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.
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.
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in 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.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in 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.
When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.
There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:
Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.
To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.
When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.
Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in 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.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in 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.
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
RIDGEWOOD, NJ - From games and craft supplies to video equipment and Wi-Fi hotspots, cardholders can borrow expensive, hard to find items from the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL) Library of Things.Items may be borrowed for up to two weeks by a RPL cardholder or any Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) member in good standing. Some items, including designated hotspots, are available for RPL cardholders only. Items must be checked out and returned to the RPL reference desk.Technology items include photo and video equip...
RIDGEWOOD, NJ - From games and craft supplies to video equipment and Wi-Fi hotspots, cardholders can borrow expensive, hard to find items from the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL) Library of Things.
Items may be borrowed for up to two weeks by a RPL cardholder or any Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) member in good standing. Some items, including designated hotspots, are available for RPL cardholders only. Items must be checked out and returned to the RPL reference desk.
Technology items include photo and video equipment such as tripods, lights, and microphones, in addition to streaming equipment including portable DVD players and an at-home theater kit with projector.
Patrons can borrow educational tools for all ages, from magnetic tiles and an interactive Smithsonian book to biology study cards, graphing calculators, and microscope kits. The dementia-friendly section of the Library of Things includes memory and reminiscence kits, designed to stimulate the senses and personal memories.
Developed by Bergen County Division of Senior Services, there are summer and autumn memory kits available for patrons, each containing complete instructions for a jigsaw puzzle, an expression game, a matching game, a squeeze ball, tangle links, a crossword puzzle, a word search, water paints, dry-erase markers, and paintbrushes.
The reminiscence kits help people with dementia engage more actively with those around them. There are three kits, each with a different theme with corresponding activities. The Playful Pup kit includes a photo book of dogs, dominoes, a matching game, dementia-friendly water paint pictures with brushes, a fluffy dog with a carry case, three dog toys, and a feeding bowl.
The Beach Day kit includes a photorealistic ocean book, an ice cream matching game, seashells, dementia-friendly water paint pictures with brushes, mini beach chairs, and a question game. The Cars kit includes a car photobook, four small cars, a matching game, dementia-friendly water paint pictures and brushes, a key ring with spark plug, spark plug gap tool, wrench, and a question game.
Browse the RPL Library of Things .
Read more Home & Garden news in Ridgewood:
This current group of Livingston soccer seniors have already accomplished so much over the past three seasons.But despite two Essex County championships and three SEC American division titles to their name, no one needed to remind them of the one thing missing from an otherwise stellar resume - a state sectional title.Saturday in Ridgewood, second-seeded Livingston, No. 19 in the NJ.com Top 20, won that elusive title, when it struck for three goals in a span of 17 minutes in the second half to defeat top-seeded Ridgewood, 3-1, ...
This current group of Livingston soccer seniors have already accomplished so much over the past three seasons.
But despite two Essex County championships and three SEC American division titles to their name, no one needed to remind them of the one thing missing from an otherwise stellar resume - a state sectional title.
Saturday in Ridgewood, second-seeded Livingston, No. 19 in the NJ.com Top 20, won that elusive title, when it struck for three goals in a span of 17 minutes in the second half to defeat top-seeded Ridgewood, 3-1, in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 final.
It is Livingston’s fourth sectional title and first since 2016. Livingston (18-3-1), lost in the final each of the prior two season, falling to Ridgewood in 2023 and Montclair in 2024.
“The senior class has gone through a lot,” Livingston coach Brian Carr said. “They won the conference three times. They’ve won the county twice. They lost in the final this year and then the previous two years we lost in sectional finals. This is their third sectional final as well and they finally got that one.”
After a scoreless first half, Livingston’s high-powered offense came to life shortly after the intermission behind star striker Dina Bojkovic.
Gabby De Oliveira forced a turnover near the centerline, they sent a pass to Bojkovic, who scored from more than 25 yards out just 5:28 into the second half.
Bojkovic, a Rutgers commit, struck again just 2:44 later when she took a De Oliveira feed near the midfield, then raced her way past several defenders and scored on a breakaway.
Bojkovic now has an incredible 38 goals on the season, leaving her just two away from matching the school record set in 2010 by former Star-Ledger and Gatorade state player of the Year, and current Livingston assistant coach, Kate Schwindel.
“Dina up top, she’s been putting goals at a high rate all season long and I think just speaks to her tenacity and drive, Carr said. ”And when she has the ball, we know that anything can happen."
Livingston pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute when Sienna Goldstein scored a breakaway goal off a feed from Emily Fernandes.
