No two insurance companies evaluate accident claims the same way. They may use similar ideas, but their internal playbooks differ dramatically. One company may put more weight on medical bills, while another cares more about liability or risk. This is why your offer might look completely different from someone you know who had what seems like a similar accident.

One of the most important points Jobeth emphasizes is this. The insurance company has a duty to protect its own insured driver. It does not have a duty to the person who was hurt. Even if both drivers are insured by the same company, the duty does not extend across the claim. This single fact shapes everything that follows.

Commercial vehicles and trucking companies often carry larger insurance policies. Bigger coverage limits mean more exposure if a jury issues a large verdict. These companies also deal with significant logistics. If a truck driver is scheduled for a delivery hundreds of miles away, the insurer still has to get that driver to Elkton for trial next Thursday. That creates time pressures and expenses that consumer auto carriers rarely face.

Because of this, some commercial insurers would rather pay a generous settlement up front than deal with trial risks, travel costs, or jury uncertainty. Jobeth sees many cases where commercial carriers offer twenty percent more than the typical television advertised carriers simply because it saves them time and money in the long run.

If the insurer does not have a large presence in Maryland, they usually hire outside defense attorneys. Those attorneys require a significant retainer, often twenty or thirty thousand dollars, plus hourly billing. If a case is worth one hundred thousand dollars, an insurer can either pay that voluntarily or take the risk of spending thirty thousand dollars on defense fees plus the one hundred thousand dollars that the case is worth anyway. And if the case goes all the way to trial and the jury awards one hundred fifty thousand dollars, the company will pay both the verdict and the defense costs along the way.

Some insurance companies take this risk seriously and try to settle early. Large national carriers do not feel the same pressure because many of them have their own in house law firms. Their costs to defend a case are fixed, which means filing suit does not change their financial position much. These differences explain why some offers jump quickly while others barely move.

The biggest reason low offers happen is simple. If you are negotiating with an insurance company without an attorney, they will almost always offer far less than the value of your case. Jobeth sees this every single day. Insurers count on people trusting online calculators, old stories from relatives, or information they found on the internet that is half true or completely false. They also try to scare people by saying an attorney will take a third of the settlement. What they do not say is that the attorney will negotiate a much larger settlement in the first place.

A lawyer does not take a third of the garbage offer. A lawyer takes a third of a fair settlement or a verdict that reflects what the case is truly worth. Your final compensation is almost always higher with real representation.

If your offer looks far too low, you may be dealing with an insurer that is cutting corners, relying on in house attorneys, or hoping you do not understand your rights. Bowers Law handles injury cases every day and knows the playbooks for most major companies. Jobeth and the team know which insurers roll over the moment a lawsuit is filed and which require specific pressure points to make a real offer.

If you were injured in an accident, reach out to Bowers Law. This is the only type of case they handle, and they focus exclusively on helping people in Cecil County. They will review your claim, explain why your offer came in so low, and take the steps needed to secure the value your case deserves.

Be informed. Be protected. And never accept a settlement that does not reflect the real worth of your injuries.

The post Why Your Settlement Offer Is Much Lower Than You Expected first appeared on Bowers Law.

Many Maryland drivers assume that the information in an accident report is ironclad — but that’s simply not the case. According to Joe Bowers of Bowers Law, police accident reports are not considered legal evidence in most cases. Unless the officer personally witnessed the crash (which is rare), the report is based on secondhand information and subject to human error. This makes it crucial to review your accident report carefully for mistakes — and to know that errors can be overcome.

Mistakes on accident reports are more common than you might think. These range from swapped driver/passenger roles, incorrect vehicle assignments, misspelled names, or inaccurate time stamps. Bowers shares a case where a witness mistakenly assumed the person standing near the driver’s door post-crash was the driver — when in fact they were a passenger. The error led to a denied claim and months of litigation. Bottom line: the facts matter more than the report, and insurers will often use report errors to delay or deny your claim.

