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

The Personal Injury Attorney in Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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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Personal Injury Attorney Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, NJ

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

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Latest News in Rutherford, NJ

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR MEN’S & WOMEN’S NATIONALS IN NEW JERSEY

[EAGAN, MN, November 2, 2023] — The best women’s and men’s curlers in the nation are headed to the Tri-State area, and sports fans can see the action up close at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ.The event runs from January 29th to February 4th, 2024—both single-game tickets and Full Event ...

[EAGAN, MN, November 2, 2023] — The best women’s and men’s curlers in the nation are headed to the Tri-State area, and sports fans can see the action up close at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ.

The event runs from January 29th to February 4th, 2024—both single-game tickets and Full Event Passes are now available for purchase online. The winners on the Men’s side will be Team USA at the 2024 World Championship in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, while the team that captures the Women’s title will head to the 2024 World Women’s Curling Championships in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

This championship marks the highest level of curling competition ever held in the New York City area. Berths in the 2025 Olympic Team Trials are also up for grabs at this championship, making it a crucial step for teams aiming to be a part of Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.

While all the berths in the championship won’t be determined until December 20th, fans can expect to see teams led by 2018 gold medalist John Shuster, two-time Olympian Tabitha Peterson, and current World Mixed Doubles champion Korey Dropkin, a native of the Boston area who now resides in Minnesota.

“My whole team is looking forward to competing on the East Coast,” Dropkin said. “Having the National Championships in the middle of a major entertainment complex will be a unique and fun experience for everyone involved. Just hoping that Yankee fans will support my team despite my love of the Red Sox!”

Former NFL All-Pro Jared Allen, playing on Team Ruohonen, is also in contention to qualify for the Men’s Nationals and can seal a berth with a strong showing in upcoming Tour events.

The American Dream complex features more than three million square feet of attractions, including an indoor theme park, water park, ski slope, and over 450 stores. The Rink is an NHL-size pad that will be transformed by USA Curling Head Ice Technician Shawn Olesen and his crew into five sheets (lanes) of curling ice. Four of those sheets will be reserved for competition, with the fifth sheet used for sponsor events and fan experience opportunities.

Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. He stated, "Being adjacent to Met Life Stadium and just minutes from Manhattan gives us an opportunity to showcase our sport in the country’s biggest media market. The sightlines will also make it a great place for both new and long-time fans to watch elite-level curling."

There are three levels of General Admission ticketing—Ice Level Seating, Mezzanine Level Seating, and Upper Level Standing. Full Event passes are available, and the morning and afternoon sessions are combined so fans can see two sets of games for the price of one. Session and single game tickets can be purchased on the American Dream ticket platform here, while Full Event Passes are available here.

For media inquiries or additional event and sponsor information, please contact Jenna Burchesky at jenna.burchesky@usacurling.org or Aaron Kaylor at aaron.kaylor@usacurling.org.

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Toyota, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Rock Solid Productions, IHG, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of the World Curling Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.

'What it's all about': Rutherford church to give away free prom dresses, tuxedos

2-minute read Philip DeVencentisNorthJersey.comRUTHERFORD — Their philanthropy is driven by a primeval instinct to hunt and gather.They hunt for gently used formal wear for less-than-fortunate teenagers and gather the clothes in an old gymnasium at ...

2-minute read

Philip DeVencentis

NorthJersey.com

RUTHERFORD — Their philanthropy is driven by a primeval instinct to hunt and gather.

They hunt for gently used formal wear for less-than-fortunate teenagers and gather the clothes in an old gymnasium at Grace Episcopal Church.

Then, another instinct kicks in. They give.

It requires that degree of human kindness to fuel the mission of Grace’s Closet. For the past two years, the volunteers who run it have amassed hundreds of prom dresses and evening gowns for young women to take home for free. This year, they expanded their outreach by asking for neckties, suits and tuxedos for young men.

“People are so happy to donate to the cause,” said Susan Muller, the volunteer manager of Grace’s Closet. “They think that what we’re doing is beautiful.”

Muller said the volunteers donated at least 1,000 dresses to teens at last year’s one-day giveaway.

So many gowns were left over that the volunteers donated some to Oasis, a Paterson-based nonprofit for women and children, and to three high schools in underprivileged areas.

What was left after the giveaway was stowed in a self-storage unit until the volunteers resumed the project last month.

Meanwhile, Muller said, the operation grew its presence on the internet by launching a website. Prospective patrons continue to show interest in the thriving mission, she said.

“Not a week has gone by that I haven’t gotten a call,” Muller said.

Story continues below gallery.

The volunteers received additional support, she said, from U-Haul Moving & Storage of East Rutherford, which donated the self-storage unit, and from Vermont-based National Hanger Co., which donated hundreds of clothes hangers.

