What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Hurricane Damage Claims?
According to Fla. Stat. § 627.70132, you have three years to file a claim for property insurance after suffering damage from a hurricane, though this time frame may be absolved due to many different reasons. While it’s beneficial to have hurricane insurance, sometimes people get caught up in disputes with their insurance companies. If you file your claim immediately after the damage occurs, you will have more time to negotiate for compensation if needed. When you find yourself in this position, it is crucial to have a skilled Miami hurricane damage claims attorney on your side. Your lawyer can explain what options are available to you during a free consultation today.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations protects defendants against unfair legal action by ensuring that evidence is still intact while also giving plaintiffs enough time to look into the facts. In some cases, you may be able to file a claim after the deadline has passed, but these situations can be difficult to verify when there are limited options for evidence.
How Long Should You Wait to Make a Hurricane Property Damage Claim?
If your property has been damaged by a hurricane in Florida, you should file a claim with your insurer as soon as possible. Once you have done so, it is important to take steps to prevent any further damage to the property. Your insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days under Florida law (Fla. Stat. $ 627.7142).
Can You Negotiate Hurricane Settlement Amounts With An Insurance Company?
If you disagree with your insurance company’s Hurricane settlement offer, you can negotiate for more money. However, you must have a valid reason and evidence to back up your request for additional compensation. If not, it is simply your word against the insurance company’s analysis.
If your insurance company is not being fair to you, then hiring a property damage claim lawyer in Florida may be the best option for you. We have plenty of experience and skills to help build a strong case against them so that you can get the settlement that you deserve.
If you need to hire legal representation for your hurricane damage claim, make sure you follow all deadlines and always refer to your insurance policy with specific questions. Abiding by the rules will make it much easier for your lawyer.
What Compensation Can You Recover in Your Florida Hurricane Damage Claim?
The amount of money you get from the insurance company after filing a claim will directly relate to how much damage was done and if you had purchased homeowners or hurricane insurance. The following types of damages may warrant compensation:
- Water damage
- Wind damage
- Additional Living Expenses (ALEs)
- Roof damage
- Vehicle damage
- Damage to any outbuildings such as a garage or shed
You can rest easy after a hurricane knowing that our team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, we can help recover additional damages for flooding and storm surges. Dealing with difficult insurance claims is already traumatizing enough–you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Contact Florida Legal today for help holding the insurance company accountable so that you can get what you’re entitled to.
What Happens If I Don’t File A Hurricane Claim Right Away?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, while you technically have three years to file a claim for hurricane damages in Florida, most insurance policies require that you file your claim within one year of the natural disaster. It’s important to note that if you go over the limitations set by your policy, you might not be able to file a claim at all. This is why it’s important to document the damages, keep track of your spending receipts, and file your hurricane insurance claim as soon as possible. If you wait too long, an insurance adjuster may claim that the hurricane wasn’t responsible for the damages.
When Do You Need Help From An Attorney To File A Hurricane Insurance Claim?
As Floridians are all too familiar, tropical storms often lead to damage that requires filing an insurance claim. However, because these claims are so common in Florida, insurance adjusters are more likely to be suspicious of every claim and work harder to protect the interests of the insurance companies they work for. This means they may look for any reason possible to deny your claim.
If your insurance company wrongfully denied your hurricane claim, you have options. You may need to file a lawsuit in order to get the settlement offer you deserve for the damage caused by high winds, water, and other hurricane effects. A lawyer who specializes in natural disaster cases can help you seek compensation from the insurance company in the same way that a personal injury lawyer would help an accident victim after a car accident.
Contact Our Miami Hurricane Damage Attorney Today
At Florida Legal, our North Miami hurricane damage attorney has extensive experience handling complicated property damage claims on behalf of people and businesses in Florida and across the nation. If you have encountered hurricane/windstorm losses and are now facing a coverage dispute with your insurance carrier, let us help you. At our office, we want to help you move on from the storm. We’ll evaluate your losses and work with you to get the most out of your insurance policy coverage. Contact us today for a free consultation so that we can learn more about how best to serve you and your family during this difficult time.
