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Personal Injury AttorneyYou Deserve with Help from William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez-Black

The Personal Injury Attorney in Bergenfield, 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 Bergenfield, 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.

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Personal Injury Attorney Bergenfield, NJ

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 Bergenfield, 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.

Car-Accidents

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 Bergenfield, 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.

 William Gonzalez Law Bergenfield, NJ

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.

 Auto Accidents Bergenfield, NJ

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.

 Truck Accidents Bergenfield, NJ

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.

 Car Accidents Bergenfield, NJ

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

 Motorcycle Accidents Bergenfield, NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Bergenfield, 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 Bergenfield, 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.

Personal Injury Attorney Bergenfield, NJ

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 Bergenfield, 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 Bergenfield, 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.

 William Gonzalez Law Bergenfield, NJ

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Latest News in Bergenfield, NJ

This year's Bergenfield St. Patrick's Day parade — music, magic, and some grand old names

"A name that a shame never has been connected with."That's Harrigan — according to the old George M. Cohan song. Though it might just as easily be Murphy, Kelly, O'Brien, Ryan, Byrne, O'Connor, Walsh, O'Sullivan, McCarthy, Doyle — the 10 most common Irish surnames, according to IrishCentral.Names — no less than...

"A name that a shame never has been connected with."

That's Harrigan — according to the old George M. Cohan song. Though it might just as easily be Murphy, Kelly, O'Brien, Ryan, Byrne, O'Connor, Walsh, O'Sullivan, McCarthy, Doyle — the 10 most common Irish surnames, according to IrishCentral.

Names — no less than music, poetry, shamrocks and soda bread — are part of the Irish legacy in this country. And rest assured that those names will be well represented at the 42nd Annual Bergen County St. Patrick's Day Parade, kicking off 2 p.m. on Sunday March 10 in Bergenfield, hosted by the city's Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County.

"You just run into so many people growing up named Murphy," said Brian Murphy, one of this year's parade marshals. "Everyone would always ask me if I was related to this Murphy, or that."

This year, once again, the parade will launch 2 p.m. from South Washington Avenue and East Englewood Avenue in Bergenfield.

This year, again, it will travel north up Washington Avenue for one mile, ending up at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. (You can watch the parade in person, or live on northjersey.com/watchparade, where we will livestream it. There's also a QR code with this story that will take you right to the video).

And as always, the fun and music will continue afterwards at Tommy Fox's Public House on South Washington Avenue.

Once again, you'll see green derbies, green bowties, green beer, green hair, green costumed leprechauns, green-accessorized dogs and babies.

Once again, there will be vintage cars ahh-OOO-gah-ing down the street, courtesy of Restored Rusty Relics Antique Auto Club.

Once again there will be the grand old tunes — "Garryowen," "Dawning of the Day," "The Minstrel Boy" — played by the grand old masters: the Bergenfield High School Marching Band, The New Milford High School Marching Knights, The River Dell Marching Band, The Dumont High School Marching Band, Rockland County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Tri-County Irish War Pipe Band, Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Band, Clan Na Vale, Fusion Core, Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County, The Bergen Irish Pipe Band, and Ninemile House.

Once again, newcomers will mingle with the old lineup: The Academy of the Holy Angels Gaelic society from Demarest, and the Ramapo Saints Youth Hockey Club. And leading the parade, a brand new set of grand marshals: Sally and John Roche of Bogota.

And once again, there will be the names. Always, the names.

Storied names

Irish names have history, tradition, and pride — above all, pride — connected with them. They are names of places, names of saints, sometimes transliterations of Gaelic words with specific associations.

O'Connor, for instance. From the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair" — "descendant of Conchobhar," meaning "lover of hounds." An important Irish clan.

"There's a great sense of pride, definitely, around our name," said Maureen O'Connor of Clifton, who wouldn't dream of missing the Bergenfield parade this year (for one thing, her brother James — a Cullen — is a volunteer helping to organize).

"We had a shield in our house, a family crest, with the name O'Connor, and where it came from," she said. "My father was very proud of being an O'Connor."