In rare cases — maybe once or twice a year — Bowers’ team has been able to get reports corrected. This typically only happens when the error is significant, like incorrect party roles. Minor mistakes (e.g., wrong date, typo in the vehicle number) usually won’t be corrected by police departments. Still, those errors aren’t deal-breakers for your case. The key is understanding that the accident report is just one part of a larger legal and claims process.

Insurance companies are incentivized to pay as little as possible. If there’s an inconsistency in the report that benefits them, they will exploit it — even when logic and injury patterns suggest otherwise. They’ll use it to delay, deny, or diminish your claim. That’s why having an attorney on your side from the very beginning is critical. Your legal team can push back with facts, evidence, and witness credibility — not just what’s written on paper.

The best move you can make after an accident is to contact Bowers Law immediately. They’ll request the police report for you, review it line-by-line, and help correct or contextualize any inaccuracies. And if something can’t be changed, they’ll make sure the error doesn’t jeopardize your case. Most cases don’t even go to trial — but if yours does, it’ll be the facts, not the accident report, that are on trial.

The post Errors on a Maryland Accident Report? What do to next first appeared on Bowers Law.

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, your first instinct may be to turn to the roadside assistance included in your auto insurance policy. After all, that’s what it’s there for — right? But attorney Joe Bowers urges Maryland drivers to think twice before making that call. Why? Because even simple claims can affect your premiums, and that “helpful” service might come with hidden costs down the road.

We live in a time when insurance rates are rising across the board, whether or not you file a claim. That means every interaction with your insurance provider could have consequences. Submitting a roadside assistance claim, even for something minor like a dead battery or flat tire, still gets logged in your policy history. While it’s unlikely to raise your premium on its own, every claim adds to a track record that may be used against you when your policy renews.

Instead of filing a claim with your auto insurer, Joe recommends looking into an independent roadside service like AAA. Unlike your insurer’s assistance program, AAA is not tied to your vehicle or insurance policy — it’s tied to you. That means you can use it when you’re riding in someone else’s car, a taxi, or even an Uber. More importantly, using AAA doesn’t count as an insurance claim and won’t come back to haunt you later.

Joe notes that AAA often has better response times thanks to its nationwide network of providers, and while it may cost slightly more than your insurer’s add-on, it often ends up being more reliable and less risky in the long run.

Sure, having roadside assistance bundled into your policy might be a little cheaper. But you have to ask yourself: Is the savings worth the potential for increased rates down the line? When you consider the possibility of long wait times, limited coverage, and claim history risks, the few extra bucks per year for AAA might be the smarter investment.

Joe has seen firsthand how insurance companies react to any type of claim — no matter how small. He’s also seen how little some agents understand about the real-world impact of what they’re selling. That’s why he encourages drivers to take advantage of free insurance policy reviews from someone who deals with accidents every single day.

At Bowers Law, we don’t sell insurance, but we do help people recover from accidents every day — and we know what policies truly protect you. If you’re unsure whether your roadside assistance coverage is helping or hurting, get a free policy review from Jobeth and his team. Whether you’re a current client, past client, or just someone who wants to be prepared, we’ll review your policy and explain what it actually means. Call us today.

The post Roadside Assistance on your Maryland Auto Policy- Should you have it? Should you use it? first appeared on Bowers Law.

As we wrap up our four-part series on Maryland auto insurance hacks, attorney Joe Bowers shares the last two — and possibly most impactful — tips on how to save money and strengthen your policy. Even if you’ve already made some improvements, these final suggestions could make the biggest difference in both cost and protection.

While Joe previously urged listeners not to be afraid to switch carriers, this tip goes a step further: get multiple side-by-side quotes using an independent broker. These brokers can check 20 or more companies to find the best match for your specific needs. Some insurers are better suited to high-risk drivers, others to families or homeowners. Don’t just call a 1-800 number or fill out an online form — real savings come from working with a local agent who understands your unique situation.

