Wampler & Souder, LLC Law Firm of Wampler & Souder | Maryland, DC, Virginia 2026-06-26T18:01:46Z https://www.wandsfirm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1504318/2020/09/cropped-FAV-ICON-1-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[What are the most dangerous roads in the DMV area?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=52178 2026-03-17T19:40:28Z 2026-03-17T19:40:28Z Why some DMV roads see more serious crashes If you drive in or around the D.C. metro, you are no stranger to dense commuter traffic, short merge lanes, frequent construction, distracted driving, and sudden weather changes. Conditions like these can increase the risk of a serious accident.

High-risk highways you may travel every week

If your routine takes you between Frederick, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, D.C., and Northern Virginia, these major highways are some of the most common places where crashes happen:
  • I‑495 (Capital Beltway): Countless people have to travel along the Capital Beltway loop, especially those who live in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia. The heavy congestion on this stretch of highway, plus the high concentration of interchanges, can result in chain-reaction rear-end crashes and sideswipes, especially during rush hour.
  • I‑95 (MD/VA corridor): As one of the busiest routes on the East Coast, I‑95 serves as a major artery for local commuters, long-distance travelers, and commercial vehicles. Speed differences between lanes, aggressive passing, and driver fatigue can increase the chances of a serious accident. The Virginia and Maryland Departments of Transportation regularly share safety and traffic updates that demonstrate how quickly conditions can change.
  • I‑270 (Frederick to Montgomery County): If you commute between Frederick and the Washington D.C. suburbs, you’ve likely experienced abrupt slowdowns near exits and merging areas. When moving at highway speeds, drivers can have slowed or limited reaction times, which can make minor mistakes more costly.
  • I‑66 (Northern Virginia into D.C.): Congestion, changing traffic patterns, and frequent merging can create high-stress driving—particularly during peak commuting windows
By knowing where these trouble spots are, you can plan safer routes while remaining alert and defensive when traffic patterns change without warning.

Dangerous surface roads: where speed meets turning traffic

While highway collisions tend to get more attention, serious crashes are often more common on busy local roads. In Maryland, corridors such as US‑1 (Baltimore Avenue/Rhode Island Avenue) and MD‑210 (Indian Head Highway) are often common crash spots. In D.C., pedestrian-heavy areas and streets known for their nightlife can be particularly risky; the District’s safety approach is outlined through Vision Zero.

What you can do after a crash on a dangerous road

If you’re hurt, seek medical care immediately and document the scene of the accident. You may also wish to seek legal counsel if the insurance company refuses to cooperate and pay you what you deserve.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[3 Things to Do Immediately After a Car Crash]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=52155 2025-10-20T16:51:51Z 2025-10-20T04:45:51Z Acting fast protects your health and your claim. Use this car accident checklist Maryland drivers can follow at the scene and in the hours after a crash.

Seek medical care and secure safety

Call 911. Check for injuries and move to a safe spot if you can. Do not move someone who may have a serious injury. Under Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104, every driver involved in a crash that causes injury or death must stop, provide reasonable assistance and make arrangements for medical help. Also remember that early care creates a clear medical record. Insurers and courts may give more weight to prompt evaluations than to symptoms reported days later.

Document the scene and gather contacts

Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers and insurance details. Request that witnesses provide their contact information as well. When it’s safe, photograph the scene with both wide and close shots before vehicles are moved. Keep your statements brief and neutral and do not admit fault. Collect these materials while still at the scene:
  • Other driver details: Name, phone, address and license number.
  • Insurance info: Insurer and policy number.
  • Vehicle facts: Make, model, color and tag number.
  • Scene photos: Damage, positions, skid marks, signals and weather.
  • Witness contacts: Names, phones or brief notes.
These notes may help resolve disputes about how the crash happened.

Preserve evidence and handle insurer notes

Write a detailed timeline the same day. Preserve dashcam footage, medical portal messages, repair estimates and expense receipts. Notify your insurer promptly and obtain the police report number if officers respond. Keep all communications with insurers factual and concise. You may choose to delay providing a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer until you fully understand your rights and options. Because hidden injuries can appear later, schedule a follow-up medical evaluation even if you feel fine initially.

