Florida residents are not strangers to property damage. Florida is, unfortunately, the location of many devastating hurricanes, sinkholes, and other natural disasters that cause extensive property damage across the Sunshine State. In addition, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2021 report indicates that 401,540 car crashes occurred in Florida in 2021. According to the Insurance Information Institute, from 2016 to 2020, 97.7% of homeowners insurance claims were for property damage, whereas only 2.3% were for bodily injury (such as a slip and fall).
A property damage lawyer at James Horne Law PA can help you take the necessary steps to recover the compensation you need to repair or replace your damaged property. We will work with you to fight against unscrupulous insurance companies and bad actors who put up roadblocks to keep you from getting the financial recovery you deserve.
Common Types of Property Damage in Florida
Florida is a common location for extensive property damage to happen. You may be entitled to recovery regardless of the reason your property was damaged. Our team can analyze your case and determine the appropriate strategy to maximize your compensation.
Hurricane Damage
According to Policy Genius, from 1851 to 2020, Florida has been the location of over 120 hurricanes, more than any other state. Hurricanes completely demolish entire communities, and it can take residents years to rebuild. Most Florida insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but coverage can vary.
If your house or car is damaged by a hurricane, you might be eligible for compensation under your homeowners insurance. A lawyer for home property damage can help you file the appropriate claim and negotiate with the insurance company to recover the total amount you are owed.
Hail and Wind Damage
Hurricanes aren’t the only cause of extensive property damage in Florida. Lesser tropical storms can also bring torrential rain, hail, and wind, destroying windows, cars, roofs, and more. And if they cannot afford to pay for the repairs upfront, they could be forced to find a way to make do until the repairs are completed. Many insurance policies cover hail and wind damage, but filing a claim can be complex and time-consuming. A Florida property damage attorney can help.
Car Accidents
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2022 statistics, approximately 366,076 crashes occurred on Florida’s roadways between January 1, 2022, and December 15, 2022. In addition to painful personal injuries, crash victims also must address the associated damage to their car and other property.
A vehicle property damage lawyer can help you navigate the claims process to recover the money you need to repair your vehicle. Our team can also help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue justice and fair compensation.
Water Damage
Tropical storms, hurricanes, and heavy rains cause immense water damage and flooding throughout Florida each year. Flooding and rainfall can render your house or car unusable or uninhabitable without serious repairs. In some cases, the damage is just too overwhelming to fix.
Homeowners and renters insurance can help you cover the cost of repairing your property if damaged. That said, not every policy covers every instance of flooding and water damage. Even if it is part of your coverage, your insurance company could resist paying out what you need.
A property damage lawyer in Florida can help you gather the appropriate information and submit a claim to your insurance company. They can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on what matters to you.
Fire Damage
When your house or car catches on fire, it can be a harrowing experience. Whether lightning, an unattended candle, a gas leak, or arson caused the fire, it can have a considerable impact on you and decimate your car or house.
Boating Accidents
Florida’s temperate climate and warm coastline make it a popular attraction for boating, water skiing, and other maritime activities. Unfortunately, sometimes these activities can result in accidents that damage your dock, boat, or other property.
How Can I Recover Compensation for Property Damage?
Property damage can quickly become costly. And while you wait for repairs and the funding to complete them, the damage can pose safety hazards. Fortunately, there are multiple ways that you can recover compensation to cover the cost of repairs.
File an Insurance Claim
Your first option for recovering compensation is to file an insurance claim. A property damage claim lawyer can help you accomplish this and act as a buffer between you and the insurance company. Insurance companies frequently try to avoid paying out valid claims. Or, they will often offer quick-fix lowball settlements that do not fairly represent your claim’s worth.
An attorney can help you identify and resist these tactics, helping to ensure that your best interests are protected.
Reach a Settlement
Another way to recover the financial award you need is to negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Before you sign a settlement agreement, it is a good idea to consult an experienced property damage attorney to ensure you receive a reasonable settlement amount. At-fault parties and insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously if you have an attorney during the negotiation process.
File a Property Damage Lawsuit
If you and the other party cannot reach a fair settlement for your claim, filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial might be necessary. At trial, you or your attorney craft a legal argument to present to a judge or a jury—depending on whether you choose a bench trial or jury trial.
James Horne Law PA: Reliable Florida Property Damage Lawyer
At James Horne Law PA, we provide personalized and compassionate legal services to property damage victims. We treat our clients like people, not case file numbers or dollar signs. Throughout our years in service, we have helped Florida residents recover over $12 million in compensation.
If you or your loved one suffered property damage, don’t hesitate to call our property damages attorneys at 941-210-6000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.