Hurricanes can cause a tremendous amount of wind with speeds in excess of 120mph. In August, Rockport experienced even worse winds created by Hurricane Harvey, and the amount of damage caused by the storm is will cost Texas over $180 billion. If your home or property has been damaged by wind from Hurricane Harvey and you are having trouble getting a properly estimated claim from your insurance company, let Carabin Shaw provide you with a Rockport hurricane insurance claims lawyer. We have the experienced attorneys who can handle Hurricane Harvey wind claims in Rockport.
Hurricane Harvey Wind Claims in RockportAfter weathering a hurricane in Rockport, there are a couple of steps you must go through before making a claim and repairing your house. Here are some precautionary steps to ensure you experience a smooth process while filing Rockport hurricane claims.
Make sure it is safe to return home. Oftentimes, residents want to return home as quickly as possible to assess the damage to their houses. Many people don’t understand that the roads are still dangerous even weeks after a hurricane and that you must wait until an official informs you that your area is safe to return. The roads can be extremely dangerous to traverse due to falling trees, debris, and flooding, and there may still be rescue teams conducting searches and rescues that you may interfere with if you attempting an early return. Please keep yourself, your family, and others safe by waiting until your area is cleared by the proper authorities.
Keep Track of Expenses. While evacuated, maintain a log of what expenses you have made. You can likely receive compensation for the money you have spent on food, gas, and hotel stay from your insurance company, depending on your policy. It is better to be proactive and document everything to allow you more leverage if you must take your insurance company to court.
Take Pictures. When you are finally able to return home, we highly advise that you take pictures of the damage your home has sustained from the powerful winds of Hurricane Harvey. Documentation is key to receiving the full compensation you deserve from your insurance company. Also, make a logbook of the damaged or lost items from inside your home. Many people can forget that a storm can cause valuable personal items to be washed or blown away, and a logbook may help you to receive compensation for those lost items.
Repair Only Out of Necessity. After documenting all your damages and losses, repair only necessary damages like broken windows and roofing, or other repairs for the sake of preventing further damage. We recommend doing this with a tarp or plastic covering, to prevent water damage, as well as to preserve evidence of your claim.
Locate Your Policy. Find your policy and check what kind of coverage you have. If you aren't able to find your policy, a simple online search or phone call to your insurer can lead you in the right direction to finding your coverage and the number of your agent.
Call Your Insurer and Document Interactions. Inform your agent about the damage your house has received. You may want to record the call in the event that your agent is treating you unfairly. Move to file a claim and follow this verbal claim up with a written claim. They should then proceed to send an adjuster out to your property to estimate the amount of damages you have received.
Contact a Lawyer. If you feel like your insurance company has underestimated the amount of damage your property has sustained, or that they are unfairly delaying your claim, contact an experienced lawyer in Rockport. A skilled attorney can help you create a case that will get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and will often offer their clients the least amount of money for their claim. Do not fall victim to this tactic; contact a lawyer in Rockport immediately.
Carabin Shaw’s Rockport LawyersAt Carabin Shaw, our lawyers have over 25 years of experience working with cases such as Hurricane Harvey wind claims in Rockport. We will work to ensure that you are treated fairly by your insurance company and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Give us a call in Rockport for your free consultation today at 361.790.7788, or call our toll-free line at 1.800.682.1260.