This past weekend, Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean Islands and Cuba before landing in the Florida Keys and making her way upwards into the state of Florida. Hurricane Irma broke several world records by reaching up to 185 mph winds for 37 hours, the longest any cyclone has lasted at such intensity.
In the Caribbeans, the category 5 hurricane destroyed most homes and establishments in its path, flooding the streets and leaving many without food and power. Florida also sustained incredible damages from the hurricane and the storm surges that followed. Approximately 6.2 million homes lost power and the death toll currently stands at 12 people. Even after being reduced to a tropical storm, Irma continued to wreak havoc in Georgia and South Carolina.
Although Hurricane Irma has now passed, her damages are ongoing. Restoration efforts are currently underway in all of the affected areas, and it is uncertain when, or if, conditions will ever be 100%.
As evacuees return to their homes and evaluate the damages caused by Hurricane Irma, many anticipate having to make claims with their insurance companies.
Photos of the conditions of your possessions and property before and after the hurricane are crucial in helping file a claim. Wind and water damage are the most common causes of insurance claims related to hurricane damage. The type of damages covered by insurance companies depends on each homeowner’s policy.
Issues with insurance companies begin to arise after claims are filed. Although insurance companies are legally required to look into your claim and settle it in a timely fashion, some tend to delay payments. Often times, insurance companies will lessen the value of your property as to avoid providing you the full payment of what your property is worth. While insurance companies employ these tactics, you are left with dealing with increased expenses at a time when you and your loved ones have already suffered a great loss.
It is extremely important that these issues with your insurance companies are investigated as soon as possible. Retaining a lawyer right away gives your attorney the greatest opportunity to guide you and help you navigate the complexities of evaluating the conditions of your property, understanding your insurance policy, and dealing with your insurance company.
We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and that your homes did not sustain any damages as a result of Hurricane Irma. However, should you find yourself at a loss, and are experiencing issues with your insurance company, contact the experienced lawyers at Friedland | Carmona as immediately as possible. The South Florida personal injury attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of negligence, product liability, personal injury, negligent security, slip/trip and fall, and car accident cases throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls, negligent and reckless drivers, and automobile and motorcycle accidents. Call the Miami personal injury attorneys today and let our family take care of your family.