The Personal Injury Attorney in Westwood, 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood, 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.

Let's Talk

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 Westwood, 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.

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A Personal Injury Attorney in Westwood, 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.

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What's next for Westwood Plaza? The borough has a plan to reinvent the shopping center

1-minute readWESTWOOD — New zoning for Westwood Plaza will allow for indoor recreational businesses, such as bowling and ice skating, as the borough seeks to revitalize the mall where New Jersey's last Kmart closed last fall.On Tuesday night, the Borough Council unanimously approved the change to the town's sho...

1-minute read

WESTWOOD — New zoning for Westwood Plaza will allow for indoor recreational businesses, such as bowling and ice skating, as the borough seeks to revitalize the mall where New Jersey's last Kmart closed last fall.

On Tuesday night, the Borough Council unanimously approved the change to the town's shopping center district, which is made up entirely of the Westwood Plaza strip mall on Broadway. The Kmart was just one recent loss for a plaza that has some vacancies.

The rezoning proposal included examples of indoor recreational businesses that would be allowed under the new rules, including sports training facilities, tennis courts, squash, handball, racquetball, skating rinks, roller skating, ice skating, bowling alleys, a golf driving range and a gymnastics facility. All activities for the businesses would have to be entirely within an enclosed building.

Mayor Raymond Arroyo said during the meeting that there are currently no specific businesses looking to occupy the former Kmart space, which served as anchor of the strip mall before it closed in September.

Redeveloping the property has become more difficult due to recent flood maps produced by the state Department of Environmental Protection, the mayor said. During rainstorms, flooding is common along Broadway and in the plaza, a problem the borough is trying to tackle with two ongoing studies looking for solutions.

“The DEP in July or June raised the flood elevation, so it’s a tough piece of property,” Arroyo said.

More:Westwood seeks $1M to elevate homes as Bergen towns try new approaches to flooding

Although the zoning change is meant to attract new types of businesses to the shopping center, the borough is trying to be sensitive to neighboring homes by requiring any new activity to take place indoors, he said.

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: [email protected]

Westwood Home for the Holidays kicks off month of festivities in borough. Here's the list

December will kick off with an all-day holiday celebration in Westwood, with festivities including a parade, live music, a Christmas tree lighting and a community band concert.Westwood Home for the Holidays, which will ta...

December will kick off with an all-day holiday celebration in Westwood, with festivities including a parade, live music, a Christmas tree lighting and a community band concert.

Westwood Home for the Holidays, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, is just the beginning of holiday events scheduled throughout the month. The borough also plans a menorah lighting, giveaways of handmade ornaments that will benefit neighbors in need, and a gingerbread house contest.

Local residents can take part in "Westwood Shop for the Holidays" on Friday, Dec. 1. from 5 to 8 p.m. The event, sponsored by Celebrate Westwood, will feature in-store discounts, treats and entertainment.

Westwood Home for the Holidays schedule

Holiday light shows:Explore thousands of holiday lights at these New Jersey light shows and drive-throughs

Hanukkah menorah lighting

The holiday fun won't end there. A menorah lighting, presented by Valley Chabad, will be held at the Westwood Train Station on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.

Gingerbread house contest

Celebrate Westwood plans to host a gingerbread house contest on Monday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center. For more information or to sign up, visit celebratewestwood.org/gingerbread.

Ornament sale to benefit Westwood Cares

Residents also can decorate their Christmas trees and help neighbors in need with a handmade ornament pre-sale sponsored by Celebrate Westwood. All proceeds will benefit Westwood Cares, a nonprofit organization that helps people who are in need of help but who do not qualify for government assistance. The nonprofit helps with utility and medical bills, rent, car repairs, food gift cards and more.

The expected delivery for the ornaments, which cost $15 each, is in early December. Those who wish to order can visit givebutter.com/Westwood2023Ornaments.

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: [email protected]

Spend a day in Westwood, curated by this art studio owner

Anything goes at Yellow Door Art Studio, as long as you're holding a paintbrush. "It is a colorful, messy, free-spirited studio where kids can explore their creativity," Lauren Mandal says.The studio — which celebrated its first anniversary in January — offers workshops, camps, parties and private events for both kids and adults.Yellow Door Art Studio also spearheads school beautification projects throughout Bergen. "I look to bring color, creativity and interactivity to all surfaces,&q...

Anything goes at Yellow Door Art Studio, as long as you're holding a paintbrush. "It is a colorful, messy, free-spirited studio where kids can explore their creativity," Lauren Mandal says.

The studio — which celebrated its first anniversary in January — offers workshops, camps, parties and private events for both kids and adults.

Yellow Door Art Studio also spearheads school beautification projects throughout Bergen. "I look to bring color, creativity and interactivity to all surfaces," Mandal says. "I want kids to be inspired and find joy in their everyday surroundings."

Here are a few of Mandal's favorite things to do around town.

9 a.m. — Coffee at Le Carré Café & Pâtisserie

After the morning rush of getting my second-grade twins Hendrix and Simone off to school, a perfect morning would start with a coffee and an almond croissant (they are pure heaven — I cried the first time I ate one — no lie!) at Le Carré Café & Pâtisserie (94 Broadway, Hillsdale). Even better is when I multitask and share it as my weekly connect with my Westwood ArtsHub co-chair Heather O'Hara, where we brainstorm and plan different arts-focused activities and improvements for downtown Westwood and our community.

10 a.m. — Getting inspired on Westwood Avenue

On my way to my art studio, a detour down Westwood Avenue browsing the colorful and artistic window displays of stores like Westwood Gallery, Hartly, The Good Life and Five Dimes Brewery gives me a motivating boost and inspiration. It's a good reminder that we can find inspiration and forms of art anywhere — from colors, fabrics and fonts, to vintage dispensers. And I am so impressed and proud of my evolving and growing town, and fellow business owners.

