The Personal Injury Attorney in Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, 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 Lodi, NJ
'A muddy mess': Boys & Girls Club of Lodi cleans up from yet another flood
Amanda Wallacehttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/lodi/2024/01/12/rain-in-lodi-nj-leaves-boys-girls-club-flooded/72201372007/
4-minute readNorthJersey.comEven as the threat of another storm loomed for Friday night, North Jersey residents, businesses and municipalities are still trying to recover from the Tuesday storm that dumped up to 4 inches of rain and brought devastating ...
4-minute read
NorthJersey.com
Even as the threat of another storm loomed for Friday night, North Jersey residents, businesses and municipalities are still trying to recover from the Tuesday storm that dumped up to 4 inches of rain and brought devastating flooding to many neighborhoods.
In Lodi, numerous streets were closed, businesses were shut down, residents were evacuated from their homes, and others had to deal with the cleanup from flooded yards or basements.
The Boys & Girls Club of Lodi, whose property borders the Saddle River, is dealing with major damage from the storm. That's not an unfamiliar situation, said Joseph Licata, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Bergen County.
"It's like Groundhog Day. It's rinse and repeat. It's the same thing over and over again," said Licata.
Story continues after photo gallery
"Lodi floods, press and public officials come in, and then the water recedes, and nobody talks about it, and then it floods again," he said. "And it's not just us. We're one piece of a big problem that effects the whole county."
Flood doors, pumping system
Over the years, the sheer amount of flooding that Lodi and the Boys & Girls Club building has dealt with has prompted the organization to install flood mitigation measures throughout the building.
After Hurricane Irene in 2011, the organization had enough. It considered moving the club to a new location, but the cost was too much, so it installed flood doors and a pumping system in the basement consisting of seven main pumps and two backup pumps.
There is also a backup generator that can keep two pumps running in the case of a power outage.
Additionally, when a storm is coming, workers make sure to remove anything from the parking lot that could float away. The dumpsters are secured, since they have floated away before.
Regardless of those measures, the parking lot is a "muddy disaster," and the basement was filled with water, ruining the building's two pool filter pumps, which will need to be replaced. Licata ranked Tuesday's flooding among the seven worst.
Saturation point:NJ flooding is getting worse. NorthJersey.com series traces impact, inspects solutions
Flooding:A look at what's been done, and what can be done to combat it
The club is also installing solar panels and some of the contractor's construction equipment was already staged in the parking lot and ready to go. In preparation for the storm, the contractor moved things that could float away, such as a port-a-potty, but did not think that the giant shipping container sitting in the lot would float away.
It did.
"I was shocked, I got a call, and somebody said, 'I think this thing is floating.' I was like 'are you kidding me,' " said Licata. "And then not even 10 minutes later I get another call that it was stuck under the bridge."
A crane had to pull the container out of the river and it was brought back to the contractor's facility. It plans to return it to the Boys & Girls Club parking lot after the upcoming weekend's storm and find a way to secure it in the event of another storm.
Dredging the Saddle River
While he appreciates the help that he and others have received for cleanup and repairs from state and local officials, Licata is fed up with the constant flooding events and is urging government officials to get involved and dredge the Saddle River.
"We have done as much as we can at this point to our building," he said. "We really need our government partners to step up, advocate, and dredge the river.
"Each time this comes about you're talking millions of dollars that get thrown into repairing things when you can throw dollars into dredging the river to solve the problem, or at least solve it to an extent where it maybe wouldn't have flooded during this last storm," he said.
Tom Koziol, who owns an apartment building on Main Street that was flooded so badly on Tuesday night that his tenants were forced to evacuate, agreed.
Koziol has owned the building for about 40 years and this flood is the seventh he has dealt with, pouring money and time into making repairs just for it to flood again. He said the river needs dredging.
"We go through this, and I try to speak to someone, nobody cares," said Koziol.
"There is a solution that exists," said Licata. "I think the time has to be now; this is not going to get better. Weather patterns are changing, we see it, I've seen it in my 15 years here that each year we have more of these floods happening.
"It's not just about us," he said. "There's homeowners and other businesses all up and down this river that get impacted each time we have an event like this."
River is silting up, can't hold as much runoff
With each flood, mud and other debris gets washed into the river, building up the bed and causing the river to lose depth. If you look downriver from the Boys & Girls Club parking lot you can see an island forming that didn't used to be there, Licata said.
If you drive alongside the river, you can see numerous downed trees and branches clogging up the waterway.
A family that has lived in the Lodi area for years, Licata says that his grandparents used to swim in the river decades ago, something that could never be done now with its depth of only a couple of feet.
"Help us to push the government to address the river," said Licata.
A nonprofit organization, the Boys & Girls Club aims to "enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."
