The Personal Injury Attorney Near Me Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, NJ
10 most expensive homes sold in Hackensack, Nov. 3-23
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2025/11/10-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-hackensack-nov-3-23.html
A house that sold for $2.2 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Hackensack between Nov. 3 and Nov. 23.During the past three weeks, a total of 16 residential real estate sales were registered in the area, with an average price of $584,319, or $442 per square foot.The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of November 3 to the week of Nov. 23 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $435K, condominium at 446 Passaic S...
A house that sold for $2.2 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Hackensack between Nov. 3 and Nov. 23.
During the past three weeks, a total of 16 residential real estate sales were registered in the area, with an average price of $584,319, or $442 per square foot.
The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of November 3 to the week of Nov. 23 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
10. $435K, condominium at 446 Passaic Street APT4F
A condominium at 446 Passaic Street APT4F in Hackensack, has been sold. The price was $435,000. The condominium was built in 1986 and has a living area of 1,010 square feet. The price per square foot was $431. The deal was finalized on Oct. 28.
9. $493K, detached house at 114 Lodi Street
The single-family home at 114 Lodi Street in Hackensack has new owners. The price was $493,000. The house was built in 1926 and has a living area of 1,748 square feet. The price per square foot was $282. The deal was finalized on Oct. 16.
8. $510K, single-family residence at 177 High Street
A sale has been finalized for a single-family house at 177 High Street in Hackensack. The price was $510,000. The house was built in 1926 and the living area totals 1,520 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $336. The deal was finalized on Oct. 28.
7. $550K, detached house at 88 Sussex Street
A 1,622-square-foot single-family residence at 88 Sussex Street in Hackensack, has been sold. The total purchase price was $550,000, $339 per square foot. The house was built in 1916. The deal was finalized on Oct. 24.
6. $550K, single-family home at 39 Pangborn Place
A 1,504-square-foot single-family house at 39 Pangborn Place in Hackensack has been sold. The price was $550,000, $366 per square foot. The house was built in 1907. The deal was finalized on Oct. 15.
5. $590K, single-family house at 137 Ames Street
The property at 137 Ames Street in Hackensack has new owners. The price was $590,000. The detached house was built in 1952 and has a living area of 1,956 square feet. The price per square foot was $302. The deal was finalized on Oct. 20.
4. $610K, single-family home at 122 Davis Ave.
The sale of the single-family residence at 122 Davis Ave. in Hackensack has been finalized. The price was $610,000. It was built in 1926 and has a living area of 1,668 square feet. The price per square foot was $366. The deal was finalized on Oct. 30.
3. $700K, single-family house at 108 Longview Ave.
The sale of the single-family residence at 108 Longview Ave. in Hackensack has been finalized. The price was $700,000. It was built in 1929 and has a living area of 1,703 square feet. The price per square foot was $411. The deal was finalized on Oct. 27.
2. $865K, single-family home at 215 Davis Ave.
The property at 215 Davis Ave. in Hackensack has new owners. The price was $865,000. The detached house was built in 1961 and has a living area of 2,144 square feet. The price per square foot was $403. The deal was finalized on Oct. 27.
1. $2.2 million, detached house at 64 Hackensack Ave.
The sale of the single-family residence at 64 Hackensack Ave. in Hackensack has been finalized. The price was $2,200,000. It was built in 1940. The deal was finalized on Oct. 21.
Hackensack bests Teaneck in 91st annual Thanksgiving football clash
Jack McKennahttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/football-hackensack-bests-teaneck-in-91st-annual-thanksgiving-clash.html
The time-honored tradition of the annual Turkey Bowl between Teaneck and Hackensack continued in front of a packed crowd at Tom Della Torre Field in Hackensack as the teams clashed for their 91st Thanksgiving matchup.The Comets entered the 2025 edition of the game having concluded its last 11 football seasons with a victory over Teaneck, and the outgoing group of seniors led by Brian Brancato, Caleb Collins and others were determined to extend the streak to an even dozen as they took the field for their final high school game.B...
The time-honored tradition of the annual Turkey Bowl between Teaneck and Hackensack continued in front of a packed crowd at Tom Della Torre Field in Hackensack as the teams clashed for their 91st Thanksgiving matchup.
The Comets entered the 2025 edition of the game having concluded its last 11 football seasons with a victory over Teaneck, and the outgoing group of seniors led by Brian Brancato, Caleb Collins and others were determined to extend the streak to an even dozen as they took the field for their final high school game.
Brancato tossed two touchdowns and ran for a third while Collins caught a touchdown on offense and recovered his own forced fumble on defense to spark a Hackensack defense that held Teaneck in check en route to a 32-14 win victory as the Comets improved their all-time record to 68-23 against the Highwaymen in the Garden State’s 11th longest-running Thanksgiving rivalry.
