The devastation left by Hurricane Helene has impacted communities across six states. Although residents have begun to recover, many still face issues in filing insurance claims to address extensive damage to their homes, businesses, and personal property among other losses.
If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene and need legal guidance to make the best of your situation, you should consult a Hurricane Helene lawyer. CarAccidentAttorney.com is a lawyer directory service that can help you get in touch with a legal professional and initiate the first steps in pursuing your claim.
Whether you are looking for a property damage, business interruption, personal injury, or other type of lawyer, you should work with someone with a proven track record of successfully solving cases similar to yours. Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com to learn more. Here is what you should know about the catastrophic tropical cyclone, how to pursue a Hurricane Helene claim, and the recovery process through legal representation.
Impact of Hurricane Helene
In the last few weeks, many U.S. residents have faced a challenging time and continue to do so after the destruction brought on by Hurricane Helene. This category 4 hurricane first made landfall in northwestern Florida and extended to other states, reaching wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.
The strong winds and torrential rainfall affected entire neighborhoods, forcing numerous businesses to close, and thousands of residents to lose their homes. As of October 7, over 230 people died due to flooding and nearly 100 individuals are still reported as missing in North Carolina alone. Here are some summaries of what happened in different states:
Florida
Florida was the first state to get hit by Hurricane Helene. As it approached the Florida Panhandle, the hurricane intensified from a category 1 hurricane to a category 4, reaching sustained wind speeds of 100 mph to 130 mph in less than 10 hours.
It slammed into the Big Bend region just 40 miles southeast of Tallahassee and affected several areas such as Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, and Tampa, among others. The heavy rains and roaring winds caused rivers to overflow, resulting in flash floods, landslides, and road washouts. It is estimated that about 1,412 people are still missing.
South Carolina & North Carolina
In South Carolina and North Carolina, several properties and businesses were affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding. North Carolina seems to be more affected since more people are missing.
Various valley communities in the Appalachians in western North Carolina were completely isolated due to the torrents of rainwater. Rainfall in the western North Carolina region was far more intense than in other regions as the air cooled faster and therefore released more precipitation.
In Asheville, NC, the floods affected various road and trail links to the town. Hundreds of structures were damaged or destroyed, including water treatment plant pipes. In the town of Chimney Rock, NC, many houses and businesses were swept away by the floodwaters.
Virginia
In Virginia, Hurricane Helene contributed to record rainfalls that resulted in road washouts, landslides, and flooding. In the southwestern regions of the state, the agricultural damage is estimated to be around $125 million.
Although Hurricane Helene is not the strongest hurricane to hit the states in recent years, it is estimated to be the most expensive as the total property and infrastructure damage may reach around $200 billion.
Tennessee
Eastern Tennessee was also heavily affected by Hurricane Helene as flooding trapped numerous people inside their houses, workplaces, or other areas. In one case, 54 patients at Unicoi County Hospital had to be evacuated from the facility’s roof.
At a Tennessee factory, eleven workers were swept away by flooding. Various air and water vehicles were deployed to rescue citizens.
Georgia
In Georgia, over 4 million people were left without power due to the hurricane’s heavy rains and flooding. Among the most affected citizens were farmers, as around 17,000 were affected. Out of all the states affected by the hurricane, Georgia’s agriculture industry seems to be the most affected by the natural disaster.
The Challenges After Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many people face significant problems. From roof damage to flooding, losing loved ones, and losing businesses, the road to recovery will not be easy for everyone, especially if insurance companies delay or deny claims.
Fortunately, even though pursuing an insurance claim might be slow in the beginning due to all the claims filled and the time-consuming process of properly documenting the hurricane-related damage, no one should be left behind regardless of how overwhelming their situation is.
Why You Need a Florida Hurricane Lawyer When Navigating the Claims Process
Homeowners and business owners should pursue an insurance claim to mitigate their damages and losses. Although an insurance company might try to minimize payouts, you can work with a hurricane lawyer to help you.
A lawyer can help you examine your insurance policy and identify the full extent of your coverage and any potential exclusions. Regardless of whether you pursue a business interruption claim or property damage claim, a knowledgeable attorney can ensure your claim is filed promptly and accurately.
This will reduce the risk of potential delays. Experienced lawyers are capable negotiators and when they deal with the insurance company, they will advocate for fair compensation on your behalf and consider all your related expenses.
