The Personal Injury Attorney in West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, 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 West New York, NJ, You Can Count On
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
Latest News in West New York, NJ
NJ restaurant goes viral on TikTok — for an ICE raid the owner says never happened
Adam Hardinghttps://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-jersey/nj-restaurant-viral-tiktok-ice-raid-never-happened/6139406/
Some restaurants go viral on social media and it saves their business. But for one spot in New Jersey, trending on TikTok has had the exact opposite effect, after the owner said a false story about them spread fear among customers.La Pupusa Loca on Bergenline Avenue has been a neighborhood staple in West New York for more than 30 years. But recently, the dining room has sat largely empty most nights.Owner Elio Barrera said he’s lost about 80% of his business after a video posted to social media alleged that ICE agents rai...
Some restaurants go viral on social media and it saves their business. But for one spot in New Jersey, trending on TikTok has had the exact opposite effect, after the owner said a false story about them spread fear among customers.
La Pupusa Loca on Bergenline Avenue has been a neighborhood staple in West New York for more than 30 years. But recently, the dining room has sat largely empty most nights.
Owner Elio Barrera said he’s lost about 80% of his business after a video posted to social media alleged that ICE agents raided their second location in neighboring Union City.
"The video had over 1.4 million views – it exploded," said Barrera.
The only problem? Those raids never happened.
"It was completely false," Barrera said, noting that second location had been closed since late 2024.
"After watching the video, had I not known the truth, I would’ve believed it," he told NBC New York. "It breaks my heart that people feel they're not safe here anymore."
Barrera said there were no ICE raids at his restaurant, but the damage has already been done.
"A lot of people are scared to even come here. That week…I was shocked how empty it was. I've never seen it this empty, ever," he said.
Social media influencer Gio Rojas helped flag the video. He said it has since been taken down, but not before it was widely circulated and commented on.
"In my opinion, you’re putting fear in someone," Rojas said of the false video.
State Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez said the video should serve as a warning to his community to verify the information they read online.
"Obviously disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised," said Rodriguez. "Clearly the reason that was done was to create fear in our community...I was angry, disappointed."
Just days before the Valentine’s Day rush, Barrera said he’s had to cut back on his staff. The owner's hopeful the truth will prevail and his business can right this wrong.
"There is a lot of confusion going on with this video, but what I want to clarify: There has never been an ICE raid at any of our locations, and I just want people to know that this is, and will continue to be, their second home," said Barrera.
The restaurant has tried to calm any concerns by posting their own content to social media. Barrera said his staff has been understanding about the downsizing.
The owner also said he reached out to the person who initially posted the video, but he never got a response back.
West New York restaurant loses customers over supposed ‘ICE raid’ owner says never happened
Tom Krosnowskihttps://newjersey.news12.com/west-new-york-restaurant-loses-customers-over-supposed-ice-raid-owner-says-never-happened
The owner of a popular West New York restaurant says the impact of a fake video has had real consequences.Elio Barrera, the third-generation owner of La Papusa Loca, says his tables have been empty ever since a fake social media video that described an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at one of his restaurant locations.“Not even just on a Thursday night - in general, this place would be packed,” Barrera said. “We ...
The owner of a popular West New York restaurant says the impact of a fake video has had real consequences.
Elio Barrera, the third-generation owner of La Papusa Loca, says his tables have been empty ever since a fake social media video that described an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at one of his restaurant locations.
“Not even just on a Thursday night - in general, this place would be packed,” Barrera said. “We haven't seen it like this ever.”
Until late December, Barrera’s uncle ran a second location in Union City. Two weekends ago, a social media video with more than 1.5 million views - which has since been taken down - detailed a supposed ICE raid there.
The video shows the exterior of the former, empty restaurant, and describes the scenario using an AI-narrated voice.
RELATED: New Jersey governor didn't actually invite an immigrant to live in his home, spokesperson says
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But Barrera says it never happened, and couldn’t have, since that location is closed.
