The Personal Injury Attorney in Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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.
Service Areas
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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, NJ
Pearl River Farmers Market
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/park-ridge-nj/calendar/event/20250809/ebf32f03-ce15-4765-888e-27ec671a88f3/pearl-river-farmers-market
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Here is what's happening this Saturday 8/9 (10am - 2pm) at the Pearl River Farmers Market in Central Avenue Field under the shady trees facing Franklin St.Welcome guest vendor Just Chippy's featuring gourmet cookies "bursting with seasonal flavors" with ingredients sourced locally.Prince Popover will have a savory special this week - The "Avocado Pop" made ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Here is what's happening this Saturday 8/9 (10am - 2pm) at the Pearl River Farmers Market in Central Avenue Field under the shady trees facing Franklin St.
Welcome guest vendor Just Chippy's featuring gourmet cookies "bursting with seasonal flavors" with ingredients sourced locally.
Prince Popover will have a savory special this week - The "Avocado Pop" made with creamy avocado, plum tomato, red onion, lime, garlic and jalepeno.
Returning to the market: Liquid Fables (canned cocktails) and Wellington Pot Pies.
This Week's Vendors:
Aveli Wellness - Aromatherapy products created with therapeutic grade essential oils including body butters, candles, energy sprays, oil blends and shower gels
Crannog Apiary - Local raw honey from Pearl River
Doc Pickle - Pickles and olives
EmpaBake - Baked empanadas
Food is Med Farms - Made-to-order Dosas (a South Indian delicacy similar to crepes made with stone ground mung beans, lentils and fermented rice and stuffed with potato masala) , Healthy herbal teas, spices, tinctures and more
Just Chippy's - Gourmet cookies with seasonal flavors with ingredients sourced locally
Liquid Fables - Canned cocktails made in the Hudson Valley
Manor Sangria - Homemade red sangria in a variety of flavors
Nelson Gourmet House - Heirloom nuts and dried fruits; Beef jerky
The Orchards of Concklin - Fruit, veggies, pies, cider, cider donuts and more from Rockland County's oldest working farm
Orlando Bakery - Breads, pastries, quiche, pies, stromboli, hummus, baba ganoush.
Prince Popover - Sweet and savory popovers baked to order and served warm
Red Barn Cidery- Hard cider
The Sourdough Sweet Spot - Organic sourdough bread (sweet & savory options), cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies
That Cheese Lady - Cow cheese, goat cheese, cultured butter, trail mix, granola, crackers
Uncle Bob's Kettle Corn - Non-Gmo kettle corn in a variety of sweet and savory flavors.
Wellington Pot Pies - Savory pot pies made from scratch
Kevin Herget: 3 things to know about Mets' new reliever and North Jersey native
Andrew Tredinnickhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/mets/2025/04/29/kevin-herget-ny-mets-pitcher-nj-native-contract/83351358007/
As A.J. Minter recovers from a lat strain, the ...
As A.J. Minter recovers from a lat strain, the New York Mets have had to get creative with the last spot in their bullpen.
On Monday afternoon against the Nationals, Jose Ureña notched a three-inning save for the Mets despite allowing five earned runs in the team's 19-5 victory.
Before Tuesday's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field, the Mets front office continued to manipulate their major-league roster to ensure they could cover innings.
And the newest addition to the 26-man roster is one of North Jersey's own.
The team announced that Kevin Herget, a Park Ridge native, would be called up from Triple-A Syracuse after Ureña was designated for assignment. Additionally, the Mets made a one-year deal with left-hander Brooks Raley, which includes a club option for 2026, official. They also transferred Sean Manaea to the 60-day injured list.
Here are three things to know about Herget, the newest Mets reliever:
Kevin Herget led Park Ridge to rare hardware
Herget was a three-sport athlete at Park Ridge but made his mark on the diamond.
As a senior for the Owls in 2009, Herget helped lead his team to its first state title since 1977 — a Group 1 crown. In the championship game, a 4-2 win over David Brearley, Herget tossed a two-hitter, collected two hits and scored a run.
During his senior season, he posted a 1.62 ERA, a 9-2 record and led the team with eight home runs, 40 runs and 33 RBI.
Kevin Herget made a name for himself at Kean
After moving on to play college baseball at Kean University in Union, Herget began to make a name for himself inside the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
He set Kean records in innings (345), strikeouts (356) and wins (31). As a senior in 2015, Herget's 106 strikeouts were the second-most in Division III.
As a Cougar, he won three NJAC Championships, three NCAA Regional titles and reached the NCAA Division III World Series in three straight seasons.
He was inducted into Kean's Hall of Fame in 2021.
He stuck to his Major League dream
After being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Herget spent parts of nine seasons in the minor leagues before making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2022 season.
In the last three seasons, including stops with the Rays, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, Herget has pitched in 24 games, throwing 42⅔ innings with a 1.17 WHIP, 4.64 ERA and 26 strikeouts.
Herget was claimed by the Mets off waivers from the Brewers last November. In nine outings for Triple-A Syracuse, he allowed four earned runs in 9⅔ innings with nine strikeouts.
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