Tornadoes, hailstorms, and high winds can do a lot of damage to property owners in Texas. Commercial property can be severely damaged, and homes and other buildings can have their roofs blown off.
In turn, homeowners may be unable to get the compensation they need from their insurance policies. Fortunately, insurance claim attorneys at The Law Offices of Colby Lewis can help Texas homeowners and business owners get the reimbursement they need from their insurance providers.
When strong storms hit the great state of Texas, they often leave a path of damage behind them. Due to the fact that Texas is prone to severe weather like tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms, many homes and businesses can get a lot of damage. In these trying times, many property owners are left grappling with the daunting task of claiming compensation from their insurance companies. This is where the expertise of lawyers who specialize in property insurance comes in handy.
Compensation Options For Texas Home Storm Damage
When a storm damages a home in Texas, the owner needs to know what compensation options are available to help pay for the damage. From insurance claims to disaster aid programs, there are many ways for Texans to get the money that can help them rebuild their lives..
Homeowners Insurance Claims
After a storm damages your home, the first thing you should do is look over your homeowners insurance policy.
Policies usually cover damage caused by wind, hail, and other storm-related things, but it’s important to know the specifics of your coverage, any deductibles, and any things that may not be covered.
Windstorm Insurance
People who live in parts of Texas that are prone to hurricanes need to get windstorm insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
If a windstorm caused damage to your home, you can file a claim with TWIA the same way you would with your homeowners insurance.
Flood Insurance
Most standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. Consider getting a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program to protect your property from flood damage (NFIP).
File a claim with the NFIP if a storm caused flooding and damage to your home.
Federal Disaster Assistance
When the President declares a major disaster in Texas, federal assistance programs become available to affected homeowners.
These programs, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can provide grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
Homeowners who have been hurt by a disaster can also ask the SBA for loans with low interest rates to fix or replace their damaged property.
Even though these loans are mostly for businesses, homeowners and renters who meet the requirements can also apply for them.
Types Of Damage Caused By Texas Storms
Hail damage is a big problem for people who own property in Texas, but it’s not the only kind of damage that can be caused by bad weather. In Texas, homeowners and business owners can also file insurance claims for the following types of storm damage in addition to hail damage.
Wind Damage
In Texas, storms often cause expensive damage from the wind.
High winds can do a lot of damage to homes and cars by ripping off roofs, breaking windows, and knocking down trees onto homes and cars.
Tornadoes
In Texas, tornadoes happen frequently, especially in the spring and early summer. These violently spinning columns of air can do a lot of damage, like destroying whole neighborhoods and leaving communities in shock.
Damage from these storms can range from uprooted trees and lost power to the total destruction of homes and buildings.
Flooding
During a storm, heavy rain and flash flooding caused by strong storms can do a lot of damage to homes and buildings. Floodwaters can get into homes and cause damage to the structure, mold growth, and damage to personal items.
It is important to act quickly to reduce flood damage by removing water, drying the affected areas, and making any repairs that are needed.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning is another dangerous part of Texas storms that can start fires and do a lot of damage to property. Lightning strikes can damage the structure of homes, ruin electrical systems, and put people’s lives in danger.
Debris Impact
Storms often leave behind a lot of trash, like downed trees, branches, and other things torn from buildings, which can cause more damage. Strong winds can move this debris, which can cause a lot of damage to homes, cars, and other structures.
Steps To Take After Storm Damage To Your Texas Home
Storms can do a lot of damage to homes and businesses in Texas. So, it’s important to follow these steps to find and document any damage, make quick fixes, and get ready to file a claim for storm or wind damage.
1. Record The Damage
Take photos and videos of the affected areas, capturing details like dents in shingles, water damage, and broken windows.
2. Make Temporary Business Or Home Repairs
Implement temporary fixes, such as boarding up windows and covering damaged roofs with tarps, to prevent further damage.
3. Review Your Business Or Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Assess your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage available for policyholders and any exclusions.
4. File A Storm Damage Insurance Claim
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing the necessary documentation and evidence.
5. Seek A Third-Party Estimate For Damage
Obtain an independent estimate from a reputable contractor to ensure an accurate assessment of the damages, including shingles, water damage, and dents.
6. Hire A Wind Damage Attorney
Enlist the help of experienced insurance claims lawyers to navigate the insurance claims process. Lawyers can also ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve as a policyholder.
What To Do If Your Storm Damage Claim Is Denied
If your insurance company denies your claim for storm damage, you must do something to fight the decision and protect your rights as a policyholder.
Start by reading the denial letter carefully to figure out why you were turned down and to make sure that the reasons are in line with the terms and conditions of your policy. For instance, a claim could be turned down if the premiums haven’t been paid or the deductible hasn’t been met.
Gather all relevant documentation, including photos, videos, repair estimates, and communication with insurance adjusters, to support your claim.
Then, contact your insurance company to request a re-evaluation of your claim, providing any additional evidence and information to address the reasons for denial.
If your claim is still denied or you suspect bad faith on the part of the insurance company, consult a reputable law firm specializing in storm damage claims.
When Should You Hire A Texas Storm Lawyer?
When dealing with complicated claims or when insurance companies deny, delay, or make low-ball settlement offers, it is important to hire an experienced storm lawyer. Hiring a storm lawyer early on helps protect your rights, speeds up the claim process, and makes it more likely that you’ll get the money you deserve.
Find A Qualified Texas Wind and Hail Damage Attorney
Don’t add to the stress caused by storm damage in Texas by fighting with your insurance company. After bad weather, if you’re having trouble with your insurance company, the experienced lawyers at The Law Offices of Colby Lewis can help. We have helped clients all over the country get the money they deserve after a natural disaster. Since 2015, we have helped clients get $200 million. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case and to find out the best way to get the money you deserve.
Texas Storm Damage Lawyer FAQs
How long do you have to file a property damage claim in Texas?
You have up to two years from the date of damage to file a property damage claim in Texas.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a homeowners claim in Texas?
Insurance companies typically have 15 days to acknowledge a claim, 15 days to make a decision, and 5 days to issue payment once a settlement is agreed upon. If your claim was underpaid, ignored, or drawn out well beyond the required dates, it may be time to connect with skill insurance claim lawyers.
Do you need a lawyer to file a storm damage claim in Texas?
While it’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer for a storm damage claim, an experienced attorney can help navigate complex cases and secure fair compensation.