What your next steps could be

You now know what to do after a car accident: get care, document everything and preserve proof. If you have ongoing pain, major vehicle damage or any dispute about fault or insurance coverage, you may also consider speaking with a Maryland car accident lawyer for advice on your rights and options you can take. ]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[How long after a car crash can injuries appear?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=52052 2025-02-19T17:32:08Z 2025-02-19T17:32:08Z Symptoms can develop weeks later Some crash injuries are all but impossible to overlook after a crash. Lacerations, dramatic fractures and a number of other serious car crash injuries are identifiable at the scene of a wreck. There are immediately visible injuries or symptoms that impact their function. However, there are a host of stable or internal injuries that people could sustain that take longer to present symptoms. A person who hits their head and develops a traumatic brain injury could go days or even weeks without any major symptoms. People with internal bleeding in the torso could go days before blood loss becomes apparent. Those with injuries to their digestive tract caused by blunt force trauma might manifest serious injury or infection symptoms weeks after a crash. It was also possible for people to suffer broken bones or spinal cord damage that doesn't seem immediately obvious. Then, when they experience a secondary trauma or exert themselves, they may suddenly have severe injury symptoms. Car crash injury symptoms can manifest quite some time after the initial incident. The longer it takes for symptoms to develop, the more difficult it may be for the injured person to hold the right party accountable. Seeing a doctor after a car crash can help people diagnose their injuries and get treatment that can prevent them from worsening. Those with significant injuries and delayed-onset medical challenges may face a more complicated compensation process after a motor vehicle collision. A timely diagnosis may help those affected by collisions pursue justice.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[Evaluating pain and suffering in personal injury cases]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=52015 2024-12-30T16:40:32Z 2024-12-30T16:40:32Z If you get injured, such as in a car accident caused by another driver, you may start by seeking compensation for economic damages. You have to pay medical bills to get emergency treatment, for instance, or you lose wages at work while you’re recovering in the hospital. Many personal injury lawsuits begin because injured parties want to receive compensation for these costs, which they wouldn’t face without the other party’s negligence. However, your injury also likely caused significant pain and suffering. It could be short-term pain if you have minor injuries, but it could also be long-term. Perhaps you have a spinal cord injury and experience excruciating pain for months as you go through rehab and try to recover. Or, perhaps you’re now going to have back pain for the rest of your life. As with the other costs, you wouldn’t be facing this issue without someone else’s negligence. You can seek compensation for pain and suffering, which is considered non-economic damage. But how is this evaluated to determine how much you’re actually owed? With other costs, there are clear records, such as copies of your medical bills or your pay stubs. But how do you determine what the other party should pay for pain and suffering?

Evaluating each unique case

Every case is unique, especially when it comes to pain and suffering. Some questions that can help with the determination include:
  • How severe is the pain you’ve experienced?
  • What type of impact did it have on your daily life? For instance, you could suffer pain from an injured ankle and have to walk with a limp or on crutches, but that’s much different than severe back pain that leaves you bedridden.
  • What was the duration of the pain and suffering? Did you deal with it for a few hours, days, weeks or months? Is it expected to last for the rest of your life?
  • Did the pain and suffering have any emotional or psychological impact? For instance, was the pain so severe that it caused PTSD?
  • Is there going to be a long-term impact on your future? If you’re now dealing with chronic back pain, for example, does that mean you can never return to work?
You may also want to consider the way your life has changed overall. Have you lost the ability to enjoy hobbies or generally enjoy your life? If you’re a parent, have you lost the ability to play with your children as you used to? Has the pain and suffering affected the intimate relationship you have with your spouse? As you can see, the answers will vary greatly from one case to the next. It’s crucial to know what legal steps you should take at this time so you can seek appropriate compensation for pain and suffering.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[What are the different types of alimony?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=52001 2024-11-11T12:38:57Z 2024-11-11T12:38:57Z common forms of alimony and what they might mean for you.

Temporary Alimony

Courts typically award temporary alimony during the divorce proceedings. It aims to maintain the status quo while the court finalizes the divorce. You might receive this alimony if you depend financially on your spouse and need support to cover living expenses during this transitional period.

