Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | October 7, 2024 | Orlando Personal Injury Blog
Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction through central Florida. Homeowners suffered billions of dollars in property damage. Many people were driven from their homes and will have to depend on insurance companies to help them rebuild. If you are one of the victims of Hurricane Milton, it is essential for you to take the right steps to ensure smooth insurance claim processing and full compensation. Following is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Identify Dangerous Conditions and Stay Away From Them Until They Can be Repaired
The first priority after a disaster or accident is ensuring your safety. If your home appears structurally unstable—such as if walls, ceilings, or roofs show signs of collapse—do not enter until a professional has assessed the damage. Electrical hazards are another major concern. If you see exposed or live electrical wires, especially if they are near water or in damp areas, stay far away.
Use your best judgment in identifying other potential hazards. It’s always better to err on the side of caution—if a situation feels unsafe, avoid the area until it’s been properly inspected and repaired by professionals.
Step 2: Review the Terms of Your Insurance Policy
You might need a lawyer to help you understand your insurance policy. Understanding the terms of your policy will make you aware of relevant claim submission deadlines and keep you informed of the types of damage that your policy likely covers.
Policy terms will also tell you the amount of the deductible (which is likely to be substantial). Check to see if your policy offers separate windstorm and flood coverage. This will help you gauge just how much of your losses you will have to bear out of your own pocket.
Step 3: Document the Damage Before You Begin Cleanup and Repairs
Cleaning up and commencing repairs damage before you have thoroughly documented all of the damage is like interfering with a crime scene–it can leave you with tainted evidence of your losses. The only alterations you should make should be strictly necessary to ensure safety as you inspect the damage to your property.
Document the damage as follows as soon as possible after the hurricane passes:
- Photograph your property from multiple angles–from the left, from the right, from far away, from close up, etc. Use a wide-angle lens for at least some of the photographs.
- Walk through your property (to the extent that safety will allow) with your smartphone’s video camera running. This approach offers a more comprehensive documentation of damage than relying solely on still photographs.
- Photograph structural damage, broken windows, water damage, and roof damage. A drone with a camera is ideal for photographing roof damage.
Make sure all of your images are date and time-stamped so that they will serve as effective evidence.
Step 4: Make an Inventory of All Damaged Items
Comprehensively document the damage to your home, but don’t neglect fixtures and personal property. Is your washing machine damaged? This should be listed. How about electronic equipment, such as a home entertainment system or a laptop? This should also be included.
In addition to physical damage to your home, hurricanes can also ruin personal belongings. It’s important to create a detailed inventory of all property damage.
Keep all receipts and purchase records that you can recover. Hopefully, most of them are online. This will help establish the value of your losses.
Step 5: Consult With a Professional Before Making Repairs
Premature repairs, especially repairs that you undertake yourself, can damage your claim. Instead, hire a professional who can not only perform the repairs correctly but also document the work thoroughly. Keep all receipts and records of the repairs for your claim.
However, it’s generally acceptable to make temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering a leaking roof or securing broken windows. Just be sure to wait for major repairs until after you’ve consulted with your insurance company, and they have inspected the damage.
Step 6: Get Multiple Estimates for Repairs
After a hurricane, you’ll need to obtain repair estimates from contractors. Be sure to get multiple estimates from reputable, local contractors with proper credentials. This process may take some time, as many people will be requesting repairs at the same time.
It’s important to be cautious when selecting contractors. In the wake of a natural disaster, disreputable contractors often come in from out of state, offering quick fixes. These contractors may lack proper licensing, and their work is often substandard. To protect yourself, stick with trusted local professionals who can provide quality service.
Step 7: File Your Insurance Claim As Promptly As You Can
Florida law mandates that homeowners file insurance claims within a set timeframe after a hurricane. The sooner you file, the sooner you can begin the recovery process. Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurer and present them with your documentation. Make sure to keep copies for your own records.
A Florida Lawyer Can Help Ensure You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Properly documenting your damages can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the viability of your claim. By following these steps, you will maximize your chances of receiving complete and timely compensation. Contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation with an Orlando, Florida attorney.
Contact an Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer from Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law for Help Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Orlando today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, and Palm Bay
We proudly serve Orange County, Brevard County, and the surrounding areas:
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando Office
964 Lake Baldwin Ln Ste. 200 Orlando, FL 32814, United States
(407)-801-3000
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321)-334-3929
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203, Cocoa, FL 32922
(321)-517-2079
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B, Titusville, FL 32780
(321)-455-5182
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay Office
4620 Lipscomb street N.E Suite #3K, Palm Bay, FL 32905
(321)-334-3819