The O'Connor roll of honor is an illustrious one. From Sinéad to Flannery to Donald to Sandra Day, the list is long. That's the one drawback to any popular surname. You have to share.

"There are a lot of O'Connors," she said. "There used to be a Facebook page just for Maureen O'Connors. There were a couple of hundred women on the page."

O'Connor is a common name in Galway, where her father Morgan was from — though it's even more associated with County Kerry, she said. "There were a lot of O'Connors where he was from," she said. She herself married an O'Riordan, and her two children, Bridget and Owen, dropped the "O." They are Riordans.

But what's one O'Connor, more or less — when the county is swimming in them?

"There was another Maureen O'Connor growing up in Dumont, and she was a year younger than me," she recalled. "She only lived a couple of blocks away from me. She was a very bright student. One day I came home to some mail that was for 'Maureen O'Connor.' Two of the letters were almost full scholarships — one to Seton Hall, and I forget what the other school was. I had to go to the high school and tell them they had the wrong Maureen O'Connor."

And her sister didn't have it any better.

Her name was Eileen O'Connor. The other Maureen O'Connor also had a sister named Eileen O'Connor.

Kith and kin

It all comes with the territory — especially in this part of Bergen County.

"In Bergenfield, Dumont, New Milford there's always been a big Irish population," O'Connor said.

Which means there are also a lot of Murphys.

The name has its roots in the Gaelic "Ó Murchadha." That's "descendant of the sea warrior" to you.

It's such a quintessentially Irish name that it's almost become shorthand. "Murphys," in 19th century England, were potatoes. A popular song of the same era asked, "Who Put the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy's Chowder?" And if you want to let people know you're a Celtic punk band, what better name than The Dropkick Murphys?

And then there are all the celebrity Murphys who keep the name green: Eddie Murphy, Cillian Murphy, Brittany Murphy, Audie Murphy.

"It's like being part of a little club," said Murphy, a Westwood resident. "Its a funny thing about having a name that's so common. I grew up in Dumont, and I lived on a street with only 13 houses, and on that street there were three different Murphy families. None of them related."

He himself is a first generation American — his parents were both from Ireland — so he's unlikely to be kin to any of the American Murphys who periodically ask if he's their long-lost cousin. But he's proud to bequeath the family name to his wife, Christa Murphy (born a Maloney) and his children Emma Murphy, 14, and Charlie Murphy, 12.

"In her grammar school, there's another Emma Murphy in another grade," Murphy said. "[My daughter] was the older one. So they always had to say 'Emma Murphy, 6th grade, 'and 'Emma Murphy, 3rd grade' — or whatever it was."

Of course, it's possible to be Irish through and through, even with a less common name. A name like — oh, say — Spollen.

In her case, says Deirdre Spollen-LaRaia, president of the Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County, which sponsors the annual Bergenfeild parade (both her parents are from Ireland), the first name more than makes up or it.

"Deirdre is a very, very common first name in Ireland, and also in the U.S.," she said. "And my two siblings are named Kathleen and Colleen. If that's not Irish, I don't know what is."

For more information...

Visit bergencountyirish.org.

To watch a livestream of the parade, go to northjersey.com/watchparade, or scan this QR code with your smartphone:

After six years, Zai's Dessertery in Bergenfield permanently closes

After six years, Zai’s Dessertery, a macaron bakery that began life in Dumont and then moved to Bergenfield, has closed.The bakery, owned by Zainab Illyas, a native of Sri Lanka, announced its closing on social media.In 2020, the business was doing so well that a second, smaller location opened in Cresskill and soon after another on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. All are now closed."I really tried,&...

After six years, Zai’s Dessertery, a macaron bakery that began life in Dumont and then moved to Bergenfield, has closed.

The bakery, owned by Zainab Illyas, a native of Sri Lanka, announced its closing on social media.

In 2020, the business was doing so well that a second, smaller location opened in Cresskill and soon after another on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. All are now closed.

"I really tried," Illyas said on her Instagram post. "I gave myself and my business a second chance but after 6 years of being in business with many losses, especially from the other two locations and going through too many downs than ups. I decided it’s time for me to move on."

