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Our Thoughts Are With Those Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

June 28, 2018 By John Torgenson

The past two weeks have been truly surreal for millions across the Gulf Coast region of the Lone Star State. Thousands of Texans were left helpless and homeless as Hurricane Harvey flooded their homes and businesses, as entire cities were under several feet of water. It is truly a challenge to grasp the magnitude of the devastation suffered by those in Texas. For some of us here at Torgenson Law, this storm hit very close to home. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who were impacted by this storm.

If you wish to donate to benefit Hurricane Harvey relief, please follow the links at the bottom of this page.

On a daily basis, our personal injury team strives to keep Arizona residents informed, so that they may better avoid personal injuries. However, we recognize that accidents do happen, and in some instances, are completely unavoidable. This is never truer than when an area or property is harmed or destroyed by a natural disaster.

While the level of destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey is unmatched by any monsoon or dust storm that one is likely to see in Arizona valley, we must not underestimate the sudden loss and damages that can occur from such natural forces. Like many personal injuries, your ability to recover for property damage caused by natural disasters depends on your insurance coverage. Below, we have listed four “Things to Know” when your property is damaged by a natural disaster.

Understand Your Insurance Policy and Coverage
Depending on your insurance policy, your homeowner’s insurance or auto insurance may or may not cover damage to your home or automobile for weather related causes. For example, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover property damage caused by flooding. Instead, you must separately purchase flood insurance to recover for such property damage. On the other hand, your homeowner’s insurance will likely compensate you for roof damages caused by wind or rain.

Document and Record Property Damages
Proof of damages is always necessary for any claim. If your property is damaged by natural disasters, always take photographs, videos, or otherwise record the losses that occurred. This will increase your chances of full recovery of your insurance claim.

Contact an Attorney or Your Insurance Company Prior to Repairing Damages
Again, proof of damages is vital for your insurance claim. If you begin making repairs before your insurance company can evaluate the damage, you may not receive full compensation. Obviously, if repairing or replacing your property is necessary for your safety, then do not hesitate to act. As you make such emergency repairs, keep records of your expenses to support your claim.

Take Steps to Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance company may rationalize providing insufficient compensation for your damages claim if there is evidence that you failed to mitigate your losses. Accordingly, if your home or automobile is damaged by storms or other natural disasters, do what you can to prevent further loss to prevent being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

Of course, if you feel that you have been under-compensated on your insurance claim, give us a call at (602) 726-0747. We at Torgenson Law are determined personal injury attorneys driven by a desire to ensure Arizona residents are treated fairly by insurance companies. We will stop at nothing to ensure you are made whole again.

HURRICANE HARVEY DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
Additionally, Southeast Texas is the home of one of our team members. His hometown of Port Arthur, Texas endured substantial flooding as a result of Hurricane Harvey. If you would prefer to donate to a particular relief effort, please follow this link to support the repair and recovery of St. Catherine of Sienna School in Port Arthur, Texas as its students and staff deal with the aftermath of the storm.

To benefit the general disaster relief efforts in Texas, please follow this link to donate to the American Red Cross.

There are a number of opportunities out there to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and anything helps. Thank you for your support.

John Torgenson portrait

John Torgenson

John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.

John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.

Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.