As Ian bears down on Florida, we are looking at the threat of significant coastal flooding, high winds, and more depending on where this major storm system makes landfall. Already, Florida has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved an emergency declaration for federal disaster relief efforts to prepare for what is certain to be a significant storm.
Governor Desantis has told residents to prepare for power outages, fuel disruptions, and flooding, and Hillsborough County, including Tampa, has already issued a mandatory evacuation of coastal areas beginning at 2 p.m. on Monday. More evacuation orders across the state are likely as Ian hits Cuba on Monday night and continues on towards Florida.
We are not yet certain of where Ian will land, but models suggest that landfall will happen on the west coast of the state anywhere between the Panhandle and Tampa Bay, but even minor landfall will produce substantial flooding. The lower Florida Keys have been issued a tropical storm warning, which entails forecasted winds of 39 to 73 mph within 36 hours, and remains in effect as of Monday morning.
Current predictions include a 5 to 8 foot storm surge along the Gulf coast, and even indirect effects of Ian will likely experience dramatic flooding that Pinellas emergency management director Cathie Perkins has called a “wall of water” that could separate houses from their foundations, destroy roads, and interfere with elevator power systems in high-rise buildings.
Per The Washington Post “At 11 a.m. Monday, Ian was centered about 240 miles southeast of Cuba’s western tip and was churning to the northwest at 14 mph. Its peak winds were 80 mph.” We expect the storm to intensify through Monday and into Tuesday, powered by the warm September waters of the Gulf and Atlantic.
Even after Ian dissipates, North Florida is expected to experience heavy rainfall through the end of the week, and the effects will reach into Georgia and across the East Coast. This storm is anticipated to be the strongest we’ve experienced in Florida since 2018.
Stay safe out there, fellow Floridians, and make sure to heed to advice and orders of local officials. With the help of an attorney, property can be repaired and replaced with an insurance claim, but your safety is irreplacable.
After the Storm, Know Your Claims Options
After a major hurricane, homeowners and business insurance companies receive hundreds of millions of dollars in claims. Many people believe their insurance company will take care of them after a natural disaster, but this is often not the case.
The truth is, insurance companies are for-profit businesses that are looking to minimize payouts on claims. Contact 1-800-Injured as soon as possible to be connected with an experienced hurricane claims attorney who can help you navigate your personal and/or business claim after Ian has subsided.
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Florida Hurricane
If you have suffered damage to your home or business as a result of a hurricane, the first thing you should do is contact a hurricane claims attorney who can guide you through the process. Homeowners, renters, or business insurers operate on the same guiding principles as do car insurance companes: to settle claims as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
After speaking with an attorney, you will need to contact your insurance company. Let them know that you have sustained damages and request that they send an adjuster to assess the damage. At the same time, try to record notes about the damages and losses you’ve suffered — no matter how vivid these issues may feel in the moment, they will fade with time, and you’ll be left trying to recall details that are faded or obscured in your memory.
The insurance company will then send an adjuster to inspect the property. The adjuster will prepare a report of the damages which will be used to determine the amount of the claim. However, make sure that you collect your own evidence and documentation at this time, too. The adjuster is likely dealing with a number of these claims at once after a hurricane, and while it is their responsibility to accurately investigate your claim, it’s in your best interest to have your own supporting evidence, too.
Once the insurance company has received the adjuster’s report, they will make a decision on whether or not to approve the claim. It’s likely that your attorney will need to counter the initial settlement offer to ensure that all of the damages you’ve suffered are included in the claim.
If the claim is approved, the insurance company will send a check for the amount of the claim minus the hurricane deductible.
If the insurance company denies the claim, they will send a letter explaining their decision. Policyholders have the right to appeal the insurance company’s decision, and you’ll be thankful that you have been working with an attorney throughout this process if you are required to file an appeal.
Important Things to Know About Hurricane Claims
Policyholders who have suffered damage from a hurricane should be aware of the following:
- Insurance companies will often try to low-ball you on your claim. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a fair settlement.
- Your policy may have a hurricane deductible, which is the amount of money you are responsible for before your insurance company starts paying out on a claim. This can be as high as 5% of the total value of your home.
- Insurance companies will often try to delay payment on claims. Be persistent in following up with your insurance company and make sure you keep good records of all correspondence.
- If your home is severely damaged, you may need to relocate temporarily. Make sure you understand your policy’s coverage for temporary living expenses.
- If you have to file a lawsuit against your insurance company, be prepared for a long and difficult battle. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers who are skilled at delaying and denying claims.
The Benefits of Working With a Hurricane Attorney
If you’ve been affected by a hurricane, it’s important to have an experienced hurricane attorney on your side. The insurance claim process can be complex and frustrating, but a good hurricane attorney will fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
An attorney will help you negotiate with your insurance company and ensure you get the best possible settlement. If your home is severely damaged, an attorney can also help you get the money you need for temporary living expenses.
If you have to file a lawsuit against your insurance company, an attorney will be prepared to fight for your rights. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers who are skilled at delaying and denying claims, but an experienced hurricane attorney will know how to deal with them.
The United States has a number of programs and benefits available for home and business owners who have suffered losses due to a hurricane, in addition to insurance benefits. An attorney can help you navigate these programs and get the assistance you need.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today
If you or someone you know has been affected by a hurricane, contact an experienced hurricane attorney today. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can put you in contact with a lawyer for a free consultation, during which you will have the opportunity to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
Once you are partnered with an attorney, you can stay focused on getting your life back on track without being distracted or overwhelmed by confusing administrative issues pertaining to your insurance claim.