The building is home to before and after-school care, sports, aquatics, clubs, activities and more.
You can check out the club's website if you are interested in donating or volunteering.
New Jersey rivers reach major flood stage sending water rushing into nearby communities
Emilee Speckhttps://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/new-jersey-saddle-river-reaches-major-flood-stage-sending-water-rushing-into-lodi-community
More New Jersey rivers expected to reach major flood stageResidents near the Saddle River in Lodi, New Jersey were evacuated on Tuesday after a monster storm caused the river to crest 4 feet above flood level. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is on Main Street where the flooding has closed the road.LODI, N.J. – Heavy rain from ...
More New Jersey rivers expected to reach major flood stage
Residents near the Saddle River in Lodi, New Jersey were evacuated on Tuesday after a monster storm caused the river to crest 4 feet above flood level. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is on Main Street where the flooding has closed the road.
LODI, N.J. – Heavy rain from a monster winter storm has caused several rivers in New Jersey to reach flood stage, sending water rushing into surrounding communities.
Officials declared a state of emergency in New Jersey due to flooding, with more rivers throughout the Garden State forecast to reach flood stage within the next day or two. The major flooding has prompted water rescue operations.
NEXT CROSS-COUNTRY WINTER STORM TO PRODUCE RENEWED ROUNDS OF HEAVY SNOW, SEVERE WEATHER
In Lodi, New Jersey, the Saddle River crested around 9 a.m. EST Wednesday morning, more than 2 feet above major flood stage. The river level peaked at 10.27 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The Saddle River enters minor flood stage at 5.5 feet and major flood stage at 8 feet.
Basement and lower-level apartment homes in Lodi were flooded when the river crested, sending water into the streets near the river, including Main Street. On Wednesday, water continued to lap at buildings, and the river raged nearby.
Avenue E to Central Avenue on Main Street remains closed due to flooding.
Lodi Fire Department crews evacuated families with young children in those homes using high-water vehicles. Fire crews are going street by street to check on residents in homes in the flooding area who may need rescuing.
Despite the flooding, people were still trying to make it to work in the wet conditions. Many drivers were diverted due to flood-related road closures.
"You need a rowboat No. 1 to come in here. It's been bad. The water rises in the rivers, and there's nothing you can do," said Phil Pino, of Pinto Garbage Co. "Main Street is bad, very bad. Maybe half a mile of water."
FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Schools in Lodi are closed on Wednesday.
The basement flooded at the Boys and Girls Club, Washington Elementary School and multiple businesses in Lodi. Flooding was also reported in houses along the baseball field and a senior housing complex.
About 4 miles away, Pine Brook, New Jersey, is bracing for major flooding impacts as the Passaic River is forecast to crest at 21.4 feet on Thursday. As of Wednesday morning, the river was over 19 feet, just above minor flood stage. The river reaches major flood stage at 21 feet.
Pompton Plains, New Jersey, has picked up 3-5 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. The Pompton River hit major flood stage at 19 feet and is forecast to peak at 20.6 feet by late Wednesday.
Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herd said that beginning Sunday, first responders went door to door to warn residents of the potential flooding. The mayor said he's concerned families will be displaced by flooding yet again.
7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS
"This is actually about the third time in about four weeks that we've gotten flooding in Pequannock," Herd said.
Rainfall from the winter storm broke more than 60 daily rainfall records on Tuesday for cities including Newark, with 2.05 inches, and Trenton, with 2.16 inches.
In addition to the heavy rain from the winter storm, the FOX Forecast Center said snowmelt from areas north of New Jersey is moving downstream, contributing to the rapidly rising rivers.
Flood Warnings and Advisories continue to be in effect from the Gulf Coast to New England as a powerful winter storm brought record rainfall to some areas.
Heavy rainfall causing New Jersey community to be on edge
Anthony Carlohttps://abc7ny.com/nj-flooding-weather-new-jersey/14509100/
LODI, New Jersey (WABC) -- A steady, pouring rain drenched the Lodi community on Saturday night, dampening spirits.Mary Jean Baretto is nervous."Every time that there is rain, I'm worried about flooding and all that - and I have to go to the window - is it like halfway yet? It's all worries all the time," she says.After the last big storm in January, water was creeping up to her doorstep just feet from the overflowing Saddle River.She has had to evacuate by boat in the past, but this time it won't be eas...
LODI, New Jersey (WABC) -- A steady, pouring rain drenched the Lodi community on Saturday night, dampening spirits.
Mary Jean Baretto is nervous.
"Every time that there is rain, I'm worried about flooding and all that - and I have to go to the window - is it like halfway yet? It's all worries all the time," she says.
After the last big storm in January, water was creeping up to her doorstep just feet from the overflowing Saddle River.
