Dedicated Texas Hurricane Claims Lawyer On Your Side
When your home is devastated by a hurricane, you may be left with a damaged or destroyed home and property, wondering where to turn for help. As you attempt to get your life back on track following a hurricane, it can be made much more difficult when your insurance company refuses to pay what your claim is worth, outright denies your claim, or engages in a game of one delay after another. During such a difficult time, it can be a huge relief to have a strong legal advocate in your corner. A Texas hurricane claims lawyer from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and help you through the process from beginning to end. We understand that when your insurance company refuses to honor its commitment to you at a time when your life is already turned upside down, it can feel overwhelming. Peter Diiorio and his legal team want you to get back to your life as quickly as possible and will work hard on your behalf to ensure this happens.
How Are Hurricanes Impacting Texas?
According to weather.gov, the frequency of hurricanes along any fifty-mile segment of the Texas coast is one every six years. Since 1829, the longest hurricane-free period for Texas was about ten years, between October 1989 and August 1999. Hurricanes and tropical storms generally hit Texas between the first of June and the 5th of November, with the month of August being the most likely time Texas could see a hurricane.
Hurricane Ike in 2008 was a major hurricane, wavering between categories 2 and 4 in strength. Hurricane Harvey was a devastating Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in 2017, causing catastrophic flooding and more than 100 deaths. More recently, Hurricane Nicholas made landfall in September 2021. While only a Category 1 hurricane, more than 500,000 people in the state lost power, and there were rainfall totals in Freeport of more than 10”. Virtually all homes in Surfside Beach sustained considerable damage.
Why Choose a Texas Hurricane Claims Lawyer from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys?
At a time like this, your choice of attorney really matters. While you certainly have many choices, once you have spoken to a highly knowledgeable Texas hurricane claims lawyer from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys, we believe your choice will become clear. We understand your situation and know how to fight big insurance companies who are refusing to honor their commitments.
We also understand what a difficult time this is for you and will do everything in our power to take some of the burden from you, allowing you to get your life back on track following a hurricane that damaged or destroyed your home. At Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys, we are highly focused on our clients and their lives. Your distress and difficulties dealing with a large insurance company are personal to our legal team. Attorney Peter Diiorio has helped hundreds of people in the same situation you now find yourself in. Our firm is committed to securing a better future for every client.
What Are Common Types of Hurricane Damage?
A category 4 hurricane has 130-156 mph winds that can tear or lift roofs off homes and commercial buildings. If your roof has been damaged or destroyed by a hurricane, then it is also highly likely that you will have significant water damage on the interior of your home. Depending on your policy, what your insurance company will pay on your roof will depend on how old your roof is and whether it has had any prior damage. If your roof is relatively new, most insurance policies will pay to have the roof repaired or perhaps even for a new roof. When your roof, windows, and doors are damaged, flying debris and heavy rains from the hurricane can damage floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, furniture, and personal items.
One major concern following a hurricane is mold damage. Since many insurance policies limit coverage for mold, it is important that you take immediate steps to limit the damage from flooding following a hurricane. Hot water heaters, AC units, heating units, computer equipment, and other equipment can be damaged or destroyed during a hurricane. Your insurance policy will determine what will be covered, but it can be extremely important to document all damage, with photos and written notes.
What Steps Should I Take Following Hurricane Damage to My Home?
Following hurricane damage to your Texas home, it is important to consider the following steps:
- If there are any downed power lines or uprooted trees, contact the proper authority in your area.
- Until you receive an “all-clear” on your water, boil all water that is used to drink or in your meal preparation.
- Floodwaters can carry harmful bacteria and contaminants, so be cautious if you must navigate through these floodwaters.
- Wear protective gear when repairing and cleaning up hurricane damage.
- If the hurricane caused a power outage, destroy food in your freezer and refrigerator.
- When it is safe to do so, have your utilities turned back on.
- Take photos of all interior and exterior damage to your home.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible following the hurricane.
- Complete temporary repairs to prevent additional damage.
Will My Insurance Company Cover Hurricane Damage to My Home?
While your homeowner’s insurance policy likely covers damage from strong winds—including hurricanes—there may be a separate deductible for damage resulting from a named hurricane. Not every homeowner’s policy includes wind and hurricane damage, but it is a likely component if you are in a hurricane-prone area. It is important that you know exactly what is covered under your policy before disaster strikes. Even if your policy covers hurricane damage, it is usually limited to damage from hurricane winds.
The accompanying flooding may not be covered under your policy. Many people—especially those who live in a hurricane-prone or flood-prone area, may have to purchase separate flood insurance through FEMA to be covered for flood damage. Your policy should cover wind damage to your home, outbuildings, and fences, as well as personal property coverage for the contents of your home. If you are unable to live in your home while it is being repaired or rebuilt after the hurricane, your insurance may pay for a hotel, food, and some other items under loss of use.
What if My Insurance Denies My Hurricane Claim?
If your insurance company has denied your hurricane claim, you can fight such a denial, however, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Texas hurricane claims lawyer from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys before you begin that fight. We will help you determine why your insurance company rejected your claim—insurers are required to provide you with a reason for rejection. If your insurance company denies your claim because you failed to provide sufficient evidence of the damage, we can help you file an appeal that includes any missing evidence.
In general, the more evidence you provide at the time you file your claim—or during an appeal—the more likely your insurance company will pay you what your claim is worth in a timely manner. Document all damage to your home and property with photographs, notes, and with any professionals you call in to assess the damage. Some damage may not be immediately apparent.
As an example, mold damage due to flooding can take days, or even weeks to become visible. A small leak in a damaged roof might not be noticeable, so having a roof inspection as soon as possible is crucial to obtaining a full, fair settlement amount from your insurance company. Insurance companies may use one or more of the following “reasons” to deny, delay, or devalue your claim:
- You did not file your claim in a “timely” manner
- You failed to pay your regular monthly insurance premiums
- There were statements in your original claim that the insurance company views as suspect or fraudulent
- You failed to take measures to prevent further damage
- The damage sustained to your home and property was not covered under your policy
- The necessary repairs would be less than your deductible (unlikely)
- You failed to properly maintain your home prior to the hurricane
An experienced Texas hurricane claims lawyer can help you with an insurance denial, unreasonable delays, or a pitifully low offer. Attorney Peter Diiorio and the entire legal team at Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys will always protect your best interests while demanding that your insurance company operate in good faith.
How a Texas Hurricane Claims Lawyer from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys Can Help You Move Forward
Once the Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys are on your case, you can breathe a sigh of relief, confident in the fact that we will fight for your rights while you get your life back on track. We will never let a big insurance company take advantage of you or disrespect you in any way. Holding insurance companies accountable is what we do. If you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, contact Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys today.