If any disputes arise during the claims process, a proven attorney can help you handle those challenges more effectively.
Types of Insurance Claims Handled After Hurricane Helene
The emotional and financial toll that hurricanes impose on residents can be challenging to overcome. However, victims must understand that they can file different types of claims in the wake of a hurricane. To better understand what type of claims you should file and how a lawyer can help you, here is what you should know:
Property Damage
Natural disasters like hurricanes can lead to extensive property damage that can be compensated through your homeowner’s insurance. However, an insurance company does not always provide timely payments for the necessary repairs, especially when numerous clients are pursuing claims.
To have a higher chance of receiving the compensation you are owed under your policy and avoid delays, consult a lawyer who can help you document your damages thoroughly and file the documents properly.
Business Interruption
If you are one of the numerous victims who have suffered financial damage due to the closing of your business, you can pursue a business interruption claim. Business interruption claims can help you recover lost income due to closures or operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene.
Business interruption insurance can help you mitigate the challenges of repairs, but pursuing this type of claim can be complex. A legal team can help you navigate the challenges associated with business interruption claims and secure the compensation needed for recovery.
Flood Damage & Understanding Flood Insurance
Most insurance policies cover certain damages related to hurricanes such as structural damage or wind damage. However, your insurance policy might not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is often an optional coverage.
Sometimes, you might be able to pursue flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, although most insurance policies do not cover flood damage, you might still secure some funds needed for recovery. Speak with an experienced attorney who can assist you with managing flood insurance claims.
FEMA and Government Assistance
Hurricane Helene victims should take note of federal and state programs, such as FEMA, that offer assistance during natural disasters. However, eligibility and maximizing benefits can be difficult to acquire without taking the necessary steps.
It is important to know that frauds sometimes overwhelm these programs, especially with the use of AI, to secure payment. To ensure that your application is accepted and you receive FEMA assistance, let an attorney guide you through the process and ensure you receive the necessary support.
Contractor Disputes
Although the effects of Hurricane Helene are still relatively recent, rebuilding will be necessary in the future and businesses or homeowners might still face unique challenges. There will always be issues regarding the quality of work or the cost. An established attorney can help you resolve disputes and help you receive fair treatment throughout the rebuilding process.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injuries are common during natural disasters. However, they can also occur due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. When you are injured by the actions of another party, you can take legal action and pursue a personal injury claim against them.
A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process to recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages associated with your accident. Most attorneys offer a free case evaluation to better understand your claim and situation. If the attorney’s fees are not transparent, it is a better idea to look for representation elsewhere.
What To Do If An Insurance Company Denies a Claim
Seeking financial support by pursuing an insurance claim is among the most efficient ways to gain peace of mind and the necessary resources to start anew. However, an insurance company can deny your claim if you provide insufficient documentation, you face policy exclusions, or there are disputes about the cause of the damage.
Claim denials are not the end of the road because there is a legal process you can pursue to dispute a denied claim. To challenge claim denials, you must clearly understand the reason for the denial, which occurs when the insurance company sends you a denial letter thoroughly highlighting the reasons for the denial.
If your insurance company denied your claim due to insufficient documentation or issues with your policy, you should consult a lawyer to file an appeal. The insurance company can deny your appeal even if you provide the necessary documentation.
In these cases, your only option to pursue compensation is to take legal action. A dedicated lawyer will help you take reasonable steps to continue pursuing your claim and pursue compensation. Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com today to learn more about the legal professionals available in your area.
Other Issues You Can Face While Pursuing a Claim
Although claim denials are a common issue when pursuing an insurance claim, there are other challenges you might face.
Claim Delays
A delayed claim isn’t uncommon, especially after a natural disaster such as Hurricane Helene. Numerous home and business owners will file claims, which can overwhelm insurance companies. The only thing you can do is to ensure that your claim is filed appropriately and adhere to deadlines to reduce the risk of further delays.
Low Settlement Offers
Insurance companies do not always offer an accurate settlement that reflects the costs of repair or replacement. Since victims face various expenses while dealing with the trauma of the incident, many accept it just to move on. However, you should not let this pressure get to you. Let a lawyer help you understand your rights and review any offers.
Coverage Disputes
Disputes can arise over what your insurance covers. This is common when homeowners deal with flood damage.