Wind Damage Lawyers Assisting Individuals With Property Damage Claims in McAllen 

If you have lived in McAllen, Texas, and surrounding areas for any period of time, you already know that it is prone to fierce tropical storms and hurricanes. Both of these types of weather events bring with them extreme force winds that are capable of causing severe damage or even destruction of property.

Strong sustained winds cause many serious issues for home and property owners. One common problem that occurs is strong winds lifting the shingles on your roof, causing them to crack. The enormous amount of debris flying through the air can lend itself to causing cracks and removing the granules from shingle roofs.

If your home or other insured property has experienced wind damage, you need to speak with an attorney before you submit a claim to your insurance company. Insurance companies often do not have your best interests at heart. Rather, they are more considered with their own financial outlook. They will often act in bad faith and try to undervalue your claim or even deny it, countering that the damage was preexisting.

Even if you have already filed your claim, the attorneys at Flores & Pelaez-Prada PLLC can review your claim and fight to recover the money that the insurance company owes you. Contact our law offices today by calling 855-STORMS-4 and schedule a free initial consultation where we can review both your policy and your claim.

Do I Need to Have Windstorm Insurance in McAllen, TX?

Windstorm insurance is not required by the state of Texas. There are, however, several counties that have been designated to be high risk for hurricanes and windstorms. Although Hidalgo county is not one of the counties included, most mortgage companies will require that you carry this type of coverage in order to take out a home loan with their institution.

Windstorm coverage is purchased as a policy separate from your standard property insurance. Windstorm insurance generally covers damage to your home or property that was caused by excessive winds. This type of policy may also provide loss of use coverage. This will cover living expenses if you are unable to reside in your home due to the damage it sustained from strong winds.

In your standard homeowner’s policy, insurance coverage is most likely limited to your home and your personal possessions within the home. Your policy may specifically state that it allows for coverage on other structures on your property, such as sheds, garages, and swimming pools. However, such coverage is not always the rule; additional coverage may be necessary.

Nevertheless, there are certain damages that your homeowner’s insurance will not cover, such as the following:

Damages as a result of storm surges are not covered.

If a tree falls on your car during a severe wind event. As a general rule, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover this type of damage. This type of loss is covered in a separate comprehensive auto policy.

What are Some of the Damages That a Windstorm Can Cause?

As expected, one of the biggest problems that people face after a windstorm event is damage to their roofs. Winds that exceed 58 miles per hour can cause secured roofing shingles to be ripped away.

Windows, doors, and garages are the next vulnerable area that is prone to excessive wind damage. By their very nature, these are some of the weakest points in your home. Glass is particularly susceptible as it can easily shatter. If any of these areas are compromised by the storm, the ensuing winds can produce uplift forces inside the structure, which in turn leads to even greater damage.

However, you should also know that there are other little-known hazards that may be created as a result of windstorm damage. Some of them are as follows:

• Damage from the immense amount of flying debris.
• Electrical damage caused by lightning strikes.
• Gas leaks caused by broken pipes.
• Damage to your home’s foundation, which in turn may cause a full or partial structural collapse.
• Outdoor structures: Decks, landscaping, and outdoor furniture are also susceptible to damage during windstorms, as they endure direct contact with gusts of high winds.

Due to the often confusing and complicated nature of the language that is included in insurance policies, policyholders are often confused as to covered and non-covered losses. Since many insurance companies are concerned more about protecting their own financial interests rather than those of the policyholder, they may attempt to undervalue, delay, or deny claims.

Why Should I Hire A Windstorm Damage Attorney in McAllen, TX? 

Contrary to what most individuals believe, having claims approved by the insurance company is not always an easy process. In situations in which a natural disaster has occurred, such as a windstorm, insurers are often reluctant to pay out claims that they owe to their policyholders.

Due to the tremendous amount of claims that insurance companies have to pay out in claims after a disaster, they often try to find ways in which they can pay policyholders less than their claim is worth. This is often done by trying to undervalue a claim,

In instances such as these, you need an attorney who understands the many various aspects of property damage insurance law. Our attorneys are very well-versed in the often-deceitful tactics that insurance companies may attempt to use to avoid paying out a substantial number of claims.

Call the law firm of Flores & Pelaez-Prada PLLC at 855-STORMS-4 and schedule a free initial consultation with one of the members of our experienced legal team. We can answer any of your questions as well as assist you with filing your wind damage claim.