The Personal Injury Attorney in Paramus, 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 Paramus, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Service Areas
The William Gonzalez Law Difference
William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.
After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.
Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Paramus, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Workers' Compensation Cases
- DUI Cases
- Municipal Court Cases
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
- Driving Too Fast
- Talking or Texting While Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Making Improper Lane Changes
- Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
- Rear-Ending Other Drivers
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Paramus, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
- Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
- Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
- Poor Lighting
- Narrow Stairs
- Wet Floors
- Missing Handrails
- Uneven Flooring
- Defective Sidewalks
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Paramus, 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 Paramus, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.
How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
Legal Duty
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
Breach of Duty
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
Causation
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Paramus, 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 Paramus, NJ, You Can Count On
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
Latest News in Paramus, NJ
Paramus baseball exhibition will spotlight players with disabilities on Saturday
Stephanie Nodahttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/paramus/2024/10/18/baseable-special-olympics-baseball-game-paramus-nj-date-2024/75738867007/
While Major League Baseball heads toward the pomp and circumstance of another World Series, a group of players with disabilities will chase their own dreams in Paramus this weekend.BaseAble, a New Jersey nonprofit that gives ...
While Major League Baseball heads toward the pomp and circumstance of another World Series, a group of players with disabilities will chase their own dreams in Paramus this weekend.
BaseAble, a New Jersey nonprofit that gives athletes with mental and physical disabilities an opportunity to play the game, will hold its first North Jersey event Saturday when two of its teams square off at the Cliff Gennarelli-Paramus Sports-Plex. The Freehold-based group will stage an evening exhibition with about 19 Special Olympic athletes.
The game, open to the public, will be played from 7 to 9 p.m. at the complex on Garden State Plaza Parkway. Admission is free to watch the game, but donations, which help with buying equipment, will be accepted.
BaseAble is open to players with a range of disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum and people who are deaf. The co-ed teams include athletes as young as 16 and those in their 60s, said BaseAble co-founder Tony Vlahovic.
“It’s a real family affair,” said Vlahovic. “They play the game, they love the game.”
Vlahovic shares that passion. He's a former professional baseball pitcher whose career was cut short when a drunk driver plowed into the car he was driving. Now the head baseball coach at New Hope-Solebury High School, Vlahovic has also devoted himself to opening up the game to players with disabilities, and was later named chairman of baseball development for the Special Olympics in North America. He helped create BaseAble in 2020.
The rules of BaseAble
Games follow regular baseball rules with a few modifications to help move things along. For example, players can steal second and third base, but, unlike traditional baseball, not home, said Vlahovic.
The organization sponsors games around New Jersey and has also traveled to North Carolina and Florida. BaseAble covers all travel and equipment expenses, said Vlahovic. Branches have also opened in South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
“From an educational standpoint and an opportunity standpoint, it’s for athletes to promote the game and give them an opportunity to play the game of baseball that they wouldn’t normally have,” said Vlahovic. “They’ve become extended family over the years and we hope to continue to grow.”
More:Big North Jersey charity run is back for its 45th year of aiding local kids. How to help
The Paramus event was made possible by one of Vlahovic's coaches, Bryan Sullivan, a Paramus resident who connected BaseAble with the borough. The town has donated the field for the night, said Vlahovic.
“Having a disability and now coaching the BaseAble/Special Olympics is an amazing experience because I get to see the sport that I love make kids with disabilities feel special,” said Sullivan, who has cerebral palsy. “I saw their different personalities shine, [their] smiles, fun, cheering for each other, and most importantly, their being themselves and feeling appreciated and accepted.”
Filling a void left by Special Olympics
South Orange's Phil Luchs will be among the players on the field Saturday. A Special Olympics athlete since 1993, Luchs has been part of BaseAble since it started. Luchs, who is on the autism spectrum, was happy to finally have a chance to play closer to home, as usually he’s traveling down to Mercer County.
“I love this sport every year more and more,” said Luchs. “To be able to still to go out there at 52 years of age and play it competitively, to me, that’s a blessing.”
BaseAble fills a void for Special Olympics, which doesn't include baseball among its competitions. Luchs hopes that will eventually change, so that more players have the opportunity to continue their baseball journey.
“I know my time as far as playing at some point is coming to an end, but I would like to be around just to see and know that baseball is going to survive, that Special Olympics will have it themselves and it’s not all going to come on the shoulders of BaseAble,” said Luchs.
The New Jersey group has also played games at Monmouth University, Princeton University and Rutgers. Vlahovic hopes people with disabilities in the local area who come watch the Saturday game will want to get involved in the program. He wants to stage more events in North Jersey.
“I know there’s a lot of athletes in North Jersey with disabilities and hopefully we open some doors for them to join us at some point,” he said.
More information is available at www.baseable.org.
