The gulf coast is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, and every year it seems a potential threat encroaches on the states of Alabama and Mississippi. The size and scope of hurricanes vary drastically, but all can cause damaging winds, flooding, and heavy thunderstorms. A prime example is Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the gulf coast and left millions stranded. In Biloxi, hotels like the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino and Hard Rock Casino sustained heavy damage. Other storms like Hurricane Ida caused immense storm surges and flooding for hotels like Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi, as well as the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel and The Battle House in Mobile. The threat of hurricanes should not push you away from the Gulf Coast; in fact, many preventive measures are put in place to mitigate hurricane damages.
If you live in a condo, apartment complex, or work in an office building near the coast; the threat of hurricane damage is increased drastically. If you or a loved one sustained injury or damages as a result of a hurricane, Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys has the tools and resources to assist in your hurricane local statement. Contact the injury lawyers at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys in Alabama or Mississippi and get your free, online consultation today!
27,769 homes in Alabama are at risk for severe damages from a category 3+ hurricane
Over 2,000 deaths reported due to hurricanes from the years 2000 – 2021
56,768 homes in Mississippi are at risk for severe damages from a category 3+ hurricane
How Condos and Hotels Can Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th. The best thing you can do before the start of hurricane season is to ensure you are prepared. When hurricane season begins, it is important for the administration of your condominium must keep your contact information up to date. Your condo should have a list of emergency contacts and volunteers for damage cleanup, emergency supplies available for tenants, and a protocol in place for when a hurricane strikes.
Condo owners and hotel owners should make sure all necessary and relevant storm information is provided to tenants, like when hurricane watches and warnings occur. Usually, these condos and hotels are multi-story highrises, so maintaining and ensuring the property is safe before and after the storm strikes is crucial. Make sure windows and doors are properly restrained, either boarded up or protected with sandbags. Also, make sure all loose and lightweight items are removed from balconies and placed inside the units. It is also important all resident vehicles are parked away from flood-prone areas, preferably on higher ground.
Power outages are typically unavoidable during hurricanes and are pretty much a given when wind speeds exceed 40 miles per hour. Property owners should make sure elevators, boilers, swimming pools, and other mechanical systems are powered down and secured to prevent further damage from occurring.
Examples of Property Damage Caused by Hurricanes
Rental properties, homes, commercial buildings, and cars are all at risk of damage during the event of a hurricane in Alabama or Mississippi. Property damage is a devastating result of hurricanes, and the experienced team at Andy Citrin knows how to navigate the complicated process of getting you compensated for damages. Types of damages covered under a hurricane claim include:
- Foundation damage
- Roof damage
- Broken windows, doors, and siding
- Flood damage
- Vehicle damage
- Damaged power lines
- Uprooted trees
If your property suffers any of these damages, you are eligible for a hurricane damage claim. It is crucial that your property is insured under homeowners insurance, especially in hurricane-prone environments like the Alabama and Mississippi gulf coast. Just like other accident claims, it is key that you provide the necessary evidence that damages occurred, ensure you are free from any potential injury from hurricane debris, and that you have a property damage attorney you can trust.
Oftentimes, flood damage caused by storm surges is not covered under homeowners insurance and requires separate flood insurance coverage. There are cases where wind damage may lead to water damage, which may indirectly give you a form of flood insurance. It is important you know the specifics covered under your insurance policy, to get the maximum compensation in return.
Most homeowners’ insurance covers partial home repair, and temporary accommodations for a hotel, and may even cover crucial personal property, like lost medication. Working with an experienced hurricane lawyer will help in determining what your insurance coverage specifically owes you and how to navigate the hurricane insurance claim process.
How to Start Your Hurricane Damage Claim
When it is time to file your hurricane local claim, it may seem difficult to navigate the insurance payment process. Just like other claim types, you must make sure you are filing promptly, providing all the necessary information regarding the damage, and maintaining a positive outlook. Oftentimes during a hurricane event, insurance companies will be swamped with claims and pushback may occur, as the majority of properties in the cities affected will be damaged.
The first step should be to report the damage. When reporting to your insurance provider, make sure all relevant information regarding damage is stated, as well as all outstanding circumstances regarding the damage. If you are unable to stay in your home due to the influx of damage, make sure that is reported, as they will be able to provide temporary accommodations.
Once you have reported the damage, a claims adjuster will visit and inspect the site. Ensuring they are provided with as much information about damages as possible will only help support your case. The more information they can work with, the faster your claim will be handled.
We hope it never happens, but in the case of a devastating hurricane, the Andy Citrin team will be with you through every step of the claim process. Hurricane recovery takes a long time, and remaining positive and patient during the recovery time will help. We are here to help, contact our hurricane claim lawyers with any questions you may have during these trying times.
Let Our Trusted Hurricane Claim Lawyers Help You!
Hurricanes are a common occurrence for those living along the Gulf Coast. Making sure you are prepared for the inevitable, have your emergency plan in place, and are ready for the road of recovery ahead are all important. You and your family should be compensated for the damages and losses that result from hurricanes. Our offices in Alabama and Mississippi want to help our home communities when these storms occur.
You deserve the peace of mind and a team of experts who know the ins and outs of filing for property damage claims in Mississippi and Alabama. With Alabama offices in Mobile, Daphne, and Montgomery; as well as a Mississippi office serving the Biloxi area, help is just around the corner. Call or text our office 24/7 at (251) 888-8888 for any questions regarding Hurricane Claims and begin the road to recovery today!
