Hurricanes can cause significant destruction leading to high repair expenses. You may also need to replace some items if they are unrepairable or sustained severe destruction. Filing a claim with insurers may help you recover some costs.
A Tampa hurricane damage lawyer from our firm will identify the destruction caused by the storm. They will also evaluate the repair and replacements cost before claiming reimbursement from an insurer. Read on to understand what you should do during and after a hurricane and the ways we can help.
What to Do During a Hurricane
Taking various precautions during a storm can protect your property and reduce the extent of damages. It can also prevent catastrophic accidents that may lead to drowning or burns. One vital precaution is staying indoors even if the weather is still calm. This measure can prevent severe damage when high winds start lifting debris.
Another precaution to take during a hurricane is locking windows and doors. If possible, barricade the areas with heavy items to prevent high wind entry. Once these fixtures are secure, move away from them to avoid physical injuries.
Hurricanes can cause flooding and drive debris into your home. Disconnect all electrical devices and switch off power from the main circuit to prevent fires. Moreover, use a portable radio or your phone to receive updates about the hurricane and determine when it is secure to leave your property.
What to Do After a Hurricane
After a hurricane, the measures you take can affect your safety and the right to claim reimbursement. Once the rain and high winds cease, check your home to determine if it sustained damage. Moreover, capture images of all destruction and avoid moving broken items. If your property has flooded, move to a dry area and avoid using electrical devices. You should also stay away from fallen power lines and stray electrical cords.
Another measure to take after a Tampa storm is to contact your insurance company. After that, inform them of the sustained damages without providing too many details. The firm may then send a representative to evaluate your property. These professionals may also:
- Recommend measures to prevent further damages
- Mention if you can contact a repair contractor
- Estimate the repairs needed
The assessment report provided by your insurer may not be accurate. This aspect is because the company may ignore or downplay some damages. Contacting us can help you determine the actual value of property destruction. The attorney will liaise with professionals for a comprehensive inspection. This measure allows them to identify minor damages like a roof leak or damaged flashings. You may then include the destruction in your claim and get the needed repairs.
Tampa Hurricane Damage Lawyer Near Me 833-552-7274
Ways Our Pinellas County Hurricane Lawyer May Help
Our Tampa hurricane damage lawyer will provide all the legal guidance you need after a storm. First, they may recommend the evidence you should collect before repairs and replacements. They may also advise you to keep some items damaged by the hurricane for proof when filing a claim.
The legal guidance provided by an attorney can help you avoid various mistakes. Such include filing a claim before assessing the damages and failing to mention all costs you incurred on repairs. Another way our Tampa hurricane attorney will assist is by pursuing reimbursement from insurers. First, the lawyer will determine the parties to file a claim against based on the sustained damages. After that, they may seek compensation from:
- An auto insurance company if the hurricane destroyed your vehicle
- Your home insurance company
- A neighbor whose tree fell on your property
Insurance companies sometimes offer a settlement offer that is too low. We will present evidence indicating the damages caused by a hurricane are worth more. They will also negotiate with insurance adjusters for higher compensation. Florida has various laws governing claiming compensation for property damages. Your attorney will ensure you understand such regulations and recommend ways to prevent a breach.
For a free legal consultation with a hurricane damage lawyer serving Tampa, call 833-552-7274
The Evidence You Can Use After Tampa Hurricane Damage
You must provide enough evidence to file a claim for Tampa hurricane damage. One item that may support your case is a video of the storm. Such footage may help you prove that specific destruction resulted from issues like high winds or floods.
Insurance companies may deny your claim or fail to reimburse you fully, arguing that some damages occurred before a hurricane. Presenting a recent home inspection record may help you verify the property did not have certain damages. The report provided after the storm may also prove that a hurricane led to specific destruction. Besides, it may indicate the needed repairs and their estimated costs. More evidence you can use for your case are:
- Receipts of the expenses incurred on repair and replacements
- Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane
- Witness statements if other parties were present during the hurricane
We will evaluate your case’s specifics to determine the appropriate evidence. After that, they will collect the proof and include it in your claim file. They will then present the documents to insurers when seeking reimbursement.
Damages Prevalent After Hurricanes
Tampa hurricanes may lead to various damages based on the categories. For instance, the winds can cause trees near your property to fall on the roof. The branches may also break and destroy windows or gutters and siding.
Hurricanes can cause floods, damaging your furniture and decorative items. The water may also seep into walls, leading to secondary issues like mold infestation, paint peeling, and foul odor. Other damages caused by Tampa hurricanes are:
- Roof leaks
- Broken or missing roof shingles
- Fires
- Destroyed power lines
Consult Our Tampa Hurricane Damage Lawyer
A Tampa hurricane damage lawyer on our team may help you seek reimbursement to cover repair costs. They will also identify the needed evidence and use it to build a strong case against your insurance company.
At Dolman Law Group, we have a team of attorneys who can help you with all the legal work after a storm. They will consult other contractors to ensure you claim an amount equal to sustained damages. Call a Tampa hurricane damage lawyer from Dolman Law Group for a case review. Also, take a look at our case results to see what we’re capable of accomplishing for clients.
Call or text 833-552-7274 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form