Kissimmee Hurricane Attorney
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that begin across tropical or sub-tropical waters and create winds above 74 mph. While these devastating storms can hit anytime, hurricane season officially runs from June 1st until November 30th each year. Of all the states, Florida runs the greatest risk of being hit by a hurricane given its location on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast. When a hurricane does make landfall, it can cause millions of dollars in property damage. Unfortunately, residents who turn to their insurance companies for financial help in repairs are often denied coverage. If you or somebody you know is having difficulty dealing with insurance companies who are failing to pay for hurricane damage, contact the Kissimmee hurricane attorneys of Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.
Hurricane Coverage
According to Florida Statute 627.4025, hurricane coverage insures against the heavy winds. Some insurance companies may include hurricanes in their policies while others will require an extra deductible. These policies will also cover damage caused to the interior of a building and damage caused to property within the building, but only if the damage was caused by rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand, or dust from a windstorm. However, hurricanes often come with storm surges and inland flooding. If you have had extensive water damage to your property, insurance companies will try to label it as flood damage so they do not have to cover the costs. Flood damage is not covered in a typical homeowner’s policy and must be bought through the National Flood Insurance Program.
What Type of Property Damage can a Hurricane Cause?
When a hurricane rips through a town it can cause deaths and extensive damage to property. Typical damage that we see insurance companies deny includes the following:
- Roofing damage;
- Siding damage;
- Window damage;
- Structural damage;
- Fire or electrical damage;
- Interior damage; and
- More.
Hurricanes can cause tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions in damage to a Kissimmee home. It is important to quickly contact an experienced contractor to assess the damage after the storm passes, and to call an attorney as soon as you can.
What to do After the Initial Damage?
Florida Statute 627.70132 allows homeowners three years to file a claim with an insurance company for hurricane damage. It is still in your best interest to contact the insurance company immediately. Keep all the receipts from temporary repairs made to make your residence habitable. Also document costs if you need to relocate to a different residence. Document all of the damages with lists, photographs, or video to later use as evidence of the damages.
Insurance companies will do their best not to have to pay out millions of dollars after a hurricane. An experienced Florida lawyer will help you recover the costs when an insurance company underpays, delays payment, or simply denies paying your hurricane claim.
Call a Kissimmee Hurricane Attorney Today
For immediate help, call one of our experienced Kissimmee hurricane attorneys at the Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A. as soon as you are able. We are prepared to help you immediately with your case.