“There have been no ICE raids here, or in any of our other locations,” he said. “I know the truth. But then looking at the comments, it was almost like, ‘Wow. People are believing this.’”
Barrera says his family - originally immigrants from El Salvador - worked hard over 35 years to position their restaurant as a safe space and a slice of home.
“It's almost like a stab in the back,” he said. “We've been here for so many years, we've catered to our Hispanic community, and to see what this video is doing to us, it's hurtful. I want people to feel like they're protected here.”
The lost business has forced Barrera to cut 20-year employees.
“They've been with me for so long,” Barrera said. “They're like my second family here, too, but at the end of the day, I'm just trying to see where I can save some money and try to see how we can work through this.”
News 12 has reached out to ICE for further information but has not yet heard back.
West NY restaurant owner says fake video of ICE raid at establishment is scaring customers away
Anthony Johnsonhttps://abc7ny.com/post/owner-la-pupusa-loca-west-new-york-says-fake-video-ice-raid-is-scaring-customers-away-restaurant/15869529/
WEST NEW YORK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A fake video that went viral on social media claiming to show an ICE raid at a New Jersey restaurant has scared customers away from coming to the business.Elio Barrera, owner of the popular eatery "La Pupusa Loca," told Eyewitness News the clip on TikTok has led their West New York location to bear the brunt of a social media lie.The video got 1.4 million views across social media."It took me by surprise, because a lot of the people that saw the video believed it," ...
WEST NEW YORK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A fake video that went viral on social media claiming to show an ICE raid at a New Jersey restaurant has scared customers away from coming to the business.
Elio Barrera, owner of the popular eatery "La Pupusa Loca," told Eyewitness News the clip on TikTok has led their West New York location to bear the brunt of a social media lie.
The video got 1.4 million views across social media.
"It took me by surprise, because a lot of the people that saw the video believed it," Barrera said.
Barrera's family has owned "La Pupusa Loca" for 35 years and its multiple locations have become a favorite for the El Salvadorian community and other immigrants from South America. But now customers are fearful of an ICE raid happening.
"So, you know, it made me upset because it's like this person was I felt wad trying to capitalize off of what we were currently going under with this whole situation," Barrera said. "We're affiliated with the name. So obviously that trauma that it did scare a lot of people and obviously affected us."
Along with Barrera, community leaders say they are disgusted by the video and warn everyone not to believe everything they see on social media.
"We understand that it is a confusing time, and so that's why it's important now more than ever to express to our community the importance of getting informed," Rep. Gabriel Rodriguez said.
Barrera acknowledged the restaurant has seen an 80% drop in customers since the fake video went viral.
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ICE agents spotted in New Jersey city days after Newark operation rattles community
Melissa Coloradohttps://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ice-new-jersey-agents-spotted/6122203/
Reports of immigrants raids are on the rise in parts of the tri-state following efforts by the Trump administration to focus on mass deportations upon his return to the White House.Days after an ICE operation at a seafood market in Newark, people in West New York said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were spotted in one neighborhood on Saturday morning.The super of a...
Reports of immigrants raids are on the rise in parts of the tri-state following efforts by the Trump administration to focus on mass deportations upon his return to the White House.
Days after an ICE operation at a seafood market in Newark, people in West New York said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were spotted in one neighborhood on Saturday morning.
The super of an apartment building on Harrison Place, in a largely Hispanic neighborhood, said federal agents went inside but left without seemingly taking anyone into custody. Tensions are high and many in the neighborhood are scared, the super told NBC New York.
He said the ICE officers showed up around 7:30 a.m. Video published by HudPost shows at least four federal officers wearing bullet proof vests standing next to an unmarked white van. The letters E-R-O were visible on the back of their army green vest, which stands for enforcement and removal operations.
In recent days, the Trump administration has deported hundreds of people. On Saturday alone, 286 people nationwide were arrested by the feds, according to a count by federal officials.
