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

The Personal Injury Attorney in New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, 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 New Milford, NJ

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

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Latest News in New Milford, NJ

New Milford superintendent Danielle Shanley resigns, Lauren Odoksta to take over role

...

The New Milford Board of Education announced the resignation of superintendent of schools, Danielle M. Shanley, will be effective on Feb. 29 and will appointment Lauren Odoksta as the acting superintendent beginning on March 1.

The Board of Education recently accepted the Shanley's resignation on Jan. 17, but the revised resignation date will be confirmed on the next BOE regular session that will be held on Feb. 21.

Shanley will be joining the Madison public school district as the new Superintendent on or around April 17.

Shanley began her tenure at New Milford Public Schools as Director of Curriculum and Instruction in 2010 and was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2016. Shanley ventured into a new position as the Saddle Brook superintendent in 2018 before she returned to New Milford as superintendent in 2021.

The soon to be New Milford acting superintendent, Odoksta, has been serving the New Milford school community for 11 years, including eight yeas as the central office administrator.

Don't let the cold stop you:These are 8 winter hikes you can take in North Jersey

New Milford President of the Board Heather Gomez said they conducted a comprehensive search to identify a highly qualified candidate to fulfill the temporary position which eventually led to the hiring of Odotska.

The board will begin their quest for a permanent superintendent and begin interviewing search firms on Feb. 20.

The New Milford Board of Education thanked Shanley for her services and wished her the best of luck on her future endeavors.

New Milford YMCA Program Center Now Offering Swim Lessons

By Mollie ShaugerPublishedMarch 26, 2024 at 10:39 PMNEW MILFORD, NJ - The New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA, is excited to announce the return of swimming programs to the Greater Bergen community. Children aged 6-12 can now participate in School Age Swim Lessons at the Hackensack High School Pool on Sundays through April. Additionally, the Y is offering Lap Swimming sessions on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the same location....

By Mollie Shauger

PublishedMarch 26, 2024 at 10:39 PM

NEW MILFORD, NJ - The New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA, is excited to announce the return of swimming programs to the Greater Bergen community. Children aged 6-12 can now participate in School Age Swim Lessons at the Hackensack High School Pool on Sundays through April. Additionally, the Y is offering Lap Swimming sessions on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the same location.

For over a century, the YMCA has been a trusted name in swim instruction and water safety across America. By providing these programs, the Y aims to not only teach essential life-saving skills but also promote confidence and physical well-being among participants.

"We are thrilled to bring back swim lessons and once again offer this vital service to our community," said Jason Kelly, Executive Director of New Milford YMCA Program Center. "Learning to swim is not only a life-saving skill but also a fantastic way to stay active and healthy.”

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Registration for swim lessons is open, with classes available for beginners through advanced swimmers. The Y plans to add more classes in May and June, as well as offer private lessons and Family Swim times. Learn more and register at metroymcas.org/swim.

The Y also offers swim lessons during its summer camp programs at Day Camp Oratam and Camp Michikamau at the beautiful Harriman State Park in New York. Learn more about camps at www.metroymcas.org/summercamp.

For job opportunities including swim instructor and lifeguard openings, visit metroymcas.org/jobs.

ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.

Editor's Note: This advertorial content is being published by TAPinto.net as a service for its marketing partners. For more information about how to market your business or nonprofit on TAPinto, please visit TAPintoMarketing.net or email [email protected]. The opinions expressed herein, if any, are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer.

New Milford HS tabs veteran North Jersey football coach as new lead man

Bill Straub’s first win at New Milford will be the 50th of his career.The veteran North Jersey football coach, who won a sectional title at Westwood in 2006 and did two stints at Fort Lee, was approved as the Knights' new head during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting.Straub said he was attracted to the New Milford community as a place he could lead and make a difference.“I began my career at Westwood and I see a lot of similarities to there,” Straub said Thursday. “I have...

Bill Straub’s first win at New Milford will be the 50th of his career.

The veteran North Jersey football coach, who won a sectional title at Westwood in 2006 and did two stints at Fort Lee, was approved as the Knights' new head during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting.

Straub said he was attracted to the New Milford community as a place he could lead and make a difference.

“I began my career at Westwood and I see a lot of similarities to there,” Straub said Thursday. “I have been lucky enough to be at some great places, but I think this is a challenge and that’s what my career has always been about.”

New Milford was a small-school power last decade, reaching the playoffs six times during an eight-year span from 2012-2019, and reaching a sectional final in 2012 and 2016. The school hasn’t won a sectional title since 1986.

The Knights reached the playoffs in 2023, losing to Hawthorne in the first round and finishing 3-6.

“I think an opportunity to come to a program with such a great history was too good to pass,” Straub said. “I want to be able to challenge myself and challenge the program to get back to where it was.”

