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

The Personal Injury Attorney in Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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

Personal Injury Attorney Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood, NJ

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

Request a Free Case Review

Need help right away? Call us!

201-774-1121

Latest News in Englewood, NJ

Animal shelter in Bergen County faces possible closing amid shortage of funds, volunteers

Save the Animals Rescue Team II, a nonprofit animal shelter in Englewood, is on the brink of closing due to a significant decline in donations and a shortage of volunteers.Diane Errichiello, a dedicated volunteer of 20 years, expressed grave concerns about the organization's financial situation."Donations are way down and not covering our expenses. For example, our Christmas donation drive was a huge disappointment. We received only half of what we used to get in the past,” Errichiello said. This sharp...

Save the Animals Rescue Team II, a nonprofit animal shelter in Englewood, is on the brink of closing due to a significant decline in donations and a shortage of volunteers.

Diane Errichiello, a dedicated volunteer of 20 years, expressed grave concerns about the organization's financial situation.

"Donations are way down and not covering our expenses. For example, our Christmas donation drive was a huge disappointment. We received only half of what we used to get in the past,” Errichiello said. This sharp decline in financial support has put immense strain on the shelter's operations, she said.

Founder and President Marge Kayne echoed Errichiello's sentiments, highlighting the challenges posed by inflation and the increasing cost of goods. "Shots, medication, food — prices for everything have gone up," Kayne said. The rising costs have exacerbated the shelter's financial woes, she said, making it increasingly difficult to provide for the animals in its care.

Currently, START II houses 25 to 30 animals, including seven goldendoodles, a husky, and several cats. Some of these animals have been at the shelter for over a year, as adoptions have slowed significantly.

If the shelter is forced to close, the fate of these animals will hang in the balance. Kayne revealed that the organization would have to contact other societies about relocating them, adding to the uncertainty and stress faced by both the shelter and the animals.

Without a significant increase in volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts and essential administrative tasks such as managing the website and social media platforms, START II may be forced to shut down permanently. Kayne emphasized that without additional support, the shelter may be compelled to merge with another rescue group so they can share operational costs.

Bergen County NJBest of Bergen 2024 poll results are in! See winners in all categories

This is not the first time the shelter has faced hardships. In 2021, the shelter was entirely renovated. It had to ask for help from the community to repair the aging facility, tend to its cats and dogs, and find a grant writer who could apply for more funding.

Kayne urged the Englewood community to rally together in support of the shelter. Whether through volunteerism, donations or spreading awareness on social media, every contribution makes a difference in ensuring the continued operation of this vital organization, she said.

To volunteer or donate, visit START II's website at sites.google.com/view/save-the-animals-rescue-team-2. The shelter can be reached at (732) 330 6692.

Englewood residents attack affordable housing plan. Here's what they said

2-minute read Maddie McGayNorthJersey.comMembers of the Englewood community expressed frustration at the city's proposed affordable housing plan during an emergency town hall meeting Monday night to dem...

2-minute read

Maddie McGay

NorthJersey.com

Members of the Englewood community expressed frustration at the city's proposed affordable housing plan during an emergency town hall meeting Monday night to demonstrate to the City Council their opposition to the plan.

Mayor Michael Wildes vetoed the plan on Friday, saying it "fails to preserve our goal of maintaining neighborhood character, fails to target development to blighted areas of the city, and was conducted in a fashion that has alienated our citizenry."

Presenters at the town hall included former Mayor Frank Huttle III, former council President Lynne Algrant and other community leaders from Englewood's four wards.

As the town hall began, Huttle displayed maps of the zones outlined in the city's plan, with images showing what's included in each area, such as a historic library and church.

"We absolutely oppose the current overlay zones," Huttle said. "We oppose the plan for jeopardizing our neighborhoods. It will have an impact on jeopardizing our schools, and will have an impact on our homes."

Diane Jansen, co-chair of community engagement for the mayor's cultural affairs committee, said there was poor communication during the entire process to develop the plan. The Planning Board and the public were not involved in the development of the overlay zones before its approval, she said.

