Our Hurricane Blog | Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Laws

According to reports, additional flooding is expected over the next several days in Central Florida as the waters of the St. John's River continue to rise to levels not seen since 1924. Areas of Brevard County, Seminole County, Volusia County, Orange County and Lake County have seen intense flooding after Tropical Storm Fay. Areas of DeBary have been hit particularly hard.

If you have experienced flood damage to your home or business, don't deal with the insurance company alone. Let an experienced property damage attorney help guide you through the claim process and ensure you and your family are properly compensated for your loss. Contact us today. Se habla espanol.

Labels: DeBary, Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

In the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, tropical storm or flood, you may be lost as to what to do. Here are some important tips as to what to do once you and your family are in a safe location:

1. Notify your homeowners and/or flood insurance carrier of the damage as soon as possible.

2. Keep receipts for all items of expense you incur if you are forced to relocate from your home (hotel, food receipts, gas receipts, etc.).

3. If you can safely do so, you should take steps to protect your home and its contents from further damage (for example, placing tarps over holes in the roof, boarding up broken windows, moving items of personal property off the floor). Also, keep your receipts for any supplies you purchase to protect the home.

4. If you need to throw out any damaged personal property within your home, take pictures of
the damaged property first! You will need to prove the items were damaged to your insurance company.

Don't automatically assume you have to accept what the insurance company offers you to settle your property damage claim. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims or undervalue claims significantly. If you have an insurance claim and need help. Contact an experienced property damage attorney for a free consultation. Se habla espanol.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical Storm Fay has brought significant flooding to central Florida; especially in Brevard County, Volusia County and Seminole County. Some sources are estimating damages in Brevard County at more than $10 million dollars.

If you have experienced property damage as a result of Tropical Storm Fay, don't go through the insurance claim process alone. Consult with an experienced insurance claim attorney. Contact us today. Se habla espanol.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

It is important to plan well in advance of hurricane season to assess your insurance needs to protect your home and family. If you live in low lying or coastal areas, purchasing a separate flood insurance policy is a must.

A homeowner’s policy or condo owner’s policy will cover most types of water damage, but usually not flood damage. Flood damage is covered under a separate policy, and perhaps you have both of these policies. Disputes often turn on the determination of whether damage is from “flood” or from “water”. There’s a strict legal definition for what a flood is.

One extremely important thing to remember is that a newly purchased flood insurance policy does not take effect until after 30 days, so purchasing a policy as a storm approaches will not protect you. More information about flood insurance can be found at Floodsmart.gov.

If you have a flood insurance policy and you feel your claim has been denied or you have not been fully compensated, please call us or send us an email. We can give you a free consultation and start to determine whether you might have a valid legal claim. Our office serves all of Florida. Se habla español.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

As we enter the 2008 hurricane season residents should have enough supplies on hand to survive for at least three days after a hurricane hits. Here’s a checklist of the basic items for a disaster supplies kit that will help you survive the first 72 hours:




□ Drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day.
□ Enough nonperishable food for at least the first few days.
The ideal: two weeks’ worth.
□ Comfort food (cookies, pastries) to relieve stress.
□ Toilet paper, paper towels, plastic tableware and cups, wet wipes,
plastic wrap, plastic trash bags.
□ Two coolers: one for food, one for ice.
□ Manual can opener.

□ A flashlight and batteries for each family member.
□ First-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses,
pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, medication, antacid.
□ Medication for routine illnesses such as colds.
□ Liquid soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrushing pads.
□ Water purification kit.
□ Two-week supply of medications.
□ Fire extinguisher.
□ Infant necessities: medicine, diapers, formula, bottles, wipes.

□ Cleanup supplies: mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant, bleach, for demolding.
□ Camera or camcorder to properly record property before the storm and document damage.
□ Extra batteries.

□ Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses. Shelters provide no sleeping facilities.
□ Folding chairs or cots.
□ Extra clothing and shoes.
□ Personal hygiene items: tooth-brush, washcloth, deodorant, etc.
□ Food, water, ice.
□ Prescription medications in their original containers.
□ Books, handheld games, cards, toys, needlework.
□ Cash. ATMs, credit-card networks might be down.

□ Fill you car’s gas tank.
□ Extra eyeglasses; sunglasses.
□ Insect repellent.
□ Sunscreen.
□ Appropriate clothes for after the storm passes: closed-toe shoes, dry socks, rain gear, hat.
□ Flat fixer for tires.
□ Work gloves.

If your place of residence or business has suffered damage from a hurricane or other extreme weather, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced hurricane damage attorney. Michael Cerasa knows how to get you the maximum amount of compensation you deserve from your insurance carrier.

You do not have to deal with uncooperative insurance companies by yourself. Michael D. Cerasa is here to help. Please contact us today and we will be glad to set up a free consultation for you. Se habla espanol.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay