Was your hurricane damage claim denied? You may be able to receive compensation with the help of an insurance lawyer. Learn how a hurricane damage lawyer can help you.
Do you reside in Florida? Then, having experienced hurricane damage lawyers on speed dial is one of the wisest decisions to make. That's because flood damage is among the biggest problems Floridians have to deal with. Many times, the flooding is due to hurricane storm surges.
The cost of repairs after water damage to your structure can eat deep into your pockets. Fortunately, having a hurricane insurance policy can help to cushion your financial burden in such circumstances. Hurricane insurance typically comprises a windstorm and flood insurance policy. Holding these two insurance policies ensures that your home is fully covered in hurricane damage.
However, having insurance coverage is one thing, and getting fair compensation from your insurance company is another. The hurricane damage claims process is typically a complex one, especially when the insurance company is acting in bad faith. In such cases, you'll need assistance from an experienced attorney for the best possible insurance settlement.
We'll show you the amazing ways hurricane damage attorneys can help your insurance claim in this article.
Hurricanes can cause severe damage to your personal property in diverse ways. This is typically due to rainfall, storm surges, flying objects, wind, tornadoes, and rip currents.
We've categorized the losses you'll likely suffer after a hurricane storm surge into the following:
Structural damage refers to any destruction to your home that affects or compromises its core integrity. This puts your house at risk of collapsing as the structure can no longer support it. Structural damage typically affects the walls and foundation. It may also include roof damage.
Hurricanes typically involve heavy rains and flooding that can cause severe water damage to your home's structure. It can also burst your pipes and cause mold growth when the hurricane abates.
Regardless of how tightly you shut them, hurricane storm surges will likely damage your doors and windows. If they're made from glass, flying objects can quickly shatter them too.
Hurricane-force winds can lead to power surges that may eventually damage your electrical appliances. To avoid this problem, remember to turn off or unplug electronics before the storm. You can also install surge protection devices in your home.
Hurricane flooding can destroy your personal items like furniture, clothing, jewelry, etc.
It would help if you made your insurance claim within a reasonable time period after the hurricane damage. The more time passes before filing your claim, the lesser your chances of a fair settlement. It will also delay your payment and increase your risk of a denial.
Many insurance companies have a procedure for filing hurricane insurance claims. So, ensure that you follow their laid-down processes. Sometimes, you'll be able to contact your insurance company online or through a phone call. If you're unsure how to commence your claim, you can also seek help from an experienced lawyer.
Property insurance companies usually send insurance adjusters to evaluate claims after receiving them. When they're satisfied that you have a legitimate claim for compensation, they'll negotiate a settlement sum. You'll receive your settlement check after a successful negotiation.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of a fair payout and seamless claims process:
Deciding to hire a property damage lawyer for your case depends on what you wish to achieve. If you're comfortable with what your insurance company is offering you, then there's no need for an attorney. However, if you're unhappy with the results from your claim, you may be better off with a lawyer.
Here's how an experienced insurance lawyer will work to ensure maximum compensation for your hurricane damage claim:
Bad faith actions refer to any tactic your insurance company employs to avoid their responsibilities in the claims process. Common bad faith insurance tactics include delaying claims processing, reducing damage estimate, false statements, low ball settlements, etc.
Many property owners have no idea how to detect bad faith from their insurance companies. Worse still, even if they do, they have no idea how to handle it.
However, when you have a seasoned hurricane insurance lawyer representing you, the insurance companies will be more careful with their actions. Experienced attorneys are familiar with bad faith insurance. They know precisely how to spot and handle it.
Going through hurricane losses means that you'll do everything to avoid any unnecessary additional expense or cost. So, you may consider handling your case yourself to avoid lawyer fees.
That'll be unwise, considering that many attorneys are willing to handle your case on a contingency basis. This ensures an affordable legal process as you wouldn't worry about out-of-pocket professional fees.
You may not know your claim's worth, but your property damage lawyer does. They know when the insurance company is offering you less than you deserve. A hurricane damage attorney will leverage their negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
Choosing between numerous legal options can be a daunting task since you don't have extensive experience in property and insurance law. Fortunately, an attorney knows what's best for your case. They'll offer you quality legal advice and guide you to make the right decisions.
Pursuing a hurricane insurance claim typically involves lots of paperwork and documentation. With your attorney's drafting skills and an eye for detail, you wouldn't have to worry about making mistakes or missing deadlines.
Since your attorney is an essential part of your claim, you must be cautious when choosing one. Hiring the wrong lawyer is as good as not having any.
Here's what to prioritize when looking for a suitable attorney for your case:
Generally, homeowners are entitled to the following types of compensation:
You can speak with your property damage lawyer to be sure of the compensation you're entitled to in your case.
There's no doubt that the extensive legal experience that comes with an attorney may help get you a better result with your hurricane damage claim. That's because even the most straightforward insurance cases can become complicated quickly. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can be at peace knowing that they will handle the most difficult parts of the claim for you.
Our hurricane insurance lawyers at VG Law Group can assess your claim and come up with a plan of action. We'll strive to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible. Our phone lines are always open to receive your calls.
