The Personal Injury Attorney Near Me River Vale, 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 River Vale, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
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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 River Vale, 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 River Vale, 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 River Vale, 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 River Vale, 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 River Vale, 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 River Vale, 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 Near Me River Vale, NJ
Pearl River Food Truck Festival
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/river-vale-nj/calendar/event/20251108/2ef61840-5748-4056-beef-b913e23363dc/pearl-river-food-truck-festival
Pearl River's first annual FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL is this Saturday from 11am - 4pm in Central Avenue Field, Pearl River NY and will include live music by guitarist Tom Fabry and Pianist/vocalist Andrew Ace Greenspan.PARTICIPATING FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS:Bongo's Fries - Hand cut FriesThe Brownie Bar - Brownies, Blondies & Ice CreamCousin's Maine Lobster - Lobster Rolls and Seafood Favorites...
Pearl River's first annual FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL is this Saturday from 11am - 4pm in Central Avenue Field, Pearl River NY and will include live music by guitarist Tom Fabry and Pianist/vocalist Andrew Ace Greenspan.
PARTICIPATING FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS:
Bongo's Fries - Hand cut Fries
The Brownie Bar - Brownies, Blondies & Ice Cream
Cousin's Maine Lobster - Lobster Rolls and Seafood Favorites
Chef D's Latin Fusion - Asian Latin Fusion
Coney Island Pizza - Wood Fired Pizza
Eat My Balls - Arancini Rice Balls
EmpaBake - Baked Empanadas
Grumpy Dumpling Company - Pork, Chicken & Veggie Dumplings
Maillard Food Truck - Smashburgers & Chicken Sandwiches
New York Soda Jerks - Handcrafted beverages, shakes and sundaes
Poke Motion - Poke Bowls
Prince Popover - Fresh baked popovers
Tyler's Argentinian Corner - Choripan & Alfajores
PLUS......................
Cooper's Daughter Spirits - Flavor-infused vodka, bourbons, and liqueurs
Crannog Apiary - Local raw honey from Pearl River
Doc Pickle - Pickles and olives
Food is Med Farms - Made-to-order Dosas
Irie Delights Bakery - Sweet and savory Caribbean inspired baked goods including Jamaican beef, chicken and veggie patties
Liquid Fables - Canned cocktails
Nelson Gourmet House - Heirloom nuts and dried fruits plus beef jerky
The Orchards of Concklin - Fruit, veggies, pies, cider, cider donuts from Rockland County's oldest working farm
Orlando's Bakery - Breads and pastries plus quiche, stromboli, pies, hummus and Baba ganoush.
Red Barn Cidery - Hard Cider
The Sourdough Sweet Spot - Organic sourdough bread (sweet & savory options), scones, cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies
That Cheese Lady - Cow cheese, goat cheese, cheese spreads, crackers, granola, trail mix
Uncle Bob's Kettle Corn - Non-GMO kettle corn in a variety of sweet and savory flavors.
Hudson Valley Holistics - Tallow based moisturizer, cooking tallow, Organic elderberry tonic
See 2025 election results for all contested Bergen County races
Albina Sportellihttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/11/04/bergen-nj-election-results-2025/86834854007/
Editor's note: Results will be added as soon as they are available after polls close at 8 p.m.BERGEN COUNTY — The following are unofficial Nov. 4, 2025, Election Day results. They include early in-person voting results and day of election results.The results will be finalized following a canvassing and certification of votes, where officials verify that the votes were counted correctly and reconcile mail-in ballots, as well as those from overseas military personnel, provisional, challenged and rejected ones. The ...
Editor's note: Results will be added as soon as they are available after polls close at 8 p.m.
BERGEN COUNTY — The following are unofficial Nov. 4, 2025, Election Day results. They include early in-person voting results and day of election results.