Ridgewood (15-7-1), seeking its fourth sectional crown in five years, got on the board when Gabriella Winn flicked a Petra Penava corner kick into the lower-left corner of the net in the game’s 72nd minute.
Livingston moves on to play undefeated and No. 4 Westfield in the Group 4 semifinals on Wednesday.
While most coaches like to remain focused on the short-term, Carr knew and understood that this group had its sights set on a sectional title, dating back to the start of the preseason.
“This has been something that they’ve had their eye on the entire time,” said Carr. “And as much as we want to say one game at a time, focus on the conference and focus on the counties, I do believe at all times they have one eye on the sectional final and they put it all together.”
| 1 | 2 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livingston (18-3-1) | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Ridgewood (15-7-1) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Goals: Liv: Dina Bojkovic x2, Sienna Goldstein. Rid: Gabriella Winn
Assists: Liv: Gabby De Oliveria x2, Emily Fernandes. Rid: Petra Penava
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Why isn't the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line actually in Bergen County? NJ Transit took a step to extend the line to 4 towns on Friday.BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Why doesn't the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line — which runs along North Jersey's Gold Coast — actually stop in Bergen County?The original plan for the slow-moving, clean waterfront train was for it to run from Bayonne to Englewood — but the extension stalled. Currently, the train stops in North Bergen.On Friday, the transit agency announced that...
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Why doesn't the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line — which runs along North Jersey's Gold Coast — actually stop in Bergen County?
The original plan for the slow-moving, clean waterfront train was for it to run from Bayonne to Englewood — but the extension stalled. Currently, the train stops in North Bergen.
On Friday, the transit agency announced that it has taken a new step to extend the from Hudson County to Bergen County.
The agency said it has issued a Request For Proposals for contractors to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed 10-mile extension to Englewood Hospital.
New Stops In Hudson And Bergen
The 10-mile Northern Branch project will include seven new station stops in five towns, including a stop at the hospital.
It would operate on West Side Avenue in North Bergen, and then on existing railroad right-of-way owned by CSX Transportation (CSX) between 91st Street in North Bergen and the northern border of Englewood.
It would introduce new station stops in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.
Currently, the train runs through Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen.
“NJ Transit remains committed to extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County,” said agency President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “This RFP is a concrete demonstration of that commitment. Providing mass transit options to all regions of New Jersey takes cars off the road, cleans the air we breathe, and drives economic activity."
“As one of the most densely populated counties in the state, Bergen County welcomes additional mass transit options,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. “The Northern Branch project will fulfill that need and enhance the lives of all who call Bergen County home."
Setback In 2023
In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration said it wouldn't consider NJ Transit's previously submitted environmental impact statement because of changes since 2007, including in flood plains and storm water management.
At that time, work began to prepare the requirements included in the new RFP.
NJ Transit is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system, with 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines, and Access Link paratransit service.
North 1, Group 4 FinalSaturday, Nov. 152-Livingston (17-3-1) at 1-Ridgwood (15-6-1)Championship HistoryLivingston has won 3 sectional championshipsOutright titles (2010, 2013, 2016)Ridgewood has won 7 sectional championshipsOutright titles (1989, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2021, 2022, 2023)Path to the FinalLivingston: 15-North Bergen; 7-Passaic Tech; 3-Fair LawnRidgewood: 16-Hackensack; 8-Kearny; 5-Montclair...
North 1, Group 4 Final
Saturday, Nov. 15
2-Livingston (17-3-1) at 1-Ridgwood (15-6-1)
Livingston has won 3 sectional championships
Outright titles (2010, 2013, 2016)
Ridgewood has won 7 sectional championships
Outright titles (1989, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Livingston: 15-North Bergen; 7-Passaic Tech; 3-Fair Lawn
Ridgewood: 16-Hackensack; 8-Kearny; 5-Montclair
Livingston lineup
GK-Ayla Sherman, Jr; B-Daisy Cheng, Jr.; B-Arriana Levitsky, So.; B-Chloe Wright, Sr;. B-Zoe Nightingale, Sr; M-Sophia Botea, Sr.; M-Olivia Hans, Jr.; M-Emily Fernandes, Jr.; Gabby De Oliveira, So.; F-Dina Bojkovic; F-Sienna Goldstein
Ridgewood lineup
GK-Emily Grathwoli, Sr.; B-Kennedy Lubkermann, Sr.; B-Mia Stephens; B-Gabreilla Winn, Jr.; B-Karter Vartughian, Sr.; M-Leighton Schoenherr, Sr.; M-Bella Wellock, So.; M-Kayla DaCruz; M-Catie Klemm, Sr. F-Penava Petra, Jr.; F-Lilli Granert, Jr.