The most powerful tip is also the most personal: understand what you need from your insurance policy. That means knowing how much coverage makes sense for your lifestyle, vehicle value, homeownership status, and financial goals. Joe offers free insurance reviews to anyone — not just clients — to help people determine whether they’re underinsured or paying for things they don’t need. It’s about protecting yourself adequately, not just legally.

Many Maryland drivers carry only the minimum state coverage, not realizing how quickly that falls short in a real accident. Joe explains how driving a $60,000 car with only $15,000 in property damage coverage can be a disaster waiting to happen. The key is aligning your coverage limits with your financial exposure, not just what the law requires.

Joe stresses that insurance agents who know you can help you make smarter choices. A live, local agent can explain how increasing PIP coverage or adjusting liability limits might only cost a few dollars more — but could save you tens of thousands in the event of a serious accident. And since Bowers Law only handles auto injury cases, their team knows exactly what coverage types prove essential when things go wrong.

To recap, the full list of auto insurance hacks includes:

Don’t be afraid to switch

Read the fine print (or have Joe do it)

Review your policy every year

Ask about discounts

Increase your deductible

Maintain a good driving record (and credit score)

Bundle policies

Understand your coverage

Compare quotes

Know your needs

If you want help understanding your policy — or if you’re thinking about shopping around — Bowers Law offers free insurance policy reviews to Maryland drivers. Whether you’re a client or not, Joe will walk you through what your coverage actually means, and where you might be at risk. Want to know if you’re getting the best deal and the right protection? Contact Bowers Law today.

The post Top 10 Auto Insurance Hacks for Maryland Part 4 of 4 first appeared on Bowers Law.

One of the most overlooked auto insurance hacks is bundling your policies under one provider. Many Maryland drivers miss out on this opportunity to save, especially when their homeowners or renters policies are managed separately. Whether you own a home or rent, consolidating your policies can result in discounts of 10% or more across the board. Even renters can benefit—often getting a discount that exceeds the actual cost of a renters policy, making it essentially free.

While bundling is generally beneficial, there are exceptions. Specialty vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, or classic cars may require a different provider for optimal coverage and pricing. That said, some companies can handle both general and specialty vehicles effectively. It’s worth investigating to avoid missing out on potential savings without compromising coverage.

Understanding your coverage types is essential. Many people purchase policies online or through a 1-800 number and never get an explanation of what their insurance actually includes. Working with a live, local agent—or taking advantage of Bowers Law’s free insurance review—can help you learn exactly how your coverage works in various scenarios. This ensures you’re not left underinsured or surprised at claim time.

Higher coverage limits don’t always mean a significantly higher premium. In fact, increasing your liability or uninsured motorist coverage can sometimes lead to lower overall costs. Insurance companies see these requests as indicators that you’re a low-risk customer. Joe has even seen cases where switching companies and increasing coverage fivefold actually saved clients money.

Only two tips remain on Joe Bowers’ top 10 insurance hacks list—and they’re the biggest ones yet. Be sure to check back next week for final insights that could make a real difference in your policy’s quality and cost.

Still have questions about bundling, policy coverage, or increasing your limits? Attorney Joe Bowers offers free insurance policy reviews—no strings attached. Whether you’re a client or not, he’s happy to review your documents and help you optimize your coverage. Contact us today to get started.

The post Top 10 Auto Insurance Hacks for Maryland Part 3 of 4 first appeared on Bowers Law.

Auto insurance rates in Maryland—and across the country—are on the rise, with some increases reaching up to 50%. In this series, Attorney Joe Bowers walks you through his top 10 insurance hacks to help cut costs, boost coverage, and avoid painful surprises when it matters most. In this first installment, he covers tips 10, 9, and 8—starting with some common but costly misconceptions.

Many people stick with the same insurer for years, believing that loyalty will be rewarded. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Insurance companies don’t treat long-term customers better—they treat them like numbers. Even “loyalty perks” like vanishing deductibles or rate locks tend to be temporary or tied to very specific conditions. The bottom line: shopping around can often save you money and improve your coverage.