Local officials from West New York and the ICE field office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE arrested three undocumented workers, and detained and questioned employees who are U.S. citizens – all without a warrant.
Last week's operation in Newark — which Mayor Ras Baraka has called a "raid" — went down Thursday at Ocean Seafood Depot, according to the mayor's office. Security camera video showed ICE agents escort a man from the warehouse and put him in the back of an unmarked car parked outside.
"[ICE] agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant," Mayor Baraka said in a statement. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized."
Multiple people were allegedly detained in Thursday's operation, including U.S. citizens, according to the mayor, but it was unclear if there were any arrests or anyone was taken into custody.
In a statement Thursday, ICE said that agents "may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite."
10 most expensive homes sold in West New York, Jan. 6-12
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2025/01/10-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-west-new-york-jan-6-12.html
A house that sold for $985,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in West New York in the past week.In total, 25 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $454,396, or $356 per square foot.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Jan. 6 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $415K, single-family residence at 7002 Kennedy Blvd.A sale has been finali...
A house that sold for $985,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in West New York in the past week.
In total, 25 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $454,396, or $356 per square foot.
The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Jan. 6 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
10. $415K, single-family residence at 7002 Kennedy Blvd.
A sale has been finalized for the detached house at 7002 Kennedy Blvd. in West New York. The price was $415,000 and the new owners took over the house in November. The house was built in 1975 and the living area totals 1,337 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $310. The deal was finalized on Nov. 19.
9. $425K, single-family home at 5509 Madison Street
The 955 square-foot single-family home at 5509 Madison Street in West New York has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in November and the total purchase price was $425,000, $445 per square foot. The house was built in 2008. The deal was finalized on Nov. 4.
8. $500K, single-family house at 417 55th Street
The property at 417 55th Street in West New York has new owners. The price was $500,000. The house was built in 1899 and has a living area of 1,048 square feet. The price per square foot is $477. The deal was finalized on Nov. 20.
7. $609K, single-family residence at 126 58th Street
The sale of the single family residence at 126 58th Street in West New York has been finalized. The price was $609,000, and the new owners took over the house in November. The house was built in 1961 and has a living area of 1,156 square feet. The price per square foot was $527. The deal was finalized on Nov. 25.
6. $650K, single-family house at 421 64th Street
The 1,648 square-foot detached house at 421 64th Street, West New York, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in November and the total purchase price was $650,000, $394 per square foot. The house was built in 1899. The deal was finalized on Nov. 25.
5. $650K, single-family home at 204 61st Street
The sale of the single-family home at 204 61st Street, West New York, has been finalized. The price was $650,000, and the new owners took over the house in November. The house was built in 1914 and has a living area of 2,332 square feet. The price per square foot was $279. The deal was finalized on Nov. 25.
4. $699K, single-family home at 7004 Kennedy Blvd.
The property at 7004 Kennedy Blvd. in West New York has new owners. The price was $699,000. The house was built in 1975 and has a living area of 2,340 square feet. The price per square foot is $299. The deal was finalized on Nov. 15.
3. $710K, single-family residence at 436 67th Street
The property at 436 67th Street in West New York has new owners. The price was $710,000. The house was built in 1899 and has a living area of 2,344 square feet. The price per square foot is $303. The deal was finalized on Nov. 21.
2. $900K, single-family house at 6505 Hudson Ave.
The sale of the single-family house at 6505 Hudson Ave., West New York, has been finalized. The price was $900,000, and the house changed hands in November. The house was built in 1919 and has a living area of 3,078 square feet. The price per square foot was $292. The deal was finalized on Nov. 7.
1. $985K, single-family residence at 162 Lydia Drive
The property at 162 Lydia Drive in West New York has new owners. The price was $985,000. The house was built in 2000 and has a living area of 1,764 square feet. The price per square foot is $558. The deal was finalized on Nov. 13.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
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