She went on to say that the business was sold to "some friends, who will be taking over the space and running their own Café and Bakery."

Illyas could not be reached for comment.

The mother of three was quite active on social media. Indeed, she often could be seen dancing — the merengue, free-form, slow — in her Bergenfield bakery, wearing her customary black hijab and black chef's coat. Sometimes she'd use baking equipment as pretend instruments.

More:6 biggest restaurant openings of 2023 so far

"I love to dance," she has told The Record. "And people love the posts. They tell me I'm an inspiration to them."

A self-taught baker, Illyas sold her popular macarons, as well as bubble waffles, homemade crepes, and a wide selection of cupcakes and specialty coffees.

Fans wished her well on Instagram as they lamented the closing.

"We will miss your joy and delicious treats!" wrote one fan. "We love you and can't wait to see the next chapter of your story."

"You brought such joy as well as delicious sweets... What a great legacy. Wishing you well in the next chapter," wrote another.

Still another: "We all love you Zai. You have the best food and you truly were incredible."

Zai's was located at 108 North Washington Ave., Bergenfield.

Bergenfield magician Anna DeGuzman finishes second on NBC's America's Got Talent

It was a loss — but hardly a defeat — for Bergenfield magician Anna DeGuzman, who blazed a thrilling trail through four months of "America's Got Talent," only to come up just short of votes on Wednesday's season finale to finish in second place.It was Adrian Stoica with his dog Hurricane, one of the other 11 acts that competed in the finale, who will walk away with the $1 million cash prize and a one-off slot at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.But being on "America's Got Talent," she ...

It was a loss — but hardly a defeat — for Bergenfield magician Anna DeGuzman, who blazed a thrilling trail through four months of "America's Got Talent," only to come up just short of votes on Wednesday's season finale to finish in second place.

It was Adrian Stoica with his dog Hurricane, one of the other 11 acts that competed in the finale, who will walk away with the $1 million cash prize and a one-off slot at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

But being on "America's Got Talent," she says, is itself a win-win.

"I don't think there is losing," DeGuzman said. "I think I've already won."

Not only is she part of a franchise that has racked up over 3.8 billion video views, and 26 million YouTube subscribers to date, but the contestants have a history of doing well — win or lose.

Magician Shin Lim, a previous AGT winner (and Guzman's idol) parlayed his fame into his own show in Las Vegas. But so did another AGT magician, Piff the Magic Dragon, who didn't win.

That's the magic of television — and DeGuzman has finessed it as neatly as she does the playing cards that she uses to perform astounding tricks of numerology and prognostication.

On Tuesday's decisive performance — the one viewers voted on — she astonished again. She made the Queen of Hearts, chosen randomly by host Terry Crews, appear not only in the sealed envelopes of judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, but also in the envelopes of every audience member.

She topped that by lining up the seemingly random cards Crews had chosen — two of hearts, six of diamonds, nine of spades, two of diamonds, three of hearts, 10 of clubs, and 10 of spades — to form the exact date and moment of their broadcast: 26/9/23 at 10:10 p.m. "Check the clock, because it's exactly 10:10, America!" she told the TV audience.

"I wanted to have everybody involved, including the people at home, to make it one of my biggest performances ever," she said.

The real magic of her performance style, she says, is in making something as small and intimate as cards "read" big — for an audience of thousands in a theater, or millions on a broadcast. She's not the kind of magician who makes the Statue of Liberty disappear. Nor does she want to be.

"I specialize in close-up," she said. "That's how I started. Doing street magic for people. Stuff with coins, money. Literally any small object you can think of. I love that kind of magic because it's intimate. I always felt that big stage illusions have a disconnect with the audience. When it's some big unfamiliar object on stage that [the magician] is doing something with, they're suspicious. But when it's an ordinary object that people are familiar with, they can appreciate it."

Certainly, DeGuzman's residency on AGT is a big win for female magicians — underrepresented in the field.

And it's a big win for DeGuzman on a personal level. It's brought her closer to her mother Tess, an emigrant from the Philippines who brought up DeGuzman as an only child in a single-parent household. During the broadcasts, she was shown in the audience.