Insurance policies are full of exclusions, limitations, and hidden pitfalls that can destroy your claim when you need help the most. Bowers offers free insurance policy reviews to anyone—client or not—who wants a second opinion. He’s seen the difference between agents who write solid, protective policies and those who cut corners. If you’re unsure, get your policy reviewed now, especially if you bought it online without guidance.

We’re all guilty of letting things slide—especially when policies are on auto-renewal and payments are on autopay. But when it comes to auto insurance, “set it and forget it” can cost you big. Policies need to be reviewed regularly for changes in the law, life circumstances (like a new driver or vehicle), and potential gaps. Joe will even review your policy every year, free of charge—no strings attached.

Want to make sure you’re not overpaying or underinsured? Start by reviewing your policy now. Contact Bowers Law. Whether you’ve been with your company for 20 years or just signed up, it pays to know exactly what you’re getting—and what you’re not.

The post Top 10 Auto Insurance Hacks for Maryland Policies Part 1 of 4 first appeared on Bowers Law.

Whether you’re driving for Uber, DoorDash, or a newer app like Devour Now, the big question is this: who’s insuring you while you’re on the job? The answer isn’t always simple. While these platforms usually require you to carry valid auto insurance and maintain a well-functioning vehicle, your insurance policy might not protect you once you’re driving for pay. Understanding when you’re covered—and when you’re not—is critical.

Most rideshare and delivery platforms treat your driving status as either “on” or “off.” Once you’ve accepted a job—whether you’re en route to pick up a passenger or grab an order—you’re typically covered under the platform’s commercial policy. Until then, neither the platform nor your personal insurance may provide coverage during idle app time or while waiting for a gig. This in-between moment is one of the biggest coverage gaps that drivers often overlook.

Many personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage during rideshare or delivery work. That means if you’re using your car for business—even if you’re just making one delivery—your policy could deny coverage in the event of an accident. Worse, if your commercial platform’s policy doesn’t fully kick in, it could leave you in a financial bind. Ask your insurance agent directly about the exclusions and options for rideshare-friendly coverage.

While companies like Uber and DoorDash often carry generous liability coverage once you’ve accepted a job, those policies are primarily designed to protect the company, not you. The quality and terms of these policies also differ significantly. If your personal coverage is denied and the platform’s policy doesn’t fully apply, you could be left with unpaid medical bills, vehicle damage, or worse. That’s why Joe Bowers strongly recommends consulting a live agent to review your policy—especially before signing up to drive.

If you’re a rideshare or delivery driver—or even considering it—don’t wait until after an accident to understand your insurance coverage. Contact Bowers Law for a free policy review. We’ll help you spot gaps before they become costly mistakes. Contact us for more information.

The post Insurance for Rideshare and Delivery App Drivers first appeared on Bowers Law.

Maryland enacted new laws on October 1st, which all drivers, especially those with heavy foot traffic, should be aware of. One of the most significant changes is a stricter penalty for drivers caught speeding more than 30 mph over the posted limit. This isn’t just a ticket anymore; the consequences now include a potential fine of up to $1,000 and even up to 60 days in jail.

These updates come as part of the state’s efforts to improve road safety and reduce serious accidents. Speeding continues to be a leading factor in high-impact collisions, and lawmakers are aiming to crack down harder to save lives. Now is the time to seriously reconsider your speed limit-pushing habit.

Yes, you read that right. Under the new law, exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more is now a jailable offense in Maryland. While it remains to be seen how often judges will impose incarceration, the law clearly gives them the power to do so. Prosecutors may become more involved in these cases too, marking a shift from how speeding violations were previously handled.

Please reduce your speed and give this law the attention it deserves. The increase in penalties means there’s more at stake than just your wallet. Your clean driving record and your freedom could be on the line. Whether you’re commuting on I-95 or cruising local roads in Cecil County, make sure you’re following the speed limit—especially now.

