Conway Storm Damage Claims Lawyer

There is nothing that can make you feel out of control faster than a severe storm, especially when it causes extensive or catastrophic damage to your property. Not only are these events devastating, but battling the insurance company can be even more stressful.

Hiring a Conway storm damage claims lawyer from Horton Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate these challenges and secure compensation to offset your losses and help with repairs. A Conway personal injury lawyer can review your case and develop an effective strategy for how to proceed. 

How Horton Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Navigate a Variety of Storm Damage Claims

Storm damage can leave you without electricity, water, or even a safe place to live. It can also be extremely costly, as well as traumatic and emotional. Horton Personal Injury Lawyers understands the profound impact this event can have on all areas of your life, and we are here to help. 

Founding lawyer, Bill Horton, and his team work diligently to ensure your claim is taken seriously. We help you identify your losses and determine their value so we can fight to secure the compensation you need. We know this process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.

Our firm compassionately walks you through what to do if your property has been impacted by storm damage. That way, you can understand your options, know what to expect, and be prepared throughout your claim. We also talk to the insurance carriers to support a more favorable case outcome.

Regardless of what damages you are entitled to recover when you have been affected by storm damage in Conway, we remain by your side and advocate for you every step of the way. If insurance companies fail to cooperate, or you find yourself facing an insurance dispute we may pursue a lawsuit to continue to fight for your rights and compensation.

How Much it Costs to Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your Conway Storm Damage Claim

When you are facing expensive repairs due to storm damage, hiring a Conway storm damage claims lawyer may not seem feasible. However, our firm makes sure that you can get legal representation when you need it the most. We do this by working on a contingency fee model.

This means that you do not pay our legal fees for services unless we win your case. Our fees are taken from the settlement you receive from the insurance claim. This ensures you get the help you need and that you do not have to add legal fees to your out-of-pocket costs after a storm.

Common Types of Storms and Damage That Can Occur in Conway, Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas has seen several severe storms over the years that have caused serious damage. In a natural disaster risk assessment, Conway received a 42.58% risk score. Tornadoes and hail primarily make up the majority of storms in the area, but flooding and severe storms have also been issues. 

While large-scale natural disasters — like a tornado or hurricane-related flooding — can cause significant damage, less severe storms can also threaten your property and safety. For example, wind from a thunderstorm could cause roof damage or cause a tree to fall on your house.

Storms not only have the potential to cause serious property damage, but they can also result in serious injuries or fatalities. Below is a closer look at some of the most common types of storms that negatively impact property owners in Conway. 

Tornados

Tornadoes make up 53% of storm events in Conway. These storms can cause devastation on a large scale and even raze buildings. Properties can either be hit directly by funnel clouds or sustain damage from the high winds caused by the storm. 

Historically, tornadoes in Conway, Arkansas can cause major structural damage to roofs, walls, openings, and other forms of property. Funnel clouds can also cause indirect  property damage by compromising sources of electricity, natural gas, and plumbing, which can be disruptive to day to day life or threaten your safety. 

Thunderstorms and Lightning Strikes

Severe thunderstorms can cause a whole host of problems, from wind to lightning strikes, and more. These weather events can cause significant property damage to homes and exterior structures when they are in the path of a storm. In some cases, thunderstorms and lightning can also cause injury and death to individuals.

If you have sustained significant damage from a thunderstorm, you may be eligible to file a property insurance claim to help you cover the cost of repairs or, in the event of a total loss, replacement. Submit a claim as soon as possible so you can recover damages faster and begin to put your life back together. 

Windstorms

According to the National Weather Service’s wind threat descriptions, wind can begin to cause damage when it reaches 30-40 miles per hour. Winds in excess of 58 miles per hour put lives and properties at serious risk of harm. 

Winds can cause tree damage and turn objects into projectiles resulting in property damage like broken windows or damaged exteriors. High winds can also cause electricity loss when power lines are damaged. It is important to document any damage that was caused before cleaning up after a storm. 

Trees

Trees are another major, if indirect, cause of property damage in Conway. Arkansas. Strong storms and winds can cause tree limbs to break and fall on your house, vehicle, an outside structure, or other belongings. Tornadoes, wind, flooding, and overly saturated grounds can even cause whole trees to uproot and fall. Falling trees can cause massive damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Be sure to take pictures of any damage caused by falling trees to include with your claim. Clear documentation can make sure you have a strong case that can swiftly recover compensation for the damages you have sustained.

Hail

Hail can range in size and cause various levels of damage. It may dent or damage the exterior of homes or vehicles, break glass, and damage and disrupt important functions related to your home. If you’ve sustained hail damage, you can file a claim under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. 

Take photos of hail damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Try to photograph the damage before the hail melts so there is a strong connection to the storm, and your provider can’t reasonably argue the damage was caused by something else and deny or reduce your insurance claim. Additionally, take measurements of the hail and damaged areas, if possible.