Following a scoreless opening quarter that ended with Hackensack on the move in Teaneck territory, Brancato flashed his dual-threat capabilities and turned what looked to be another drive destined to stall out into the first points of the contest.
Faced with a third-and-15 from the Teaneck 18-yard line, Brancato worked his magic out a scramble drill and plunged into the end zone to stake the Comets to their first lead of the game 15 seconds into the second quarter.
The Hackensack football program is one generally known for its ground game dominance led by bell cow running backs, but head coach Brett Ressler sounded off on the signal-calling, No. 12-wearing offensive engine that capped off his high school career with a masterful performance on Thanksgiving.
“Brian Brancato stamped his name in the legacy book as one of the best quarterbacks to come through here with this performance today,” Ressler said.
“That first touchdown run was one of the most unbelievable things he’s done over the course of his career. For him to go out like that, I’m so happy for him.”
The Highwaymen responded less than two minutes later as a 42-yard reception by Deyton Walcott set up a one-yard touchdown run by Rhys Lugo to tie the game at the 10:05 mark of the quarter, but the Hackensack offense had found its stride on the previous drive and was ready to get back to work.
The Comets marched 48 yards on eight plays to reach Teaneck’s 32-yard line before Brancato connected with Collins on a crossing route that Collins took to the end zone for his first career receiving touchdown in his final game. Collins’ touchdown kicked off a stretch of 25 consecutive points for Hackensack, and Ressler highlighted Collins and a number of other Hackensack seniors that ended their high school careers with star performances.
“Caleb’s another great kid. Unselfish, versatile, plays where you need him and makes the plays when you need them,” Ressler said.
“Danny Nifah is another kid that went from being strictly a defensive player to playing offense, defense and special teams. He does whatever the team needs to win. Anthony Diaz had an unbelievable game as well, knows his role, does his job, and all his work paid off today.”
Diaz ended the game as Brancato’s favorite target, pacing Hackensack with eight receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown, a 16-yard score with 15 seconds remaining before halftime to extend the lead at the break to a 19-7 edge for Hackensack (5-5).
A seven-yard touchdown run from Laron Young with 42 seconds to play in the third quarter stood as Hackensack’s final offensive touchdown, and pick six from Dalen Gandy-Everett at the 5:49 mark of the fourth capped off Hackensack’s 25-point run to pull away from Teaneck.
Teaneck capped off its final offensive drive of the season with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Lugo to Walcott, and Hackensack ran out the remainder of the clock to wrap up its 2025 season on a high note.
The Comets had been out of game action for nearly four weeks following their playoff loss against Ramapo, ranked No. 8 in the NJ.com Top 20, in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 quarterfinal, and Brancato was grateful for the opportunity to step off the gridiron for the final time as a winner.
“It’s been a great four year, there’s been some set backs and ups and downs but I couldn’t ask for a better finish here with my teammates,” Brancato said.
“It was hard losing in the playoffs, it felt like the season wasn’t going to be what I dreamed of but I kept humble and stayed patient and here I am celebrating with my teammates now.”
In the nearly century-long history of Thanksgiving football between Hackensack and Teaneck, the rivalry has endured as many once-annual Thanksgiving matchups get moved to earlier in the football season or dropped entirely. As one of only two Bergen County games still going (alongside the annual Dumont-Tenafly matchup), players and coaches alike cherish the continued opportunities to participate in this matchup.
“We know what the tradition is, more than 90 years and holding up the trophy and there was no way we were going out not holding it,” Brancato said.
“We knew what it was, preparing for four weeks watching film, practicing their plays on scout team, it all comes down to holding up this trophy.”
Ressler cited the extension of New Jersey’s football playoffs in recent years as one of the biggest obstacles to the remaining Thanksgiving games. As sectional playoffs expanded to include a regional title game and then further into an overall group champion starting in 2022, the balancing act has become more difficult.
Teams participating in Thanksgiving games, as is the case for both Group 2 title game participants No. 13 Camden and No. 19 Shabazz, play their group championship game the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, which extends into December in most cases.
“It’s about tradition regardless of when the game is played, it’s getting harder and harder logistically based on the playoff system now,” Ressler said.
“At the same time, it’s 91 years of guys that came before us that always come back for this game. However it moves forward it’s on us and Teaneck to recognizes the legacies of those who came before us.”
Teaneck concludes its 2025 season with a 5-5 record.
As Teaneck head Cekuan James addressed his team for the final time on the field in 2025, he was reflective of the final game for the group of players that joined Teaneck upon his arrival on the coaching staff in 2022.
“I appreciate these seniors so much, they did a lot for us,” James said.
“They came in here with me and these seniors were the freshman when I first came in, so it’s a lot of emotions right now...I appreciate the tradition and everything that goes on with this Thanksgiving game and we’d love to see it every single year.”
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