Maryland enacts new laws every year, and staying informed helps protect your rights and your safety. You can find a full list of all October 1st legal updates on the Maryland State Bar Association website. These changes impact more than just traffic law—there are updates on expungement rules, victim protections, and even personal-use cannabis laws.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect you after a traffic stop or accident, contact our team at Bowers Law. We’re here to help you understand your rights and guide you through any legal challenges you may face.

The post Slow down for New Maryland Laws first appeared on Bowers Law.

Most Maryland drivers don’t realize their current insurance setup could cost them $100,000 or more if they’re in a serious accident. In this episode, Jobeth Bowers breaks down the enhanced underinsured motorist coverage—a little-known but critical part of your auto insurance policy. This coverage could mean the difference between being properly compensated or walking away with nothing after a crash.

Enhanced underinsured motorist coverage (also labeled “enhanced UM/UIM” on your policy) ensures that your policy protects you, even if the other driver has minimal coverage. For example, if the at-fault driver has $30,000 in coverage and you have a regular (non-enhanced) $30,000 UM/UIM policy, you may receive nothing extra. That’s because traditional policies offset each other. With enhanced coverage, you could get your full $100,000 (or more) on top of the $30,000 from the other driver’s insurer.

Unfortunately, Maryland insurers aren’t required to offer enhanced coverage unless you’re starting a new policy or modifying an existing one. That means unless you ask for it, you probably don’t have it. Even more concerning, people buying insurance online—without help from a licensed agent—are most likely to miss out on this vital option. Joe recommends calling your agent now to ask, “Do I have enhanced underinsured motorist coverage?”

Despite its massive potential benefit, enhanced coverage is surprisingly affordable. Adding it to your policy may only cost $30 to $40 per year. For the cost of one dinner out, you could avoid a devastating shortfall in compensation if you’re injured in a serious crash caused by someone with low limits. Bowers emphasizes that the value far outweighs the cost and urges drivers not to wait until it’s too late.

If you want to avoid a painful insurance shortfall after a crash, now is the time to act. Check your policy. If it doesn’t say “enhanced” next to your underinsured motorist coverage, call your insurance agent today and ask about adding it. This small step could be the difference between walking away with tens of thousands—or walking away with medical debt.

The post One little trick for $100,000 or more! first appeared on Bowers Law.

In Maryland, determining fault in car accidents can be especially challenging due to its strict contributory negligence law. This law means that if you’re even 0.01% at fault in an accident, you could be barred from recovering anything. That’s why “word vs. word” cases—where both drivers claim the other is at fault—can be so hard to win. These cases often come up at intersections or four-way stops, where it’s your word against the other driver’s, and without clear evidence, even a judge may not be able to rule in your favor.

If you’re physically able, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Get contact info, license plates, and witness statements from anyone who saw the accident—not just those directly involved. Witnesses can make or break your case. If you can provide names and numbers to your attorney right away, they can follow up and secure helpful statements before those leads go cold. If you’re injured and can’t do this yourself, having a passenger do it can make a critical difference.

Joe Bowers strongly recommends investing in a dashcam. Even a lower-end model can provide footage that may instantly clarify fault in an accident. In fact, Bowers Law has resolved “word vs. word” cases simply by submitting client dash cam footage to the insurance company, avoiding lengthy trials. Dash cams capture details you may miss and give you proof when there are no witnesses. Joe is currently testing several dash cams and will release his recommendations soon—but don’t wait too long. Any dash cam is better than none.

Having clear dashcamfootage can dramatically shift how insurance companies treat your claim. Bowers Law’s reputation already encourages fair settlements, but hard evidence like video can make the process faster and easier. This not only alleviates your stress but also prevents unnecessary court battles and protects you from unfair blame. Remember: when it’s your word against someone else’s, objective proof is your best weapon.

If you’ve been involved in a word vs. word accident or want to prepare for the future, contact Bowers Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss the best strategies, and help you protect your rights. You don’t need to be a client or former client—just someone who wants solid legal advice. Call or email us today, and don’t forget to check out previous podcast episodes at bowerslawmd.com

The post How to win a word vs. word accident first appeared on Bowers Law.