The damage inflicted on residents of Texas’ Coastal Bend and surrounding communities is devastating. Hurricane Harvey left a path of destruction estimated at $150 to $180 billion worth of damages to property and businesses. Like the thousands of people now working through the aftermath of the worst storm to hit the United States in twelve years, Beeville property owners experienced significant wind damage and must now call on their insurance companies to help them. If you aren’t quite sure what to do next, the Beeville wind damage claims lawyers of Carabin Shaw have a wealth of experience and information to help you get back on your feet.
The insurance companies for residents filing Beeville wind damage insurance claims are receiving a record number of calls right now. Many have established dedicated phone lines and sent “catastrophe teams” to those areas most affected as a response to the increased demand. For years, you have been faithfully paying your premiums to protect what is likely your most significant investment: your home. Now it’s time for your insurance company to deliver the service for which you’ve paid. Unfortunately, many property owners can get lost in the shuffle. When this happens, the assistance of a skilled and experienced attorney can be an invaluable asset while you seek to rebuild your life.
If you live in Beeville and have experienced severe property damage in the recent hurricane, here are some things you can do to prepare yourself for what is often a complicated claims process. We want to offer a few suggestions to ease some of the anxiety you may be facing.
The first step in recovering from Beeville wind damage insurance claims is for you to contact your insurance company and report your claim. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people reporting claims at the same time. The longer you delay in contacting your insurance company, the longer you may have to wait before anything can be done.
Your insurance company may ask for some sort of documentation. This can be difficult, depending on the nature and extent of your damages. If it’s safe to be on your property, documentation can come in the form of photographs or video taken on your mobile device. This will be of great value to you, as it provides solid proof of the damage for which you are seeking payment.
Many insurance companies also require anyone seeking to make a claim to secure their property in such a way so that no further damage occurs. This is known as “mitigating your damages,” and is a common expectation of insurance companies.
Be sure you keep detailed records of any conversation you have with your insurance company, taking care to capture names, phone numbers, and any items of action you discuss. The sheer number of Beeville hurricane claims being reported could lead to confusion or a dispute on what they committed to doing for you. If you are working diligently to keep track of the status of your claim, it will be harder for insurers to gainsay the extent of their obligation to serve you.
The important thing is to be diligent to document what is going on with your claim and not to hold back from asking any questions. If you are unclear in any way, you have a right to seek clarity from your insurance company, and your lawyer can also answer any questions you may have.
But even when you do everything that is asked of you, there are still times when you reach an impasse and require outside help. That where the lawyers of Carabin Shaw in Beeville step in.
If you’re one of the thousands filing Beeville wind damage insurance claims, the team of lawyers at Carabin Shaw is here to help. Our attorneys will leverage our extensive experience and resources to make sure your insurance company pays you the compensation you deserve. Your first visit with us is free of charge, so call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys in Beeville at 361.358.6300 or toll-free at 800-862-1260.