Permanent alimony

Contrary to what its name implies, permanent alimony may not forever. Courts generally award this type of support in long-term marriages where one spouse has financially depended on the other. The duration could vary, and in some cases, it may last until the recipient remarries or either party dies. However, it may be worth noting that permanent alimony is becoming less common in many jurisdictions.

Other types to consider

Below are other types of alimony courts may consider depending on your specific situation:

Rehabilitative alimony

Courts may award this type of alimony when one spouse needs financial support to become self-sufficient. It might help you gain education, training or work experience to re-enter the job market.

Reimbursement alimony

If you supported your spouse through school or career advancement, you might be eligible for this alimony to compensate for your investment in their earning potential.

Lump-sum alimony

Instead of periodic payments, you might receive a one-time, lump-sum payment. This may be beneficial if you prefer a clean financial break from your ex-spouse after your divorce. Alimony laws vary by state, and individual circumstances play a significant role in determining outcomes. Consider seeking legal advice. An attorney could provide advice tailored to your specific situation. They could also help you through the complexities of alimony and work towards a fair resolution in your divorce proceedings.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[Can the holidays cause divorce?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=51966 2024-11-05T04:48:31Z 2024-11-05T04:48:31Z first week of every new year, and there are some very good reasons for that phenomenon.

All that togetherness can be brutal when you’re not in sync

The winter holidays put a big emphasis on both community and family, and that can reveal some big problems with relationships. This can happen whenever:
  • There are unrealistic expectations: Whether you’re hoping for a picture-perfect holiday or your spouse is the one with lofty expectations, failing to achieve your goals for the season can lead to serious disappointment.
  • There are problems with extended family: If either half of a couple tends to prioritize their family over their spouse, that can leave the affected spouse feeling like a real outsider instead of welcomed and loved.
  • It’s a last-ditch effort: Sometimes, people expect the holiday magic to work actual magic on their relationship with their spouse. They buy into the illusion that “everything is fine” because there is a momentary lapse in the marital strife while everybody embraces the festivities. But the trouble that’s there is just temporarily pushed to the side, not gone. When it resurfaces, it can be devastating.
  • There’s too much togetherness: A lot of couples spend more time with each other than usual during the winter holidays, and that can amplify the problems they’re already having.
Ultimately, the winter holidays don’t “cause” divorce – but they can become the catalyst for one when a marriage is already fractured because they can highlight the cracks in a union. If you think you may be headed for a divorce early next year, it’s not too soon to seek more information about the process.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[4 signs of negligence in caught-in construction site accidents ]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=51958 2024-10-20T22:32:42Z 2024-10-20T22:31:42Z Construction sites are busy environments filled with heavy machinery, materials and workers engaged in various tasks. Unfortunately, accidents happen frequently, including caught-in or caught-between incidents, where workers may find themselves trapped by equipment, materials or moving parts, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one was injured in a caught-in or caught-between accident, you may be wondering how to prove negligence in your claim. To establish negligence, it is essential to show that the employer did not uphold their duty of care, leading to unsafe conditions that resulted in the accident. Here are four key things to consider when proving negligence in caught-in construction site accidents:

1. Absence of safety guards on tools and machinery

Under OSHA standards, construction site employers must provide safety guards on tools and machinery with moving parts. The absence of these devices can create hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of injuries. If a lack of safety guards contributed to the accident, it indicates negligence by the equipment manufacturer.

2. Lack of training and safety protocols

Employers must take steps to better ensure all workers are adequately trained in safety protocols. A lack of training heightens the risk of accidents and can be a significant factor in proving negligence. If workers are unfamiliar with safe machinery operation or unaware of hazards, they are more prone to caught-in situations.

3. Inadequate supervision and safety oversight

Construction sites require diligent supervision to enforce safety practices. If contractors fail to provide sufficient oversight, unsafe conditions may go unaddressed, raising risks for workers. Documenting instances of ignored safety measures can support a claim of negligence.