Peter Steck, a New Jersey-licensed planner, gave an example of an impact one of the overlay zones would have on current properties in the zone. He said the city is giving incentive to developers to make deals with current property owners.

Though no one is forced to sell their property, the area has become more attractive for developers because of the plan, he said. Because the plan outlines that new buildings in these zones would need to have 20% of units set aside as affordable, a developer could get four properties to tear down and put up a building with seven units and only one affordable housing unit.

Opinion:Affordable housing plan threatens Englewood's rich history and diversity

"The cost outweighs the gain," he said.

Steck also said the plan was prepared without involving the Planning Board.

That's "the opposite of what it's supposed to be," he said. "They had no time to review the plan, and they were told they had to adopt it on the night they were given it."

The presentation also featured photos that showed flooding and damage in Englewood from the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. Peter Jansen, an advocate in Englewood, said seven of the 15 overlay zones outlined in the plan are located in FEMA flood zones.

Local:Ramapo professor gets grant to chronicle history of Englewood's Black, immigrant areas

In addition, Amy Jones Bullock, a member of the Englewood community, said many of these areas are also home to communities of low-income families. She also said the west side of Englewood has already been declared an overburdened area by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

"Why do we continue to pile people on top of people?" she said. "Is there not a value to a quality of life that promotes peace and tranquility?"

The City Council first voted 4-1 to approve the zoning plan on Aug. 8, despite objections from residents.

The council will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday to consider the issue and vote on whether to override the mayor's veto. A recording of the emergency town hall meeting will be delivered to the council before its meeting.

One of the world's most famous chefs is opening a restaurant in Englewood

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, one of the world's most famous chefs, is coming to Englewood.Vongerichten, who has opened 60 restaurants worldwide and earned numerous culinary awards, is planning to move into the space that had housed the Shoe Inn on Dean Street."It's a real feather in Englewood’s cap, the region and the county," said Michael Wildes, the mayor of Englewood.The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wildes said. Construction has not begun yet, but turning a shoe store...

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, one of the world's most famous chefs, is coming to Englewood.

Vongerichten, who has opened 60 restaurants worldwide and earned numerous culinary awards, is planning to move into the space that had housed the Shoe Inn on Dean Street.

"It's a real feather in Englewood’s cap, the region and the county," said Michael Wildes, the mayor of Englewood.

The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wildes said. Construction has not begun yet, but turning a shoe store into a swanky all-day restaurant, will require major renovation, he noted.

Vongerichten could not be reached for comment.

Wildes, an immigration lawyer, said that the planning board had approved Vongerichten's plan a year ago, but that he had to recuse himself from the deliberations because, it turns out, he was Vongerichten's immigration lawyer. Vongerichten, who was born and raised in Alsace, France, came to New York City in 1986. "He jumped up like a little boy when he got his citizenship," Wildes said. "It was so lovely."

That French immigrant would go on to open restaurants, first in Manhattan, and eventually around the world, that had critics and diners swooning.

In New York City, he introduced diners to Thai-inspired Asian cuisine at his first restaurant, Vong, which received a Michelin star and closed after a 15-year run. (It is the restaurant where this reporter was introduced to peppercorn ice cream and for a time was her favorite NYC restaurant.)

He went on to open a bunch more restaurants including Mercer Kitchen, Spice Market, JoJo (it's housed in an elegant townhouse, a favorite of this reporter); Jean-Georges (housed in Trump Tower on Central Park West); ABCV (a fabulous vegetarian restaurant that's terrific whether you do or don't eat meat); The Fulton (a seafood restaurant in the Seaport District) and recently the Tin Building (a food hall under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge).

In 2014, he ventured into the suburbs of New York City by opening the Inn at Pound Ridge in Westchester County.

Vongerichten claims to have invented chocolate lava cake in New York City, though chocolatier Jacques Torres disputes him. Among his signature dishes: egg caviar, scrambled eggs topped with a dollop of caviar, presented inside an egg shell), lobster tartine and garlic soup with sautéed frog legs.

Vongerichten has published several cookbooks, received a number of Michelin stars and has won six James Beard awards including Outstanding Chef (1998), Best New Restaurant (2005) and Outstanding Restaurant (2009).