The results will be finalized following a canvassing and certification of votes, where officials verify that the votes were counted correctly and reconcile mail-in ballots, as well as those from overseas military personnel, provisional, challenged and rejected ones. The process in New Jersey must be finalized by Nov. 30.
NorthJersey.com will add results as they are released by election officials and will be updated throughout the evening on Nov. 4.
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River Vale candidates differ on how to keep schools strong, sustainable
Michael Olohanhttps://thepressgroup.net/river-vale-candidates-differ-on-how-to-keep-schools-strong-sustainable/
RIVER VALE—Four candidates are seeking two open three-year seats on the local Board of Education, offering voters a choice between continuity and new perspectives. Incumbents Louan Austin and Virginia “Ginny” Senande emphasize fiscal discipline and academic achievement, while challengers Emily Leffler and Thomas Quinn call for a broader focus on student well-being, life skills, and teacher support.River Vale Public Schools serves about 1,000 students in pre-K through grade 8 across three schools: Roberge Elementary S...
RIVER VALE—Four candidates are seeking two open three-year seats on the local Board of Education, offering voters a choice between continuity and new perspectives. Incumbents Louan Austin and Virginia “Ginny” Senande emphasize fiscal discipline and academic achievement, while challengers Emily Leffler and Thomas Quinn call for a broader focus on student well-being, life skills, and teacher support.
River Vale Public Schools serves about 1,000 students in pre-K through grade 8 across three schools: Roberge Elementary School on Westwood Avenue, and Woodside Elementary School and Holdrum Middle School on Rivervale Road. Graduates attend Pascack Valley High School in the regional district shared with Hillsdale. The district emphasizes small class sizes—roughly 11 students per teacher—and strong performance in math and reading, consistently ranking among Bergen County’s high-achieving suburban districts.
The Candidates, Left to Right
Austin, a nine-year resident and mother of two daughters, is a professional photographer and part-time ABA therapist. A six-year Girl Scout volunteer and class parent, she has served on the board’s Curriculum and Technology Committee.
Senande, a 15-year resident, also the mother of two daughters, has served on the board since 2018. With two decades in education, she’s active as a CCD teacher, Girl Scout leader, and school committee member.
Leffler, a seven-year resident with two children, works as a human-resources consultant specializing in organizational development. She has served four years on the River Vale PTA Executive Board and volunteers with the Junior Football Association Cheer program.
Quinn, a 20-year resident and father of two grown children, is a high-school math teacher and coach at Northern Valley Regional High School (Old Tappan). Over three decades in education, he’s also coached youth soccer, baseball, and basketball locally.
Where They Stand
Austin says curriculum transparency, responsible spending, and student success remain her top goals.
“Thanks to our dedicated staff, our district has shown a continuous climb in performance on district assessment reports,” she said. “I am committed to supporting policies and initiatives that keep our schools on a path of strong academic achievement for all students. If re-elected, I will continue to collaborate with our Curriculum and Technology team.”
Senande focuses on fiscal stewardship and sustaining academic excellence amid rising costs.
“During my tenure we have kept the school-budget increase under 2 percent most years, despite minimal state aid and increases in health-benefit premiums and unfunded mandates,” she said. “At the same time, the administration has rolled out several academic initiatives to improve student achievement, especially in math and literacy.”
Leffler said she is running to ensure every child receives a high-quality, well-rounded education that develops both intellect and resilience.
“Education extends beyond academics,” she said. “I believe in equipping students with life skills, problem-solving abilities, and independence through rigorous instruction, extracurricular activities, and real-world learning opportunities.”
Her top goals include managing rising costs, supporting student well-being and growth, and retaining excellent educators through stronger professional development and recognition.
Quinn said his focus is on maintaining River Vale’s strong schools while adapting to new learning needs.
“Our school-aged children are our most important residents in town,” he said. “Twenty-first-century learning is ever changing, and we need to keep our children up to date with current styles of learning and technology to help them grow. I really do not have an agenda for running; I just want to see our town continue to provide good schools for our children.”
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