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: noda@northjersey.com
Twitter: @snoda11
Paramus Catholic football edges St. Thomas Aquinas in OT for statement win
Greg Tartagliahttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/10/04/paramus-catholic-nj-football-st-thomas-aquinas-statement-win/75497643007/
PARAMUS — Xavier Williams is his name. How could he be anything besides the biggest X-factor for the Paramus Catholic football team?Williams, a running back/linebacker, rushed 41 times for 224 yards and three touchdowns to help the Paladins take an overtime lead on St. Thomas Aquinas Friday night.The senior then knocked away the Trojans’ potential winning two-point conversion pass, preserving a 35-34 non-conference victory.Paramus Catholic was in position to potentially win the game at the end ...
PARAMUS — Xavier Williams is his name. How could he be anything besides the biggest X-factor for the Paramus Catholic football team?
Williams, a running back/linebacker, rushed 41 times for 224 yards and three touchdowns to help the Paladins take an overtime lead on St. Thomas Aquinas Friday night.
The senior then knocked away the Trojans’ potential winning two-point conversion pass, preserving a 35-34 non-conference victory.
Paramus Catholic was in position to potentially win the game at the end of regulation, with first down at the St. Thomas Aquinas 19-yard line and 15.2 seconds remaining. Cornerback Josiah Zayas made an interception at the goal line, so the home team could not even attempt a field goal.
"It was definitely motivation," Williams said. "We never look at bad things in the game as 'bad things,' more like something we can work on and capitalize later in the game, if we're able to."
The Paladins (3-2) were, as junior QB Marco Green atoned for his late miscue by converting a fourth-and-4 in overtime with a 9-yard pass to Nehki Martin. Two plays later, he shoveled a 7-yarder to Martin for the go-ahead TD, and Max Feinstein added the decisive PAT.
Green was subbing for injured senior Crew Colon, who was lost to a shoulder injury last week. The entire team chanted his name as it broke the postgame huddle.
"We play for Crew," Williams said. "It's family at Paramus [Catholic], so we definitely play for everybody that's around the team."
What it means
St. Thomas Aquinas (4-2) entered the game ranked No. 8 in the New Jersey Super 25 rankings and also was without a key player.
Senior running back Chase Young collapsed during last week's win over Elizabeth and was taken to the hospital. Coach Tarig Holman told MyCentralJersey.com earlier this week that Young was released the following day, adding, "He's doing well."
The matchup did not affect the Trojans standing in the Big Central National Silver Division, nor Paramus Catholic's in the Super Football Conference United Red.
Key plays
Linebacker Jordan Moreta helped energize the Paladins after a stagnant first half by both teams. His 58-yard interception return for a touchdown thwarted St. Thomas Aquinas' second-half opening drive and put PC up, 14-7.
Williams' second and third scoring runs gave his team leads of 21-7 and 28-14, but the Trojans battled back to force OT on Chukwuma Odoh's 3-yard run with 1:10 to go in the fourth quarter.
"I was excited, because we work on overtime [situations] every day in practice," Paladins coach Greg Russo said. "I felt like we knew exactly what plays we wanted to call, what [formations] we wanted to be in."
By the numbers
► Green completed all 10 of his second-half passes prior to the late INT, and he finished 21 of 28 for 225 yards.
► Martin caught 11 passes for 99 yards, and his 30-yard kickoff return in the third quarter helped PC answer a 79-yard kick return TD by Trojans frosh Ca'Si Thomas.
► Odoh led St. Thomas Aquinas with 28 carries for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
They said it
"I thought he had some ups and downs, like you expect when a kid gets his first start. But he really made some big plays in overtime... it wasn't perfect, but it's something to build on." — Russo on Green's performance
"Obviously, we have a great running back in Xavier Williams. If he's not the best, he's one of the best, and then our receivers make plays. They catch the ball, but they're also not afraid to block, and they do what they need to do to win." — Green on his fellow skill players
Paramus Community Blood Drive
Paramus, NJ Patchhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/paramus/calendar/event/20241002/e6341680-5475-4a83-b023-a1b435d45e6d/paramus-community-blood-drive
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Paramus|Local EventShauna Lynch, Community ContributorWed, Oct 2, 2024 at 1:00 PMAtlantic AdvancED Urgent Care, 3025 Paramus Pk, Paramus, NJ, 07652...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Paramus|Local Event
Shauna Lynch, Community Contributor
- Wed, Oct 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM
- Atlantic AdvancED Urgent Care, 3025 Paramus Pk, Paramus, NJ, 07652
- More info here
To make an appointment, you can visit www.nybc.org/blood or text 732-616-8736. Appointments encouraged, Walk-ins welcome. Please help spread the word.
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Jennifer Schoonoverhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/paramus/calendar/event/20241019/c02666c8-a496-424f-a333-d89e0957a13e/making-strides-against-breast-cancer-of-the-meadowlands
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Paramus|Local EventSat, Oct 19, 2024 at 8:00 AM1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ, 07073Making Strides is the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement - providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Paramus|Local Event
- Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 8:00 AM
- 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ, 07073
Making Strides is the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement - providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, caregivers, and families alike.
We need you to provide more hope to those who need it most and fundraise in support of breast cancer research and programs. And it’s a lot easier than you think! The first step? Sign up today for our non-competitive 5K walk at MetLife Stadium! www.makingstrideswalk.org/bergencounty
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