Weekend Hail Storm Damage Affects Central Texas Residents

A line of severe thunderstorms pushed through Central Texas Friday, March 28, 2014. The storm system produced high winds, heavy rain and hail storm damage. In some areas, the hailstones measured up to three inches in diameter. Several homeowners in the Dawson Ranch Subdivision in Belton, Texas, had suffered from shattered windows due to hail storm damage. A house near Belton High School also reported window damage from wind-propelled hailstones.

Storms and High Winds

In addition to the hail storm damage suffered by residents of Belton, Killeen and several other Central Texas towns, high winds caused roof damage, power interruptions and traffic jams. Scott & White Hospital in Temple reported winds as high as 60 miles per hour and hail up to an inch in diameter. Killeen residents reported winds over 65 miles per hour. Homeowners in Meridian, Temple and Salado reported finding hailstones as large as 1.5 inches in diameter.

Financial Impact

While the final tally of the weekend’s hail storm damage has yet to be calculated, the extent of the storm could push the number into the millions or tens of millions of dollars. Large hailstones, carried by near-hurricane force winds, can riddle a home with damage that can resemble rapid-fire ammunition. Shattered windows, torn roof shingles and dented walls can all lead to expensive repairs for homeowners.

Insurance Companies

Many of the affected homeowners will rely on insurance claims to cover the repair costs from the recent hail storm damage. Insurance companies, as with all for-profit ventures, are in business to make money. With so many claims coming in at once, insurance providers may take measures to protect their profits. The company may consider either denying a claim or paying less than the costs needed to finish the repairs. Homeowners must remember that the insurance claims adjuster works for the insurance company, not for the homeowner, so they must be prepared for the result of their hail storm damage claim.

Filing Deadlines

Texas state law imposes precise deadlines on hail storm damage claims. Also, the homeowner’s insurance policy may include special restrictions that a policy holder must follow when considering any legal action. While the deadline for legal action is normally two years from the date the damage occurred, the hail storm damage attorneys at Arguello Law Firm can guide policy holders and determine the most effective strategies to receive as much as possible.

Document Your Damage

If you wish to dispute your hail storm damage claims, you will need to show the attorney your homeowner’s insurance policy and declaration page. The documentation should also include any photos of the damage, claims reports filed with the insurer, and written correspondence between you and the insurance company. All of these documents will be used to establish the extent of the damage and the costs of repair when filing for legal action against the insurance company.

Source: KTWX-TX

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