twin experience is not unique for this school as there were 16 sets of twins in the class of 2021.
LOCAL2-minute readNorthJersey.comAn Allendale fire captain is suing the town and several officials, accusing them of violating the election process for Fire Department officers and violating state discrimination laws.Michael Pini, a 26-year-old first captain with the borough who joined in 2013 as a 16-year-old, filed suit in state Superior Court on June 13. In his lawsuit, Pini said he was denied a promotion to assistant chief despite being elected by his fellow firefighters.Named in the suit are the boro...
LOCAL
NorthJersey.com
An Allendale fire captain is suing the town and several officials, accusing them of violating the election process for Fire Department officers and violating state discrimination laws.
Michael Pini, a 26-year-old first captain with the borough who joined in 2013 as a 16-year-old, filed suit in state Superior Court on June 13. In his lawsuit, Pini said he was denied a promotion to assistant chief despite being elected by his fellow firefighters.
Named in the suit are the borough, the Fire Department, Police Chief Michael Dillon, Fire Chief David Baez and Allendale director of operations Ron Kistner. Raymond Wiss, Allendale's borough attorney, said they had not yet been served with the lawsuit.
Firefighters in the Allendale Fire Department, including the chief, vote on whom to put in company positions such as assistant chief and first captain. According to the borough code, each election is held at the firehouse during an annual meeting in November, and whoever receives the most votes is elected to those positions. The positions are then confirmed by the Borough Council.
Allendale has a volunteer fire department, but there are stipends. As first captain, Pini received a stipend of $1,200, and for the assistant chief post, it would have been $4,000.
Pini said he is apolitical and is not actively involved in politics but that he is viewed as someone who does not support the mayor or the borough's elected and appointed officials. Pini alleges the borough did not abide by the election result because he was not "sufficiently loyal to [the defendants'] political aspirations."
He said this is one of the reasons he was denied the promotion to assistant fire chief.
The defendants "were interested in denying a younger promoted person of a position that they preferred went to an elderly candidate who did not win the election," the suit alleges.
Pini additionally accuses the other candidate of having a "highly questionable background and history," which led to his termination from the Department of Public Works several years ago.
The lawsuit says that in early 2023, Pini was notified that his election as assistant chief wouldn't be honored and officials were not going to change the table of titles. Pini said the borough's and other defendants' decisions threatened his promotion and one other person's promotion to first captain.
"The notification made clear that the plaintiff and other individual affected were required to immediately embrace their demise and agree to stay on [the Allendale Fire Department] in their present positions or they were to be terminated from employment," the suit says.
Pini said he couldn't get a vote for confirmation and that the defendants "falsely claimed" there would be no promotions in 2023.
Then, without warning, in April 2023, someone else was named assistant chief, a person who was not on the ballot, hadn't been in the running for the position and made "denigrating remarks" about Pini and the Fire Department after the election, the lawsuit says.
"This is a total evisceration of the election process that cannot be tolerated," said Eric Kleiner, Pini's attorney, noting that it would not go "unchallenged."
The suit says naming someone else as assistant fire chief showed the communication about no promotions to be "false and untrue."
Kleiner said the promotion to assistant fire chief is a "gateway for future promotions," and the suit says Pini is being robbed of the chance to be voted chief, since he must first be the assistant chief.
Pini alleges that borough officials are retaliating against him for a 2022 complaint regarding workplace harassment and bullying, an incident that he says was never investigated. Pini said he was treated with hostility instead and there was no action taken to provide "remedial relief." The details surrounding the bullying are not detailed in the lawsuit, but Kleiner said they should have been investigated.
The suit says this complaint is just one of the reasons behind the denial of promotion.
Pini is seeking damages of an unspecified amount.
White-tailed deer can be found all over the state of New Jersey, from fields to forests to backyards. They are described by New Jersey Fish and Wildlife as a "major component of the landscape throughout all but the most urbanized areas of the state."Though the animals are a common sight, one buck has gained the attention of many residents in a Bergen County town for its bright whit...
White-tailed deer can be found all over the state of New Jersey, from fields to forests to backyards. They are described by New Jersey Fish and Wildlife as a "major component of the landscape throughout all but the most urbanized areas of the state."
Though the animals are a common sight, one buck has gained the attention of many residents in a Bergen County town for its bright white coat. This deer, which an Allendale resident has named Pete, is most likely a piebald.
Piebald deer stand out from most white-tailed deer due to their peculiar coat, which has varying amounts of white fur, from some on the legs or sides to almost entirely white, Fish and Wildlife says. This coloration is the result of an inherited genetic trait, which also can cause distinct physical conditions such as skeletal or internal organ deformities.
They are often confused with albino deer, but piebald deer have some brown fur and brown eyes. True albino deer, with pink eyes and white hooves, are extremely rare.
Piebald deer are also pretty rare, making up less than 1% of the population, Fish and Wildlife says. However, they can be more common on a local basis.
Allendale resident James Molzan has been keeping an eye on a local piebald deer for a few years now, watching him develop from a youngster to an eight-point buck. A self-described outdoorsman and longtime hunter, Molzan estimates the deer, which he has named Pete, to be at least 250 pounds.
"I'm on the road about 100 miles in a day. I live in Allendale. That's where he lives, and I see him quite a bit. I named him Pete the piebald," Molzan said. "There's different areas where he hangs out, and he sticks out like a sore thumb because he's white ... It's pretty interesting. He's a beautiful animal."
Pete's name has caught on around town over the last couple of years, Molzan said. His neighbor Kelly Cusato, who has lived in town for about 11 years, echoed that statement, saying the name Pete has taken off among Allendale residents.
"It's really cool when you see him, because everybody just runs and takes pictures and looks up the meaning of 'piebald,'" said Cusato, who typically sees Pete a couple of times a month. Though he tends to hang out near Brookside School, he occasionally makes his way into Cusato's yard, mingling with her resident herd of white-tailed deer.
"He lifts up your spirits. It makes you happy to see him," Cusato said. "It also kind of stresses me out because of the traffic and the deer. I don't want anything to happen to him. The people love to see him."
Molzan, too, worries about Pete's safety, as some hunting is allowed in the area.
Elsewhere in the state, a pair of piebald deer named Snowflake and Winter had their moment in the spotlight in 2022 after gaining attention from the residents of Eatontown.
Pete is the second piebald deer that Molzan, an Allendale resident for 37 years, has seen in the area. About 10 years ago he saw a white doe hanging around his house. He typically sees Pete at least once a week.
"A lot of people see him, a lot of people talk about him and take pictures, so it's kind of neat," Molzan said. "It's a neat little thing going on."