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

The Personal Injury Attorney in Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, 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 Mahwah, NJ

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

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Latest News in Mahwah, NJ

Total Solar Eclipse: How Much You'll See In Mahwah, When To See It

MAHWAH, NJ — Excitement is building in North Jersey for the Monday, April 8 total solar eclipse. While we’re not among the 32 million Americans living in the path of totality, we're close enough to enjoy the celestial sensation.In the United States, the path of totality extends from Texas to Maine, but each of the 48 continental states will see some of the solar eclipse, which occur...

MAHWAH, NJ — Excitement is building in North Jersey for the Monday, April 8 total solar eclipse. While we’re not among the 32 million Americans living in the path of totality, we're close enough to enjoy the celestial sensation.

In the United States, the path of totality extends from Texas to Maine, but each of the 48 continental states will see some of the solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon slips between our bright star and Earth.

In Bergen County, the moon will cover at least 90 percent of the sun at the peak of the eclipse, according to a NASA map that is searchable by ZIP code. Depending on which town you're in, it may cover a bit more.

For instance, near the county's southern border, in Kearny, the moon will cover around 90.2 percent of the sun. But up north in Mahwah, the moon will cover 91.5 percent. In Ridgewood, it will cover approximately 91 percent, and in Wyckoff, it will cover 91.2 percent.

Timing For Bergen County:

Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Partial eclipse begins: 2:10 p.m.Totality begins: 2:51 p.m.Maximum: 3:25 p.m.Totality ends: 3:58 p.m.Partial ends: 4:36 p.m.

In places with totality, the sun will go completely dark for just a few minutes.

Events: Flat Rock Park in Englewood is holding a viewing party that day. Find out more here.

Right now, it looks like we could have clouds and rain for the big event, but anything can change. Put your ZIP code into the NASA site for updates.

The total solar eclipse starts in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. It also goes through small parts of Tennessee and Michigan.

It then enters Canada in southern Ontario and proceeds through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton before exiting continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

It will be March 30, 2033, before another total solar eclipse touches the United States, and that’s only on the tip of Alaska. It’ll be Aug. 12, 2044, before the next eclipse sweeps across the lower 48 states, with parts of Montana and North Dakota experiencing totality.

Related Articles

Is floodwater compromising these NJ Transit tracks in Mahwah? The township has concerns

Marsha A. StoltzMAHWAH — Monday's flooding of South Railroad Avenue has heightened township concerns that a yearlong problem with a damaged NJ Transit culvert may be eroding the embankment supporting its railroad tracks off Franklin Turnpike.Township Administrator Ben Kezmarsky said Tuesday that an apartment complex east of the tracks has experienced flooding fr...

Marsha A. Stoltz

MAHWAH — Monday's flooding of South Railroad Avenue has heightened township concerns that a yearlong problem with a damaged NJ Transit culvert may be eroding the embankment supporting its railroad tracks off Franklin Turnpike.

Township Administrator Ben Kezmarsky said Tuesday that an apartment complex east of the tracks has experienced flooding from the damaged culvert for the past year.

However, Monday's flooding west of the tracks is new, and it suggests that the culvert flow may be eroding a tunnel under the railroad tracks.

"Yesterday our township engineer reached out to his New Jersey Transit contact regarding the erosion of that embankment," Kezmarsky said Tuesday. "South Railroad Avenue flooded yesterday for the first time that any of us can recall, the concern being that the water found another path under the tracks."

Kezmarsky said NJ Transit officials "stated that their team would come inspect the damage."

Related:Why did this week's rainstorm hit North Jersey so hard? It could be El Niño

NJ Transit officials did not immediately respond to a request by The Record for comment. It is not known how the culvert became damaged.

Tort claim filed

Martin Kenwood, the owner/managing member of the Mall & Starview Gardens apartment complex at 250-260 Franklin Turnpike, filed tort claims against NJ Transit and the township in November after a year of seeking repairs to the culvert. He said the flooding produces "several feet of water in our garages" and has damaged the garage doors.

