As Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024, striking the coast near Siesta Key, Florida, many residents across the state faced significant challenges. The Category 3 Hurricane compounded the damage already left by Hurricane Helene just weeks prior, leaving many Floridians to deal with extensive property damage.
If you are in this situation, working with a knowledgeable hurricane damage lawyer can help you navigate the claims process effectively, especially as two hurricanes are involved.
CarAccidentAttorney.com is an attorney directory that can help you contact a seasoned lawyer to help you in the aftermath of this natural disaster and assist you with your insurance claim to recover damages.
What You Should Do After a Storm
Dealing with a hurricane is never easy, especially when one strikes right after the other. After prioritizing your health and family, you must take the necessary steps to assess the damage by documenting your property condition. If your home has been affected by Hurricane Milton, here is what you should do:
Document the Damage – Use your phone or camera to capture images and videos of all the visible damage in and outside your home. Take photos from different angles to highlight everything.
Review Insurance Policies – Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage details.
Contact Your Insurance Company – Start your claim as soon as possible to expedite the process.
Consult a Hurricane Damage Lawyer – Speak with a hurricane damage lawyer to understand your insurance policy better, file thorough supporting documents, and fight against the insurance company if they deny your claim or if there are issues determining which storm caused specific damages.
Types of Damage Caused By a Hurricane
To better understand what types of damage you should document and look for when reviewing your insurance policy, here are some types of damage caused by hurricanes to consider:
- Wind damage: Hurricane Milton had sustained winds reaching 120 mph. Some wind gusts reached 100 mph, which can topple trees, damage roofs, or break windows.
- Water damage: Flooding is a common occurrence during hurricanes. However, most standard homeowner’s insurance might not cover flooding. Unless you have this optional insurance, you might be unable to compensate for the damages.
- Structural damage: Your home’s walls can be affected, along with the roof, and foundation, after a hurricane
- Personal property damage: Items inside your house can get damaged or destroyed by wind and water.
- Landscaping damage: Strong winds and floodwaters can devastate landscaping and exterior structures.
Dealing With Denied Insurance Claims and How a Milton Hurricane Damage Lawyer Can Assist You
The insurance claims process can be daunting, especially after catastrophic events like Hurricane Milton. Sometimes, claims are denied due to insufficient documentation, policy exclusions, or incorrect filing, but this doesn’t mean it’s the end.
You can contest the denial. Request a detailed explanation from your insurer related to the reasons for the denial. Review your policy to see if there are any areas where your claim may have been misinterpreted and file an appeal with supporting documentation.
A dedicated hurricane damage attorney can help you gather all the necessary documents and submit them correctly. They will negotiate with insurers on your behalf and interpret policy language and laws to help you have a higher chance of a successful claim.
Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com today if you were a victim of Hurricane Milton and require legal assistance for your insurance claims process. The team at CarAccidentAttorney.com can help you contact established attorneys to help you.