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

The Personal Injury Attorney in Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, NJ

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

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Latest News in Ridgewood, NJ

Glen Rock Board Member Says There Was Reasoning Behind Basketball Coach Snafu

One Glen Rock school board member gave an explanation for the recent controversial vote about hiring a basketball coach.Caren Lissner, Patch StaffGLEN ROCK, NJ — In a twist to the recent snafu involving the hiring of a new girls' basketball coach at Glen Rock High School, one boa...

One Glen Rock school board member gave an explanation for the recent controversial vote about hiring a basketball coach.

Caren Lissner, Patch Staff

GLEN ROCK, NJ — In a twist to the recent snafu involving the hiring of a new girls' basketball coach at Glen Rock High School, one board member, who's up for re-election, said he had to vote the way he did in order for the situation to work out properly.

Some community members were angered on Sept. 23 when the school board approved the hiring of a girls' basketball coach from outside of the district, instead of Junior Varsity Coach Sara Wolman, who had been long praised for her work. READ MORE: Parents Start Petition Over Glen Rock Girl's Basketball Hire

Soon after the new coach, Joseph Kirk, was hired, he resigned and Wolman accepted the spot.

Board member Dan Corey posted on Facebook on Thursday that "You deserve transparency and we all owe you an explanation. So, I will start with mine. There are confidentiality rules which limit how much I can say, but I want to be clear on several points regarding the initial failure to hire Sara Wolman...

"In board discussion prior to the public meeting, I advocated that the best coach for our students is ALWAYS the one who shows dedication to build confidence in our athletes ... Mr. Kirk was in the audience the night of the vote on his hiring. He heard the community’s passionate advocacy for Ms. Wolman. From all I experienced leading up to the vote, tabling this vote would have dragged this out by weeks. It would also add risk it would not resolve the issue. Approving Mr Kirk, who also witnessed and responded to the community’s advocacy, let his prompt resignation clear the way for Ms. Wolman’s hiring. Instead of a 3 week delay until then next BOE meeting, GRHS girls basketball had the head coach they needed just 36 hours later..."

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

But he added that he'd learned a lesson: "Getting to the right outcome must never again rely on a gamble, and I will carry this dear lesson on how to be a better vocal advocate in this board."

Read his full post here.

Not everyone was impressed by the explanation.

Former board member Elizabeth Kramer Carr, who resigned at the meeting and walked out, responded, "You seriously did not call me out for holding up my morals and values. Wow! Classy!! If Sara was deserved of the position then why did you vote for the other guy Dan? I'm calling you out in public on this."

See the other comments here.

Ridgewood football races past Passaic for first-round playoff victory

RIDGEWOOD − The running game powered Ridgewood to Friday night’s North 1, Group 5 football playoff win over Passaic.And who better to lead that ground attack than a halfback named Calvin Ran? The senior carried just five times but amassed 163 yards and three touchdowns to send the top-seeded Maroons into next weekend’s sectional semifinals, 33-14.Ridgewood (6-3) snapped a two-game losing streak and will host the winner of Saturday’s Montclair at East Orange Campus contest.Fullback Owen Laffey was ...

RIDGEWOOD − The running game powered Ridgewood to Friday night’s North 1, Group 5 football playoff win over Passaic.

And who better to lead that ground attack than a halfback named Calvin Ran? The senior carried just five times but amassed 163 yards and three touchdowns to send the top-seeded Maroons into next weekend’s sectional semifinals, 33-14.

Ridgewood (6-3) snapped a two-game losing streak and will host the winner of Saturday’s Montclair at East Orange Campus contest.

Fullback Owen Laffey was effective running between the tackles in the first half, going for 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Ran complemented him by breaking a pair of nearly identical jet-sweeps for 46 and 60 yards, helping the Maroons build a 25-0 halftime lead.

"I think it all has to do with grit," Laffey said. "We realize that our run game is our specialty, and we needed to make a statement, and that's how we did it – with the run."

What it means

The former NNJIL rivals had met in a similar situation in 1998. That year, No. 8 seed Passaic pulled off a first-round upset at RHS Stadium.

This time, the eighth-seeded Indians managed just 40 yards of offense in the first half. By the time they ran in a fumble return and connected on a 55-yard pass play in the fourth quarter, it was too late.

Passaic finished 4-5, alternating wins and losses until its final two games.

Key play

When the call came in for the second jet-sweep to Ran midway through the second quarter, the Maroons were up 14-0 and confident in a repeat performance.

"As soon as the play came in, everyone looked at me and said, 'Punch this in right now'," Ran said. "My receivers, and JJ Lee playing left halfback, huge blocks on the edge right there."

Laffey followed with a two-point conversion run, and Kyle Caramagno closed the first half with a 21-yard field goal to make it a four-score difference.

Fun facts

► In Passaic's last playoff game, the 2009 North 1, Group 4 opening round, the Indians trailed Fair Lawn in the first half, 32-0, before rallying in a 39-38 loss. Fair Lawn's offensive coordinator that day? Rob Gentile, now in the same role at Ridgewood.

► According to Ridgewood football historian Jim McConville, Ran is the first Maroon runner to score three touchdowns of 40-plus yards in a playoff game. He followed up a 41-yarder early in the third quarter with a two-point conversion run.

► The Maroons' run defense was effective too, containing 1,500-yard rusher Justin Griffin to 19 carries for 59 yards.

They said it

"These kids have been very intent on playing complementary football as a team, and earning respect. ... [Passaic], they're a good team. Justin Griffin is a tremendous player, and they've had a great year. They're a dangerous team, we were just ready to play tonight." — Ridgewood coach Torre Watson

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