She has had to evacuate by boat in the past, but this time it won't be easy. Baretto is walking with a cane after major surgery.
"I had spine surgery - I can't go anywhere," she said.
As the night went on - the puddles grew - along with the concerns. Big enough to force some Lodi residents to uproot permanently.
"We had five kids in the apartment and all the time it was very difficult, so we moved," said Aleandra Sandoval.
"The whole basement up to the first floor was flooded and we had to move out afterwards - it just wasn't great. I was pregnant at the time - it was bad," said Danielle Trippeda.
It is still causing anxiety years later - even on your 'run of the mill' rainy day.
Even though the river has run some people out of town, others have no paddle - only prayers.
Baretto tells Eyewitness News the scariest memory she has from river flooding is when her husband was nearly swept away on North Main Street. He held onto a utility pole for dear life until firefighters arrived. She hopes the river stays within its banks on Saturday night.
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Flooding in New Jersey continues after overnight storm, rivers overflow
Zinnia Maldonadohttps://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-jersey-flooding-overnight-storm-main-street-lodi-closed/
LODI, N.J. -- Heavy rain overnight Saturday has caused serious flooding in New Jersey.In Lodi, part of Main Street near the Route 46 exit was closed Sunday morning because water from the Saddle River spilled over due to the storm....
LODI, N.J. -- Heavy rain overnight Saturday has caused serious flooding in New Jersey.
In Lodi, part of Main Street near the Route 46 exit was closed Sunday morning because water from the Saddle River spilled over due to the storm.
It wasn't clear how deep the floodwaters were, but it was bad enough for officials to block it off from drivers.
The storm flooded all parts of North Jersey.
Video shows the basement flooding at a home in Paterson near East Holsman and North Bridge Street. There was also flooding near Lawrence Street and River Road, areas prone to it anytime there's excessive rainfall.
Saturday night, officials at Red Bull Arena in Harrison shut down a portion of the road that flooded during the game. Police blocked off Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South between Guyon and Riverbend Drives as water quickly rose.
Officials were directing traffic for fans on their way out, since drivers had some extra navigating to do in the unrelenting rain.
"Especially when there's a storm like this, hopefully we'll make it home alright," said Dan Goyeneche, from Morris Plains.
"We'll be fine. We'll make it home safe," another fan said.
"We're very good with the storm. I think the rain brought us luck," said another.
Hundreds of JCP&L and PSE&G customers lost power during the storm.
Lodi streets flood as Saddle River crests, some residents evacuate
Phil Taitthttps://abc7ny.com/flooding-lodi-new-jersey-evacuations/14306064/
LODI, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Saddle River crested and spilled into the streets of Lodi, New Jersey, causing flooding in some homes and spurring people to evacuate in some cases.The river crested at levels higher than expected and the Office of Emergency Management reported at least 35 rescues on Wednesday.Neighbors were seeing the impacts of the winter storm as the floodwater rose by the minute, creeping right onto the doorstep of those living on Money and Sidney streets.As the water rose, Eyewitness News saw a family ...
LODI, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Saddle River crested and spilled into the streets of Lodi, New Jersey, causing flooding in some homes and spurring people to evacuate in some cases.
The river crested at levels higher than expected and the Office of Emergency Management reported at least 35 rescues on Wednesday.
Neighbors were seeing the impacts of the winter storm as the floodwater rose by the minute, creeping right onto the doorstep of those living on Money and Sidney streets.
As the water rose, Eyewitness News saw a family evacuate their 92-year-old mother-in-law to safety.
The family worked together to wheel their loved one through the water from their doorstep. At one point, they weren't able to make their way on the outskirts of the home by using the sidewalk, as the water deepened.
They had to cut through the back of another neighboring home just to make sure they were safe.
The family said since 1999, this has happened about five times, changing the way that they live.
They say anytime it rains they are watchful as the Saddle River could potentially rise, with water pouring into their homes, and streets left flooded. The family is frustrated.
"Help us, help us. We've lived on the street 90 years. My mom and dad were on the street 90 years, so we need some help. Somebody needs to help us," said Marisa, an evacuating resident.
"It's just too much water, you can only do so much. They do truly their best but you know, it is what it is," said neighbor Al Chasey.
Governor Phil Murphy, who surveyed the flooding in Lodi on Wednesday, touted a program that provides money to buy people's homes along deluge plains. "I think you're going to see a lot more acquisition," said Murphy. "We can't have families see the same movie every other year forever and for always."
However, resident Bianney Garcia says the program is a bureaucratic nightmare.
"It's been months already and we're not getting anywhere right now," said Garcia.
Several roads are closed due to flooding and drivers are advised not to drive into water.
All Lodi Public Schools were closed on Wednesday due to the flooding conditions.
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