4. Failure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance

Routine inspections and maintenance of construction site machinery and equipment are critical for safety. If these checks are neglected, it can lead to malfunctions or unsafe conditions resulting in caught-in accidents. Evidence of a lack of maintenance records can further establish negligence in your case. If you suspect that your injury was a result of negligence, consider seeking legal guidance to help you through the process of pursuing a claim. You may have more than just workers' compensation available, depending on your situation. ]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[What does it mean to be a defensive driver?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=51951 2024-10-07T16:36:17Z 2024-10-07T16:36:17Z defensive driver? In essence, it just means recognizing that other people are going to make driving mistakes. They are going to cause accidents. You can’t control how they drive, but you can pay close attention and try to identify these problematic drivers in advance. By doing so, you can sometimes avoid a crash.

Following distances

One thing to focus on is maintaining proper following distances at all times. You should be at least three seconds back, but it may be safer to be four or five. Count this off periodically to ensure you haven’t gotten too close.

Early braking

You also want to brake as early as possible, reducing the odds of a rear-end accident. Check the rearview mirror as you do so. Slowing down at the last second may give you enough space to stop in time, but you should anticipate that the driver behind you may not have left a correct following distance. Early braking gets them to slow down.

Distracted driving

All drivers should avoid distraction, but this is especially true for defensive drivers. You should always be focused on the road, watching the traffic around you. The greater your focus, the easier it is to anticipate and react to other driver’s mistakes.

What if you are injured?

Being a defensive driver can help you avoid car accidents, but nothing guarantees you won’t get injured if someone else causes a crash. If you do, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[Who can get alimony in a Maryland divorce?]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=51939 2024-09-26T14:28:27Z 2024-09-26T14:28:27Z Requirements for alimony in Maryland Each state has different laws regarding alimony. In Maryland, the court will evaluate several factors before making a decision. They will review the financial situation of both spouses, as well as the duration of the marriage and the standard of living you had. This evaluation aims to reach a fair resolution for both parties. Your experience during the procedure might differ depending on the nuances of your case. For example, if you and your ex-spouse agree on an alimony arrangement, the court could support this decision. Still, if the other party does not approve, your lawyer can create a strategy to defend your interests. Additionally, the court will consider your age, health, and ability to support yourself individually. For example, a person with a disability might receive alimony indefinitely, while a young and healthy person could receive it during a fixed period. Furthermore, the reason for the divorce will also be considered. There is no recipe for alimony. The amount of money awarded, and the support length will vary depending on your case. In Maryland, you can receive temporary, rehabilitative, or indefinite payments. The court will make the final decision after thoroughly reviewing each factor.

Defending your interests

To adequately defend your interests, it is essential to communicate with your attorney and make decisions together. This way, you can ensure your needs will be covered once the divorce is finalized. Although any legal procedure can come with challenges, working with an attorney who understands your interests can make a difference in your case.]]> On Behalf of Wampler & Souder, LLC <![CDATA[4 reasons to alter a child custody schedule]]> https://www.wandsfirm.com/?p=51932 2024-09-18T20:47:07Z 2024-09-18T20:47:07Z Do you co-parent with your ex-spouse? Then you likely have to follow a child custody schedule that allows you and your co-parent to arrange specific days when you have custody of your child.  Your child custody schedule may have been made during your divorce. However, custody schedules often do not last forever. There may be a few reasons to request an altered custody schedule. Here is what you should know:

1. A parent has moved far away

You may be planning on moving because of better housing or employment opportunities. However, this may cause you to be farther away from your child. Keeping up with a custody schedule may be heavily taxing on your time and finances. You could alter a custody schedule to give you and your co-parent more custody days so that there are fewer days traveling. 

2. A parent has developed a debilitating medical condition

Have you or your co-parent developed a medical condition? This condition may cause you or your co-parent to stay in a health facility for an unpredictable amount of time. Is this condition making it harder to care for your child? You may need to alter your custody schedule to work around this medical condition. 

3. A parent had to change their work schedule 

Your job may have asked you to change your work shift or add more hours to your schedule, and that may conflict with your custody schedule. You might need to ask for an altered custody schedule so you can continue to keep up with your work schedule. Requesting a custody schedule alteration can be difficult. Legal guidance can often get you through a modification hurdle.]]>