Fires

Properties may be damaged by fire as a result of wildfires, lightning strikes, or storm-induced electrical fires. In both instances, an ignited spark can get out of control and cause extensive damage to properties. Residents can also sustain burns and other injuries if exposed to these fires. 

Fires are generally covered by insurance policies, so affected individuals can file a claim for this type of damage to their property. Your insurance claim may also cover the cost of alternate accommodations if you are unable to remain in your home for a period of time due to fire or smoke damage.

Floods

Flooding poses serious risks and can cause extensive water damage. Not only can it ruin structures and belongings. In prolonged periods of flooding or stagnant water, it can also contribute to toxic mold growth that can require a full demolition or rebuild of parts of your home. Floods can also cause vehicle damage, injuries, and loss of life. 

Flood insurance is generally not covered in homeowner’s and renter’s policies. This means that unless you have specifically chosen a flood insurance policy, you could pay for these losses out of pocket. In some cases, alternative relief sources may be available, but are not guaranteed. 

Hurricanes

While Arkansas generally does not take direct hits from hurricanes, the state can be affected by heavy rains and strong storms that are generated because of hurricanes. As such, flooding, tornadoes, and wind damage can be significant threats to lives and property. 

Since flooding may not be covered by your typical rental or homeowners insurance policy, this can create challenges for victims of hurricane-related storm damage. Besides flooding, property owners may also face other serious damage to their homes and land.

Challenges You May Face When Filing a Storm Damage Claim With the Insurance Company

Insurance companies are first and foremost businesses. This means that they actively work to protect their bottom line and try not to pay out any more than necessary for a claim. When an insurance provider acts in bad faith, they may use some specific tactics to pay you less or avoid paying your insurance claim altogether. 

Your provider knows you are vulnerable and want to recover compensation as soon as possible to begin repairs. They are likely also trying to resolve claims as quickly as possible. However, this can create an uneven power dynamic that puts you at a disadvantage. Some of the ways they may try to limit paying your insurance claim may include:

• Delaying your claim: Insurance companies may intentionally cause delays with your storm damage claim in the hopes that you will either give up on your claim or accept a lower offer. This can also tie up your ability to begin making repairs to your property. 
• Offering you a low settlement: Insurance companies generally start with a low offer in the hopes that you will accept it and not negotiate. This means if you do not have a lawyer review your offer first, you could be left without the money you need for repairs. Get familiar with your policy and coverage limits to help you identify an unreasonably low offer.
• Denying your storm damage claim: Insurance companies may use technicalities to their advantage by claiming that the damage is outside the scope of your policy, or was due to pre-existing damage. They can also deny your claim for failing to correctly fill out paperwork or submit enough evidence. 

These tactics can add to the stress and overwhelm you are already experiencing. Horton Personal Injury Lawyers makes sure that you are not taken advantage of or treated unfairly during a vulnerable time in your life. Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when you have a lawyer.

Additionally, if you receive a claim denial, it is important to talk with your lawyer about what to do after an insurance denial. Our team can review the reason, gather additional evidence, and submit an appeal to get your claim reconsidered. We aggressively advocate for you so you can recover your losses.

Types of Evidence You May Gather to Strengthen Your Conway Storm Damage Claim

Evidence is a critical component in storm damage claims, both to protect you from insurance company tactics and ensure a fair case evaluation. A Conway storm damage claims lawyer can discuss evidence you have gathered, as well as help you gather more as needed to strengthen your claim. 

Having various forms of evidence can help create a robust and comprehensive claim. A strong case minimizes insurance carrier pushback for a storm damage claim and Some common forms of evidence that can be helpful may include:

• Photos and videos of property damage or bodily injury
• Inspection reports
• Repair or replacement estimates
• An inventoried list of what was damaged and how much each item is worth
• Receipts for materials to make temporary repairs
• Receipts for alternate living accommodations
• Medical expenses, if applicable with your policy

It is important to collect evidence as soon as you can after a weather event, provided it is safe to do so. Evidence collection should take place before any cleanup or debris removal begins. In the case of hail, you have a short window of time before it melts. 

To successfully resolve your claim, it is often helpful to provide as much detail as possible about the damage your property sustained. Swift action is also necessary to make sure claims are filed within the appropriate time periods. 

While evidence and prompt action are important, be sure to clarify what, if any, repairs you may be able to make before your case is resolved. This helps protect your claim and ensure you do not take unapproved actions that could cost you compensation. 

Talk to Horton Personal Injury Lawyers After a Storm

Horton Personal Injury Lawyers is empathetic to your situation and understands how devastating storm damage can be. When you have been affected by a storm, and you are getting pushback from insurance, we are here and ready to provide you with the legal support you need to maximize recovery in your storm damage case.

You can learn more about our services and how we can help you resolve your claim when you schedule a free consultation for a storm damage attorney today. A Conway storm damage claims lawyer makes sure you get the help you need.