A 2020 profile in the New York Times said that "no chef working in America is quite his equal. Many, like him, have created multiple restaurants. A very few, like him, are considered among the best. Even fewer are both. Mr. Vongerichten is able to do more, and he is able to do it better, his style augmented by extraordinary open-mindedness, a willingness to embrace the local culture wherever he might be."

And now he is set to embrace North Jersey.

"Everyone knows that Englewood is the capital of this region," Wildes said. "We just made Englewood more delicious to eat in."

Dwight-Englewood: Everything About this Independent Day School in Englewood, NJ

Every parent wants what’s best for their children — especially when it comes to education. Thankfully, North Jersey has great schools to choose from, including Dwight-Englewood, a coeducational, independent school with students representing 117 NJ/NY zip codes. Located at 315 East Palisade Avenue in Englewood, Dwight-Englewood School provides a seamless educational experience for students from Preschool 3 through Grade 12. Keep reading to lear...

Every parent wants what’s best for their children — especially when it comes to education. Thankfully, North Jersey has great schools to choose from, including Dwight-Englewood, a coeducational, independent school with students representing 117 NJ/NY zip codes. Located at 315 East Palisade Avenue in Englewood, Dwight-Englewood School provides a seamless educational experience for students from Preschool 3 through Grade 12. Keep reading to learn more about Dwight-Englewood School + its unique educational experience.

Dwight-Englewood School is a co-educational private school for New Jersey and New York students, ranging from Preschool 3 to 12th grade. The campus is comprised of three divisions: Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Each school has its own distinctive personality and dynamic classes.

“Our students take advantage of an unparalleled rich academic experience that is both traditional and innovative,” said Helen Jerome of Dwight-Englewood. “We provide a rigorous college preparatory program rooted in the classical liberal arts while at the same time preparing students with 21st-century skills they will need for their futures.”

Dwight-Englewood students are talented, motivated, and responsible. Supported by caring faculty, students have the chance to hone their talents, passion, skills, and intelligence inside and outside of the classroom. Through small classes with stimulating coursework, as well as opportunities in the arts, athletics, leadership, and service, students are able to learn life skills you can’t get anywhere else.

The Dwight-Englewood campus spans 45 acres and includes three fields and tennis courts. In terms of transportation, the school has an extensive bus system that serves Hoboken, Jersey City, all of Hudson and Bergen County, and NYC.

“We are an extremely diverse, kind, and caring community,” said Helen. “We represent 117 zip codes all over the NJ/NYC area.”

Additionally, the Dwight-Englewood community values the learning process over the learning product. In other words, students are encouraged to collaborate with their peers and community, take risks in their learning, and choose from various clubs and extracurricular activities.

“Learning and growth take place both inside and outside the classroom,” Helen told The Hoboken Girl. “In the Upper School, we have an extensive elective curriculum of over 250 courses which allows students to tailor their education to suit their interests. Students are also offered many co-curricular activities such as athletics, arts, and over 70 student-run clubs.”

The campus is also home to a state-of-the-art STEM Center with a robotics room, labs, and math classrooms that encourage collaboration and discussion. Additionally, the school system provides peer and buddy mentor programs, advisory group support, dedicated breaks built into the school day, and 9th and 10th-grade seminars to explore topics from personal and social identity to stress management and mindfulness.

The Dwight School for Girls was founded in 1889 by Euphemia S. Creighton and Ellen W. Farrar as a college preparatory school. Later, in 1928, the Englewood School for Boys was established as a college preparatory school. It wasn’t until 1973 that the two schools merged to form Dwight-Englewood School. In fact, this year is the 50th Anniversary of the joining of the Dwight School and Englewood School for Boys.

The school’s mission statement is as follows: “As a community of learners, Dwight-Englewood School strives to foster in each student a passion for life-long learning. We seek excellence, honor integrity, and embrace diversity in order to develop the skills, values, and courage to meet the challenges of a changing world and make it better.”

Dwight-Englewood School is located at 315 East Palisade Avenue in Englewood. For client inquiries, you can call the Admissions Office at 201-227-3102.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.