Muller said her volunteer experience has taught her that the need for the mission is great. Four people, she said, drove almost two hours to get to last year’s giveaway from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Encountering the two women and their daughters “brought a tear to my eye,” she said.

BERGEN COUNTY:Mahwah Jr. Knicks 'Coach of the Year' finalist erases stigma in basketball

“I sat in the room,” Muller said, “and I went, ‘This is what it’s all about.’”

Grace’s Closet will be open twice this year: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and on Saturday, March 9, at the church, at 128 West Passaic Ave. The volunteers are still seeking prom attire. For a list of collection sites, visit the mission website at gracesclosetrutherford.org.

Philip DeVencentis 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.

2 construction workers injured in partial building collapse in New Jersey

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A construction worker was trapped and injured Saturday after a partial building collapse in New Jersey.The building was in such bad shape, authorities decided to demolish it.Within seconds, a building that has been standing for over 140 years came crashing down."It was a building that has been here in town forever," East Rutherford resident Lois Sciandra said. "You get choked up thinking about sitting out on the deck."The Railroad Cafe was an indoor-out...

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A construction worker was trapped and injured Saturday after a partial building collapse in New Jersey.

The building was in such bad shape, authorities decided to demolish it.

Within seconds, a building that has been standing for over 140 years came crashing down.

"It was a building that has been here in town forever," East Rutherford resident Lois Sciandra said. "You get choked up thinking about sitting out on the deck."

The Railroad Cafe was an indoor-outdoor staple in East Rutherford. Shut down for a few years, the new owners were renovating to turn it into a new restaurant. But on Saturday, a portion of the building collapsed, trapping one of the three construction workers in the basement.

"Portion of the building, it's a foundation wall of the building that supports the structure. They were working along that side digging when the wall collapsed in on them," East Rutherford Fire Chief John Giancaspro said.

It took two hours to get him out.

"The landing just collapsed on him. He was trapped under there for several hours, so I heard. But they did get him out, and he is alive, but waist down injuries. It's horrible. But the building is so old," neighbor Patricia Peeples said.

According to fire officials, it was an extensive technical operation. Aid from multiple agencies was requested, including a search and rescue strike team.

"Before we could start removing him from the building, we had to make sure the building was stabilized," Hackensack Fire Chief Mike Christenson said.

Officials say owners plan to rebuild. It will all start from scratch.

"It's probably a lot cheaper to build a new structure than to try to renovate. This building was built, I believe, in 1880," East Rutherford Mayor Jeffrey Lahullier said.

"It's sad because I've lived in this town for, like, 16 years, but safety first," East Rutherford resident Meryl Heddy said.

That worker was transported to the hospital for his injuries. His condition is unknown. A second worker is also being treated for a leg injury.

Alecia Reid

Alecia Reid is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated reporter for CBS New York. She is a sustainability & social justice advocate; passionate about giving a voice to people who may not otherwise be able to tell their stories.

The 2026 World Cup final will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium

The 2026 World Cup final will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium to cap a tournament set in cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, soccer's international governing body FIFA announced Sunday.The final will be played on July 19 at the East Rutherford, N.J., stadium. Mexico City will host the opener of the 104-game tourna...

The 2026 World Cup final will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium to cap a tournament set in cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, soccer's international governing body FIFA announced Sunday.

The final will be played on July 19 at the East Rutherford, N.J., stadium. Mexico City will host the opener of the 104-game tournament at Estadio Azteca on June 11.

During the event, though, the 82,500-capacity stadium will be officially referred to as the "New York New Jersey Stadium" to comply with the FIFA's policy against non-sponsor corporate names.

It's a World Cup of firsts. For the first time, the tournament will expand to include 48 teams, up from the 32 team-format held for the past seven tournaments. It will also be the first time the tournament is staged across three host nations. Beyond the New York-New Jersey complex, 15 other major cities were picked to host the World Cup matches.

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and Giants, hosted the Super Bowl in 2014 and the Copa América Centenario final in 2016.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy celebrated the announcement on social media.

"As a lifelong soccer fan, I am thrilled to announce that the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be hosted by New Jersey and New York City!" Gov. Murphy said in a tweet.

When local officials first made their pitch to play host for the World Cup final, they emphasized the stadium's proximity to New York City as a media hub with central access to hotels, restaurants, entertainment and international flights.

As for the U.S. Men's National Team, they will have the fortune of sticking to the same time zone to start their World Cup journey. The team's first match is at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium on June 12. After that, they'll head to Seattle for their second match, before returning to LA for the final group play round on June 26.

"It's great to finally learn where we will be for the group stage. It really starts to bring things to life," USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said during a press conference. "We would have been happy with any of the venues because we know the home support is going to be incredible."

Whether or not his team makes it to the final game, Berhalter — a New Jersey native — says of the venue pick: "It's a dream come true for me."

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