Homeowners in Corpus Christi are not immune to the risk of severe weather, including hurricanes. The wind, flooding, and other hazards caused by these storms can devastate entire neighborhoods. For many people, these storms result in the total loss of their home or business.
You purchased homeowners insurance to protect you from the unexpected loss of your property. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to uphold their end of the bargain. If they refuse to pay out or handle your case with bad faith, a Corpus Christi insurance claims lawyer could advise you of your legal options.
Let the hurricane damage claims attorneys at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC put their 40+ years of experience handling insurance claims to work in your case.
Call us today.
Will My Homeowners Policy Cover Hurricane Damage?
Like with most legal questions, the answer is “maybe.” Homeowners insurance covers hurricane losses in some cases but not others. The determining factor is the exact nature of the loss. For example, flooding is usually not covered while fire damage typically is.
These policies vary based on the specific hazards they will or will not cover. Hurricanes are known for strong winds that can damage the exterior of a home, but whether or not that damage is covered by a basic policy depends on the language. Some carriers include wind damage while others exclude it. In that scenario, you will likely need to buy additional coverage that includes wind damage.
Fires are unfortunately common in the aftermath of a storm. They can happen when downed power lines ignite a home or other structure. While these losses are often catastrophic, most homeowners policies cover fire losses. One area where these policies likely do not apply is with flood damage. In these situations, you will need to purchase additional coverage that includes flood damage.
Our Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your policy does and does not cover.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
Hurricane Damage Claims Can Cover Numerous Types of Losses
One of the most complex aspects of a hurricane loss is that many different types of damage may occur. When it comes to strong winds and falling objects, the structure and exterior of your home is most likely to suffer severe damage. Heavy rain and storm surges can also weaken the exterior and cause catastrophic structural damage.
Flooding is another common issue. It can result from heavy rains and storm surges. Flooding can also occur when a hurricane damages pipes, causing water to back up into the home.
Despite the heavy rains, these storms may also result in fires. This can happen due to lightning or exposed electrical wires, among other things. These fires can occur hours or even days after the storm subsides.
The property around your home or business might also be impacted by extreme weather. The damage to the shoreline can reshape the property and even render a home structurally unsound.
Corpus Christi Hurricane Damage Lawyer Near Me 361-884-4437
How to Document Your Hurricane Damage Claim
While your Corpus Christi hurricane damage claims attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to help you get the outcome you deserve, documenting your claim can improve your chances of success. This starts with recording the damage at your property with photo and video evidence. Make note of damage to the structure, including the roof and walls.
You should also document any mitigation efforts you have made (e.g., placing a tarp over a hole in the roof). This can keep the insurer from claiming you worsened the damage.
If your business has been impacted, it is vital that you have records of how your revenue was reduced. You may be entitled to any lost income resulting from the disruption to your business. An attorney from our firm can assist with these efforts.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
State Law Sets a Firm Deadline for Your Insurance Company to Handle Your Hurricane Damage Claim
In an effort to protect the public from insurance companies acting in bad faith, the state adopted a firm timeline that these carriers are required to comply with. According to Texas Insurance Code Section 542.001, your insurance company has to acknowledge your claim and give you an answer within a minimum amount of time.
First and foremost, your insurer is required by law to acknowledge any claim you submit. They have 15 days from the receipt of your claim to provide you with written notice. It is worth noting that this deadline only applies to acknowledging receipt; the carrier has additional time to perform an investigation and make a final decision.
However, some insurers delay claim responses for no reason in an attempt to force policyholders to accept whatever they can get. If the insurer is dragging its heels, we’ll fight back.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
Insurance Companies Often Act in Bad Faith When Handling Hurricane Claims in Corpus Christi
Not every property owner gets their desired outcome during the claims process. While insurance companies do not have an obligation to approve every claim, they are required to treat their customers fairly. That means investigating and considering each case in good faith.
The reality is that these companies frequently deny claims or offer unreasonably low settlements in bad faith. This might involve rejecting a claim without investigating the loss. Some other examples of bad faith include delaying payments, refusing to investigate a claim, or failing to respond in a timely manner. A hurricane damage claims lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC can help you identify the signs of bad faith and hold the insurance company accountable.
Our team has over 40 years of experience handling damage claims. We know what to look for and how to protect you from insurers using underhanded tactics to get out of paying you what you deserve.
Reach Out to a Hurricane Claims Attorney in Corpus Christi, TX Today
If you are dealing with a catastrophic loss following a hurricane, it is vital that you speak with an attorney right away. Whether or not your case is successful could depend in part on the legal counsel you choose.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, our team of attorneys is ready to help you maximize your recovery. We understand how insurance companies operate, and our track record of success speaks for itself.
Do not put your claim at risk by handling it by yourself. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation with a Corpus Christi hurricane damage claims lawyer. You’ll receive your attorney’s cell number, which you can text seven days a week.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