Dina Bojkovic has done the majority of the heavy lifting on the offensive end. Her speed and athleticism in the open field makes her as tough a cover as there is in the state. She has shown the ability to put the Lancers on her back at any point this season. Bojkovic has been a dynamic scorer with 36 goals as a senior. If Livingston can get her and Emily Fernandes out in the open field, those two are a fun duo to watch. The Lancers did show they can still get the job done without Bojkovic scoring as they defeated Fair Lawn, 1-0, in the sectional semifinals on a goal by Daisy Cheng. Cheng has been the leader of the Livingston defense this year, but can also step up offensively from time to time.
Ridgewood has elite players who are playing some great soccer, which is what you need in November. Even though it’s only her first year on varsity, Lilli Granert has stepped up and has been the main scorer for the Maroons with 20 goals. She came up clutch against Montclair in the sectional semifinals by scoring the game’s lone goal with under five minutes to play. Clemson commit Gabriella Winn leads a defense that has played very soundly in the postseason. Kennedy Lubkermann, B-Mia Stephens and Karter Vartughian are also key players on the back line. They give the Maroons a chance to try to contain Bojkovic and pull out a low-scoring win, which is likely their best path to victory.
Livingston 2, Ridgewood 1
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Residents around North Jersey briefly glimpsed the Northern Lights Tuesday night when the colors became visible amid the clouds. Experts say the colorful celestial display may be seen again Wednesday night. See timing below. READ MORE: Northern Lights In NJ: Powerful Storm Peaks WednesdayIn Bergen County, a resident said online that he got a glimpse of the "faint red color."And a Glen Rock native who's a science teacher took photos showing the faint reds and greens. See her photo below....
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Residents around North Jersey briefly glimpsed the Northern Lights Tuesday night when the colors became visible amid the clouds. Experts say the colorful celestial display may be seen again Wednesday night. See timing below. READ MORE: Northern Lights In NJ: Powerful Storm Peaks Wednesday
In Bergen County, a resident said online that he got a glimpse of the "faint red color."
And a Glen Rock native who's a science teacher took photos showing the faint reds and greens. See her photo below.
This map from the NOAA shows where the lights may be seen.
."I put my phone on long exposure and got very lucky that the clouds broke to grab a few or as my son said, about 1,000 shots !" said Hope Foley. "I am a science teacher, and can't wait to show my students!"
The lights, caused by a powerful G4-rated geomagnetic storm, are the strongest since October of last year, when the display was also glimpsed far South. If the storms continue again Wednesday evening, residents of 24 states may see the colors again, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Appearance In Hoboken
The lights also appeared briefly Tuesday night in Hudson County after 10 p.m., when the Kp rose above 8 in the area. This was the sky above Hoboken:
By 10:18 p.m., the colors were gone.
But When?
The Aurora app shows when viewing the display is most likely. The chances of seeing the lights are best with a Kp index of at least 5, the Washington Post wrote in a story about aurora borealis tourism.
For Wednesday night, the Kp was forecast to reach 8.33 around 10 p.m. in North Jersey, the Aurora app said. Thursday night might see another Kp of 8, the app said.
The National Weather Service offers predictions for the next two days, showing a map of where the lights may be seen.
The 27-day forecasts are here. Forecasts for the next 1-3 days are here.
The lights can be glimpsed any time after dusk, but are usually seen later at night. Cloudy skies may obscure the view, but the forecast is for some clearing on Sunday and clear skies on Monday.
How To Snap A Photo
To snap a photo of the lights, face north and use a slow shutter speed if you can. Sometimes the display can't be seen with the naked eye, but can be seen if you turn up the exposure on the photo.
Last year, the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly shared this photo around 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 10. Residents from across the state weighed in with photos they took of the colorful skies.
???? Here is our view of the aurora borealis (northern lights from our office around 7:15 PM! What are you seeing at your location? pic.twitter.com/F4DiNKaDsQ— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) October 10, 2024
Why All Of A Sudden?
The display of lights, also called aurora borealis, appeared to the naked eye in Canada and northern parts of the U.S. last year because the sun was at the peak of an 11-year cycle, scientists said. During this "solar maximum," heightened geomagnetic storming increases the chances of seeing the aurora south of its usual Arctic range.
This year could also offer colors as Solar Cycle 25 reaches its peak, scientists say.
With more people on social media now than during the last solar maximum — which was back in 2013 — and more reading news sites and using apps such as Aurora, the word has been spreading rapidly about the brilliant displays, and photographers now post their images all across social media.
Those who wait all their lives to see the lights can head a few hours north if they want to take their best shots.
The chances of seeing lights generally increase around the fall equinox, when the sun produces a surplus of geomagnetic storms, almost twice the annual average.