The tort claims the culvert to be the responsibility of NJ Transit, the state of New Jersey, and Mahwah's sewer utility system. A May 5 email from NJ Transit Deputy General Counsel Joseph Snow, submitted as part of the claim, blames the flooding at least in part on Mahwah for "drainage being diverted to the culvert."

But Kezmarksy said the culvert and its upkeep are NJ Transit's responsibility.

"If the culvert wasn’t compromised, the water would flow as it always has," Kezmarsky said.

Mahwah football looking like a serious contender with big win over Tenafly

MAHWAH – A game that started with a thunder delay ended with a booming statement from the Thunderbirds."Mahwah is back," senior Daniel McClanahan said. "We knew we were coming back."No, these are not the 2022 Thunderbirds who went winless at home on the way to a 2-7 season.Mahwah proved it all night long by blasting Tenafly, 53-7, on Friday night in a divisional battle in the SFC's American Red. The Thunderbirds scored on their first six possessions with McClanahan, Joey DeMarco a...

MAHWAH – A game that started with a thunder delay ended with a booming statement from the Thunderbirds.

"Mahwah is back," senior Daniel McClanahan said. "We knew we were coming back."

No, these are not the 2022 Thunderbirds who went winless at home on the way to a 2-7 season.

Mahwah proved it all night long by blasting Tenafly, 53-7, on Friday night in a divisional battle in the SFC's American Red. The Thunderbirds scored on their first six possessions with McClanahan, Joey DeMarco and Preston Duffy starting the parade to the end zone.

An older lineup and some better health has the second year under coach Adam Szuch off to a much more fortuitous start.

"A lot of times, we would enter a game and I would have two guys drop before we got to offense," Szuch said. "I would have to take my call sheet and throw it out and wing it. You can't win a game like that. It's nice when you can actually call a game and coach football."

One of the pieces Mahwah is glad to welcome back is DeMarco, who tore his right labrum on the opening kickoff last season. The senior has made up for lost time this fall by scoring three touchdowns in the first two games, including the icebreaker on Friday night.

The Thunderbirds got on the board on their first offensive play when McClanahan took the handoff right and pitched the ball over to DeMarco for a 63-yard, trick-play score.

"They play basketball together, so I said listen, if they can fast-break and pass and weave, let's try something new," Szuch said. "And Tenafly was giving a lot of man coverage."

What it means

For starters, Mahwah (2-0) has already matched its win total from last season, having beaten Kinnelon the previous week.

This was the largest margin of victory for the Thunderbirds since a 49-point win over border rival Ramsey back on Sept. 27, 2019.

"Our program is up," Szuch said. "At this point last year we were at 32 (players). Now we're at 60. So football is on the rise for us."

SCOREBOARD:North Jersey high school football scores after Week 2

Turning points

Mahwah took a three-score lead on a trio of rushing touchdowns, then went up 27-0 on an interception return by Elijah Dickson from near midfield.

Quarterback David Kobobel made it 34-0 in the second quarter by completing his first attempt – a 68-yard catch and run by Alex DeDios.

The Thunderbirds made it 47-0 at the half behind a touchdown run by Dickson and a sophomore-to-sophomore connection from backup quarterback Jack Newman to Thomas Langenmayr.

"I like how we spread it around on offense," McClanahan said. "We're not even fully healthy yet so when we get fully healthy, we'll be a special team."

Tenafly broke up the shutout in the third quarter when Liles O'Shea hauled in a short pass from Asher Zorn.

But by then, Mahwah and its bulked-up defense (three sacks, two interceptions) had the outcome locked up.

"It just shows," DeMarco said of his team's rigorous offseason work in the weight room. "We're tackling kids. We're not letting them get a few yards after the tackle and running kids over. It's Mahwah football again."