The 49-year-old coached at Fort Lee from 2016 to 2018, then helped out at Ridgewood during the 2020 COVID season under interim coach Dave Cord at the time. Cord is now the head coach at Northern Highlands.

For the last three seasons, Straub has been coaching linebackers at Bergen Catholic (current Crusaders coach Vito Campanile followed Straub at Westwood in 2009). The Crusaders have been the No. 1 team in New Jersey each of those years.

“I was surrounded by some amazing kids, not just players,” Straub said. “I enjoyed it, but I felt at this time that I wanted to be a head coach again and do more. That’s what sort of led me to New Milford.”

Straub expects to remain in his current position as a physical education and driver's education teacher at Fort Lee. He will also remain as Fort Lee’s softball coach.

There will be a meeting Friday where Straub will be introduced to his new team. He’s optimistic the numbers in the program will be strong. His message will be about competing each day.

“That was something I’ve picked up that these kids will compete every day in everything they do and they will understand that is what life is about,” Straub said. “Football has taught so many people so many great lessons and ultimately they will become better people because they have been in this program.”

Boys Basketball: Hasbrouck Heights vs New Milford, Feb 2, 2024.

Tom Horak | For NJ Advance MediaBoys Basketball: Hasbrouck Heights vs New Milford, Feb 2, 2024.Amaurys Beato (2) of New Milford tries to dribble past Joe Russo (32) of Hasbrouck Heights during the boys basketball game at New Milford High School in New Milford, NJ on Friday, February 2, 2024....

Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Hasbrouck Heights vs New Milford, Feb 2, 2024.

Amaurys Beato (2) of New Milford tries to dribble past Joe Russo (32) of Hasbrouck Heights during the boys basketball game at New Milford High School in New Milford, NJ on Friday, February 2, 2024.Get Photo

Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Hasbrouck Heights vs New Milford, Feb 2, 2024.

Luis Placido (1) of New Milford shoots the ball against Evan Werner (10) of Hasbrouck Heights during the boys basketball game at New Milford High School in New Milford, NJ on Friday, February 2, 2024.Get Photo

Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Hasbrouck Heights vs New Milford, Feb 2, 2024.

Hasbrouck Heights stands for the national anthem before the start of the boys basketball game against New Milford at New Milford High School in New Milford, NJ on Friday, February 2, 2024.Get Photo

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Growing New Milford Bakery Has Locals Hooked On Baklava

The popular Cliffside Park bakery and cafe, which opened in 2021, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location in New Milford at 160 Henley Ave. on Monday, Jan. 15. The opening is a homecoming for Kehetrin Alper, a New Milford resident and one of the co-owners of the restaurant, with her business partner, Sema Gozukucuk.The idea for the second location came when the owner of Crespo Hookah Grill in New Milford tried some of her baklava."He never had baklava," the owner said. "He said 'this is amazing....

The popular Cliffside Park bakery and cafe, which opened in 2021, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location in New Milford at 160 Henley Ave. on Monday, Jan. 15. The opening is a homecoming for Kehetrin Alper, a New Milford resident and one of the co-owners of the restaurant, with her business partner, Sema Gozukucuk.

The idea for the second location came when the owner of Crespo Hookah Grill in New Milford tried some of her baklava.

"He never had baklava," the owner said. "He said 'this is amazing. What is this?'

Alpar met with him and soon, Aleria Bakery had its new location, sharing the kitchen, and outdoor and indoor seating area with Crespo. The baklava has become one of the biggest attractions.

"It leads people through the door," Alpar said. "People have said our breakfast is one of the best breakfasts they have, because it's so fresh and healthy"

Aleria Bakery initially opened in 2021, after Alpar and Gozukucuk were working in a Mediterranean restaurant. Discovering they worked well together, they decided to look for their own place, even though restaurants were struggling during the pandemic.

"Everyone told us this is not the right time," Alpar said. "Everything is closing and you're opening. But we just found the place and it felt right. It had a warmth and atmosphere and it felt like home. We did not want to miss out on this."

Everything at Aleria is made on-site, including the bread, tarts, cookies and the popular breakfast plate, which features feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, tomato, cucumber, green olives, black olives, honey, cream, butter, jam, boiled egg, walnuts and menemen, which is tomatoes cooked with green and red pepper mixed scrambled egg with salt and black pepper.

Alpar said Mediterranean/Turkish cuisine has become popular because it offers a little bit of everything.

"It's a little more unique," Alpar said. "It's healthier than other cuisines."

Running a business in the place she calls home has been a really nice experience for Alpar. More than 400 people showed up for the grand opening last week.

"That was heartwarming," Alpar said. "It made all those sleepless nights worth it. It's great seeing friends from high school pop in."

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