Storms are an inescapable part of living in Florida. Florida sees an average of 40 to 60 inches of rain per year and has a very active hurricane season. From tropical storms to hail, a Florida storm can wreak havoc on a property – especially one located on the coast. If you have property damage from a recent storm, the lawyers at Williams Law, P.A. can help you file an insurance claim in Florida and recover the financial benefits that you need. We know how to go up against insurance carriers for the best possible case results.
Common Types of Florida Storm Damage
A serious Florida storm can cause immense damage to a residential or commercial property. A storm can come with a number of serious hazards, including heavy rains, high winds, hailstones, flooding from a storm surge and even tornadoes. A storm can damage the facade of your home, such as the siding and windows, as well as cause deeper structural damage. Common examples of storm damage include:
- Water damage
- Flood damage
- Mold and mildew
- Hail and high wind damage
- Roof damage
- Broken windows
- Damage from falling limbs
- Landscape damage
- Vehicle damage
If you experience any type of damage in a Florida hurricane, thunderstorm, or tropical storm, you should be eligible for coverage for your property repairs through your homeowners insurance company. The average homeowners insurance policy in Florida pays for storm damage, although you may need an additional type of coverage to pay specifically for flooding. Unfortunately, many insurers make it difficult for their clients to collect fair financial compensation to repair storm damage.
What to Expect From the Storm Damage Claims Process
With any type of storm damage, it is important to document your losses. Take photographs of the damage to your home or business after a storm. Keep a list of all of your damaged and destroyed property, along with estimates of their values. Then, take steps to mitigate your losses. This is a requirement by your insurance company. If a storm blew a hole in your roof, for example, cover it with a tarp to prevent further water damage in your home.
File your insurance claim as soon as possible. Check with your insurer before discarding anything damaged by the storm. If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with an insurance company on your own, hire a lawyer to take over the claims process for you. You may be able to negotiate a claim on your own, unless the insurer tries to take advantage of you or handles your case in bad faith. If this occurs, consult with a storm damage lawyer for assistance.
When You Might Need a Florida Storm Damage Lawyer
Insurance companies are used to taking advantage of clients who do not know how insurance claims work or don’t understand the true value of their property damage. Unfortunately, this is how insurance companies remain profitable for their investors – undervaluing and rejecting claims. You may need an attorney to help you go up against an insurance company during your storm damage claim in Florida.
An attorney will know how to handle bad-faith tactics or a dispute with your insurance provider and negotiate fair results on your behalf. Your lawyer can even bring a lawsuit against the insurer if it is guilty of intentionally or negligently mishandling your claim. You can trust the advice that you receive from an attorney to be in your best interests. Your lawyer will help you and your family recover from a major storm with the financial benefits that you deserve from your insurer.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim in Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging its feet regarding your property damage claim you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Tampa, Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