Next up

Mahwah heads down to The Pit on Thursday to face Ridgefield Park in another American Red battle.

Tenafly (1-1) will try to bounce back next Saturday at Glen Ridge.

Ramsey football tops Mahwah in walk-off fashion to keep playoff hopes alive

RAMSEY − Kyle McGuire’s game-winning field goal traveled 18 yards to get through the uprights.The Ramsey senior then traveled 100 yards in the other direction.The Rams outlasted Mahwah, 17-14, in Friday night’s Super Football Conference American Red game at DePuyt Field. They not only bested their rival for the fourth year in a row, but also helped their North Group 2 playoff cause.Luca Gemma carried five times for 47 yards on the winning drive and brought the ball to the 1-yard line with...

RAMSEY − Kyle McGuire’s game-winning field goal traveled 18 yards to get through the uprights.

The Ramsey senior then traveled 100 yards in the other direction.

The Rams outlasted Mahwah, 17-14, in Friday night’s Super Football Conference American Red game at DePuyt Field. They not only bested their rival for the fourth year in a row, but also helped their North Group 2 playoff cause.

Luca Gemma carried five times for 47 yards on the winning drive and brought the ball to the 1-yard line with two seconds left. After Ramsey (3-4) called time out, McGuire broke the 14-all tie and sprinted across the field in celebration, ending up in the opposite end zone with teammates piling on.

"I just started running wherever my legs took me once I saw it go in," he said. "Oh, what a feeling it is."

Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.

McGuire lined up for the field goal having made 12 of 13 kicks this season ‒ all extra points.

"This is his first year of varsity," Rams coach Adam Baeira said. "Everyone has a moment when their number's called, and that was his moment. I'm just so proud of him, because he deserved it.

"He won't forget this one for a long time."

What it means

Ramsey entered the weekend holding the 16th and final playoff spot in the North Group 2 United Power Rankings, while Mahwah (4-2) was eighth.

The Rams also climbed into second place behind unbeaten Westwood in the SFC American Red Division. But much of the postgame buzz was about the neighborhood rivalry, which has belonged to Ramsey since Baeira took over in 2020.

"We circled this game from the beginning of the year, and our team just played our hearts out," McGuire said. "To be in a spotlight like this and make a play like that, it's just great."

Key plays

Ramsey's two scoring drives totaled three plays. Gemma broke off an 80-yard run to set up Justus Favata's 13-yard touchdown pass to Roberto Cotes early in the second quarter, and the same duo hooked up for a 28-yard TD one play after a fourth-down stop midway through the third.

Mahwah got several big plays from senior Joseph DeMarco (two TDs), including a 43-yard reception to help put them into Rams territory late in the game. The home team thwarted that drive by forcing a fourth-down incompletion with 2:49 remaining.

Déjà vu?

This was the next-door neighbors' closest game since 2014. That year, Mahwah's Patrick Cowan kicked a 41-yard field goal as time ran out to help the Thunderbirds celebrate a 17-16 win on their home field.

That was part of a run of eight straight Mahwah wins in the series. The T-Birds still lead the all-time series, 30-24-1.

Game balls

► Gemma led the offense (18 carries, 189 yards) and defense (9 tackles) and answered a 64-yard Mahwah punt with a 62-yarder of his own... all despite a sore knee that bothered him throughout the week.

► Favata completed 9-of-14 passes for 100 yards and two TDs and played turnover-free football, as did his T-Bird counterpart David Kobobel (6-of-12, 111 yards, 1 TD).

► DeMarco gained 84 yards on 8 touches (rushing/receiving combined), while Preston Duffy shouldered the Mahwah rushing load with 107 yards on 24 carries.

► Ramsey linebackers David Larsen and Mason Gonzalez combined for 15 tackles and 1½ sacks.

Up next

Ramsey hosts North Group 2 contender Newton next Friday, while Mahwah visits Group 3 Paramus the same night.

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