Hurricane Laura made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27. While this is certainly not a new story for the residents and business owners of southwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas, Hurricane Laura — the strongest storm to strike the region in over a hundred years — promises to be historic for many reasons. With winds reaching up to 150 mph, the damage will be extensive. While the hurricane canted toward the west end of the state of Louisiana, the damage could extend as far as inland Texas, New Orleans, and beyond.
To put the magnitude of the storm damage in perspective, Chuck Watson of Enki Research stated in his highly-touted industry blog, “The latest computer model estimates are around $25 Billion [in damage] when all is said and done, which puts Laura in the same company as the inflation/growth adjusted Rita ($18 Billion in 2005, probably $24 Billion today).” Additionally, Moody’s rating service advised that while they believe that national insurers can survive financially, state and regional insurance carriers may be the most vulnerable. What this means for the insured is that they should file their claims as early as possible, regardless of which type of carrier they use.
If you’re a victim of this immense natural disaster, you may have difficulty getting your insurance claim process as all companies that insure that area will be bombarded with similar claims. This article will detail the types of damage that homeowners and flood insurance policies cover and the remedies that you’ll have available to you in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
Texas and Louisiana Cities Affected by Hurricane Laura
While the most intense winds may have only spanned thirty miles, feeder bands from this Category 4 storm extend for over a hundred miles. Cities that have sustained damage from Hurricane Laura include Beaumont, Port Arthur, Houston, Galveston, Lufkin in Texas, and Lake Charles, Lake Arthur, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans in Louisiana.
Wind and Flood Damage from Hurricane Laura
If you’ve sustained damage due to Hurricane Laura, the first bit of unpleasant news that you may find is that your deductible for a hurricane is higher than with other types of claims. Your adjuster may even attempt to discourage you from making a claim, telling you that your premiums will increase and you won’t net very much money after your higher deductible. That’s why it’s often to your benefit to retain the services of a hurricane damage attorney. Hurricane damage lawyers in Louisiana and Texas are knowledgeable about the types of damage that you can claim and can often get the insurance company to pay out a much higher amount than you could get on your own. 1-800-Injured is an attorney referral service that connects natural disaster victims, like the individuals in Texas and Louisiana who were impacted by Hurricane Laura, with diligent, aggressive attorneys in their area. Contact us now to speak with a hurricane damage lawyer.
Common Types of Hurricane Damage
Hurricanes are characterized by high winds, flying objects, and flooding due to a wall of water referred to as the storm surge. The following types of damage are characteristic of storms of this magnitude:
- Roof damage including lifting – The high wind flow across the roof produces lift. This could result in tiles being torn off, portions of the roof coming away from the structure of the house, or a complete roof removal.
- Damage to the Structure – The same way that the wind can produce lift on the roof it can tear parts of your house away from the structure. This can include patios, fences, windows, etc. In addition, your house can suffer impacts from flying objects.
- Broken Windows – Even shuttered windows can break due to high pressure. Flying objects are a hazard to any exposed glass.
- Flooding – High waters can result in damage to carpeting, flooring, electronics, and furniture. Once the water clears, you are likely to have mildew and mold in any area that’s been affected.
- Damaged or Lost Doors – High winds create a pull on all types of doors. Garage doors are particularly vulnerable due to their larger surface area. Sliding glass doors are also more likely to be damaged than other windows and doors.
- Automobile Damage – Cars are particularly difficult to protect during a hurricane. Even with a garage or carport, they can experience damage from flooding or be impacted by flying objects.
- Swimming Pools – Pools can be lifted right from their foundation due to an increase in upward pressure.
There are nearly limitless ways that a Category 4 hurricane like Laura can damage your property, but if you have homeowners insurance, it should cover all interior and exterior damage due to the storm after your deductible.
Filing a Claim For Hurricane Laura Damages
Under normal circumstances, filing a claim for property damage should be as easy as picking up a phone and calling your insurance company to make a claim. In the aftermath of a hurricane, however, insurance companies can receive thousands of calls per hour. To make matters worse, they have a vested interest in delaying and limiting settlements. If you are fortunate enough to get an adjuster in a timely fashion, they’re likely to claim that some or all of the damage occurred prior to the hurricane. That’s why it’s often in your best interest to connect with a hurricane damage attorney who is familiar with the storm damage history of your area.
Connect with a Hurricane Laura Lawyer in TX and LA Now
1-800-Injured can connect you with a hurricane damage attorney in your area today. The attorneys in our referral network all work on a contingency basis. They collect their fees after your claim is settled. You will not have to pay out of pocket for this legal advice. Contact us to discuss the damage to your property today.