11 a.m. — Shopping at ReStore

My next stop is my weekly pop-in to the studio's neighbor, Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County ReStore (121 Carver Ave., Westwood). You can find the most incredible pieces of gently used vintage furniture, glassware and decor. And for me, I am always scouting for unique art supplies and mediums, and more inspiration or treasures for my ever-changing studio and home. For me, more is more. It doesn't overwhelm me, but rather energizes me. Nothing in my world is permanent. I love rearranging, redecorating and adding.

Noon — Midday boost courtesy of Rockin' Roots

For lunch, I often head back to Hillsdale for some Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at Rockin' Roots (434 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale). Lucky for me, chef and restaurateur Michael Merida is opening a Westwood outpost, Craft Taco Co., soon. I know I'll be there often!

8 p.m. — Dinner at Lolita's Mexican Cantina

If my favorite babysitter (my mom, aka GiGi) is available, I will always jump at the chance for a date night with my husband and business partner, Ray Mandal, to end my perfect day. Between our businesses (we also own Tenafly's Lighthouse Tattoo Parlor as well as another soon-to-be-announced Westwood venture), our artwork, and of course the twins' busy sports schedule, a date night is a rare and welcomed treat. Our favorite in town is Lolita's Mexican Cantina (65 Old Hook Road, Westwood). The tacos, drinks and bright, edgy decor are the perfect combination for this creative duo.

Yellow Door Art Studio, 24 Booker Street, Westwood; (201) 620-9030; yellowdoorartstudio.com; @yellowdoorartstudionj on Instagram

Get To Know Westwood

ESTABLISHED: 1894

TOTAL AREA: 2.30 square miles

POPULATION: 11,267 people, 4,438 households and 2,858 families

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $136,603

MEDIAN PROPERTY VALUE: $467,600

BORDERS: Emerson, Hillsdale, River Vale and Washington Township

(Source: United States Census and datausa.io)

Joram is the art director for the magazines of North Jersey Media Group — including (201), Montclair and Wayne. He currently writes three monthly columns for (201) and his work appears regularly on NorthJersey.com and in The Record. He also manages the social media accounts for all three magazines.

Live updates: Westwood faces Rumson-Fair Haven in Group 2 state championship game

Undefeated Westwood won the Group 2 state championship with a 21-20 overtime win over Rumson-Fair Haven on Monday evening at Rutgers.The Cardinals (12-0) entered the game ranked No. 5 in the ...

Undefeated Westwood won the Group 2 state championship with a 21-20 overtime win over Rumson-Fair Haven on Monday evening at Rutgers.

The Cardinals (12-0) entered the game ranked No. 5 in the latest Statewide Public Top 20 rankings, while the Bulldogs were ranked No. 16.

First quarter

Rumson-Fair Haven won the coin toss and chose to defer. Westwood fumbled on the opening kickoff, giving the Bulldogs the ball at the Cardinals' 31-yard line.

Alastair Orr powered in from the 2-yard line, putting the Bulldogs ahead four minutes into the game. Rumson-Fair Haven 7, Westwood 0

After picking up multiple first downs during a seven-minute drive, Westwood turned the ball over on downs at the Rumson-Fair Haven 20-yard line.

The quarter ended with the Bulldogs facing a third-and-4 from their own 37-yard line.

Second quarter

After picking up a couple first downs, Rumson-Fair Haven punted the ball away. It landed in the end zone for a touchback with 8:08 left in the half.

After Robbie Carcich scrambled for one first down, Westwood punted the ball to the Bulldogs' 2-yard line with 6:37 left in the half.

The Cardinals forced a three-and-out, but committed a running-into-the-kicker penalty on the ensuing punt. The Bulldogs punted a few plays later, giving Westwood the ball at its own 42-yard line with 2:29 left in the half.

Westwood tied the game on a 3-yard touchdown run by Aidan Dugan with 0:53 left in the half. Rumson-Fair Haven 7, Westwood 7

Third quarter

Rumson-Fair Haven returned the second-half kickoff to midfield.

The teams traded punts to open the half.

The Bulldogs retook the lead on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Owen O'Toole to Jack Gyimesi about halfway through the quarter. Rumson-Fair Haven 14, Westwood 7

Westwood reached midfield again on the ensuing possession before another punt.

Rumson-Fair Haven drove into Westwood territory, but the Cardinals forced a turnover on downs.

Fourth quarter

Westwood punted the ball away to open the fourth quarter.

After a long Rumson-Fair Haven drive, the Cardinals made a goal-line stand with 5:50 left in the game.

On third-and-10 from his own 1-yard line, Westwood quarterback Robbie Carcich completed a perfect 31-yard pass to Joe Klein, who made a nice over-the-shoulder catch.

Westwood completed a 99-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Robbie Carcich to Tommy Bussanich with five seconds left in regulation. The Cardinals lined up to go for two but committed a false start penalty and instead kicked the game-tying extra point. Rumson-Fair Haven 14, Westwood 14

Overtime

Rumson-Fair Haven got the ball first in overtime.

After Alastair Orr picked up two first downs, the Bulldogs scored on a 2-yard run by Jackson Gallagher. Westwood blocked the extra point. Rumson-Fair Haven 20, Westwood 14

Robbie Carcich scrambled for a Westwood first down, then completed a pass to Tommy Bussanich for another first down.

On third-and-goal from the 14-yard line, Carcich completed a touchdown pass over the middle to Bussanich. Extra point good. Westwood wins. Westwood 21, Rumson-Fair Haven 20

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