"This has been very bonding," DeGuzman said. "My mom doesn't really know this world. She's always been a very normal conservative woman. She would never do anything like what I do. She's not a performer. She's not a singer. For her this is so new, being on TV. She's never been on TV in her life. I'm used to being on cameras, on social media. This is the first time I feel she's kind of been brought into my world."

Bergenfield Magician Finishes Second On 'America's Got Talent'

The 25-year-old Bergen County native finished in second place on "America's Got Talent" after dazzling viewers and judges with her array of impressive card tricks and devil-may-care attitude.Judges praised her cardistry while also relating to how nervous she got when it was time for her big reveals. Tricks included her flashy shuffling and card balancing and being able to ...

The 25-year-old Bergen County native finished in second place on "America's Got Talent" after dazzling viewers and judges with her array of impressive card tricks and devil-may-care attitude.

Judges praised her cardistry while also relating to how nervous she got when it was time for her big reveals. Tricks included her flashy shuffling and card balancing and being able to somehow make it so audience member and judge had the same card in an envelope. When her tricks worked, she jumped up and down and seemed as surprised as the audience.

Growing up with a single mother, DeGuzman shuttled from home to home but she found comfort in magic tricks and cardistry, rewatching the tricks of magicians like David Blaine and teaching herself how to do magic.

Before going on "America's Got Talent," DeGuzman had achieved an impressive following, appearing on "Penn and Teller: Fool Us" and wowing people on TikTok.

DeGuzman said she had planned to buy her mother a home if she won the $1 million grand prize.

"She's never had her own place," DeGuzman said. "She's so proud of me and I want to make sure she's taken care of. She's my #1 fan. When she saw her daughter with Simon and Terry Crews, it's starting to become real. Her daughter is now becoming a star."

@annadeguz

I will never forget today for the rest of life #agt

♬ original sound - Anna DeGuzman

DeGuzman did not reveal what was next for her, but said this is only the beginning.

"This has already changed my life, so thank you for making me feel like a winner already," DeGuzman said before the results were announced. "I will never forget today for the rest of my life."

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Bergen County's Jack Antonoff Lands Magazine Cover, Talks Taylor Swift

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Bergen County native Jack Antonoff — who just won a "Producer of the Year" Grammy for his work with Taylor Swift and other musicians — has landed the cover of next month's New Jersey Monthly Magazine. In a new interview in the magazine, he talks about Swift, Bruce Springsteen, the "heavy" academic pressure in Bergen County towns, and mo...

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Bergen County native Jack Antonoff — who just won a "Producer of the Year" Grammy for his work with Taylor Swift and other musicians — has landed the cover of next month's New Jersey Monthly Magazine. In a new interview in the magazine, he talks about Swift, Bruce Springsteen, the "heavy" academic pressure in Bergen County towns, and more.

"[Bergen County towns] can be really heavy in terms of expectation, and there’s not a lot of space...for people who have a different concept of what they want their life to be," he says in the interview, when talking about college pressures. "I was really lucky because I didn’t give a s--- what anyone else thought, because my family was cool with what I was doing.”

Antonoff was born in Bergenfield and raised in Woodcliff Lake and New Milford. He attended Solomon Schechter Day School in New Milford before commuting to New York City to attend the Professional Children's School for high school.

The story notes that the Bleachers frontman and former guitarist for fun. will turn 40 next month. Besides Swift, he has produced Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Sara Bareilles, Tegan & Sara, Grimes, St. Vincent, and more.

"A few miles away [from MetLife Stadium], that song was made in this tiny little space,” he says about Taylor Swift's "Getaway Car."

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He also talks about his marriage last year (in New Jersey) to Margaret Qualley, about relationships in general, and about dealing with his sister's death at 13 from brain cancer. And he reveals that he used to go to Jersey diners alone on Christmas to people-watch.

The issue hits newsstands on Feb. 27. Read more of the interview here.

Read a previous story about Antonoff's recent wedding in Patch here: In Swift-Studded Wedding, Bergen County Boy Jack Antonoff Gets Married

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