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May 19 2014

Will Your Insurance Company Cover You If You Or Your Property Are Struck By A Satellite From Space?

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

A0284-Falling-objects_leader.jpgRecently, a NASA satellite broke up and fell to Earth. It ended up landing in a remote location in the South Pacific.

The question many were asking prior to it landing was whether or not one’s home or car would be covered if stricken by the NASA satellite.

The odds of a person getting struck by satellite debris has been calculated by NASA at 1 in 3,200. But the odds of you actually getting hit by a satellite is less than 1 in 10 trillion.

Still, if you are unfortunate enough to be in the satellite’s path, will your insurance cover the damage? If you have home insurance, the answer is likely to be “yes.”

As with every insurance policy, the first thing one must do is to actually read the policy to determine the scope of coverage. In most home owner policies, “falling objects” is a covered peril. Therefore, the falling satellite is likely covered.

On the other hand, your car may or may not be covered. It all depends on whether or not you carry comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage (sometimes called “comprehensive car insurance” or “other than collision”) typically pays for damages on covered costs that aren’t caused by a collision. For instance, it covers damages stemming from storms and natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, as well as Vandalism and theft, broken/shattered windows and windshield, animal damage, and falling objects – like a satellite. So if you have purchased comprehensive coverage, and your car is struck by a satellite, then odds are in your favor that you will have coverage for that loss.

Health insurance will also cover you for any injuries you sustained from being hit by a satellite. Should you happen to die after being struck by a satellite, and you have life insurance, then your designated beneficiaries should get paid as well.

Insurance coverage is purchased to cover unexpected expenses associated with rare situations like being struck by a satellite.

But even if you have purchased the correct insurance coverage, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to deny your claim. In such instances, our firm is prepared to assist you with your insurance claim.
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If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

May 19 2014

History Demonstrates that Hurricanes in October Can Still Cause Extensive Damage

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

Hurricane-Hazel-Oct-1954-002.jpgHurricane season is typically on the decline in October. Fortunately, it has been a quiet hurricane season for us in Florida. To date, a hurricane has failed to make landfall in South Florida this year.

History has shown us, however, that there can still be potent hurricanes this time of year. So now is not the time to let your guard down. But history also shows us that October hurricane strikes are rare occurrences. Indeed, on average there is 1 hurricane strike in October every 5 years.

While it is exceedingly rare for a hurricane to strike in October, such strikes can be rather potent. For instance, Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was one of the strongest hurricanes on record. In fact, at its peak, Wilma reached full fury over the western Caribbean with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. Wilma’s central pressure of 26.05 inches is the lowest ever recorded for an Atlantic hurricane.

Wilma weakened over time and ultimately made landfall in South Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. But Wilma still caused major damage and disruption throughout South Florida. In fact, Wilma became the 3rd costliest hurricane in U.S. history causing over $20 billion dollars in damages in South Florida, primarily from wind damage to structures in the highly populated areas of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

Then there was also Hurricane Hazel back in 1954. Hazel was one of the strongest hurricanes on record for October, and also the farthest northern Category 4 hurricane to hit in any month. It struck the South Carolina/North Carolina border with devastating impact and to this day remains a benchmark for how bad a hurricane be on those coasts.
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If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in South Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

May 19 2014

This Year is Proving to be one of the Costliest Years Ever for Weather Disasters

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

tornadoDM3030a_800x533.jpgThe National Weather Service estimates that weather disasters have cost more than $35 billion this year, based on insurance estimates.

This year has seen some very harsh weather. The year has seen intense floods, drought and tornadoes. In May, a twister killed 160 people in Joplin, Mo. and in April a devastating tornado ripped through Alabama. Texas has been hard hit by a heat wave that will cost the state in excess of five billion dollars in crop and livestock loss.

Nationwide, the number of natural disasters has tripled in the last two decades, according to insurance firm Munich Reinsurance America. Thunderstorm losses since 1980 have become five times more severe, on average. There were $20 billion in such losses by midyear in 2011, doubling the average of the past three years.

In sum, 2011 will go down in history as one of the costliest years in recent years as a result of natural disasters.

Closer to home, we are still in the middle of hurricane season. While South Florida has not been struck by a hurricane in five years, history suggests that it is only a matter of time before another hurricane does strike us. If a hurricane does strike South Florida, it is likely to cause extensive damage to the region.

As such, it is imperative to be prepared. This blog has many useful links to learn more about what you can do to prepare in advance of a hurricane’s arrival, and how to deal with a hurricane’s aftermath.

May 19 2014

Miami Hurricane Claim Lawyers See Advantages in New Hurricane Scale that Places More of a Focus on Storm Surges

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

nengstormsurg.jpgWe’re all used to hurricanes being categorized on a scale from 1-5. However, we may have to learn a new scale that categorizes hurricanes from 0 to 5.99.

Although the National Hurricane Center hasn’t stated whether they will endorse the new scale, the Integrated Kinetic Energy (“IKE”) scale may be a better predictor of potential destruction from both wind and storm surge. IKE was developed because the current system only takes into account wind speed. However, storm surge is the most devastating element of a hurricane.

For example, the current system rated Hurricane Katrina a Category 3 at landfall, but the surge came in at a Category 5 or higher. In essence, IKE provides a better way of determining the actual consequences from a storm because its takes into account more than just wind.

At the end of the day, it appears that IKE may provide a better way for us to understand potential damage caused by a hurricane. In turn, this allows everyone to better prepare for a windstorm.

We may never see this system being used in the mainstream, so take into account that the current scale doesn’t take into account storm surge. If you live in a coastal area, make sure to do your research and find out if your property can be damaged by surge.

Our Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog offers safety tips and other advice to prepare you and your family for a hurricane. If you have not already done so, our Miami storm damage attorneys encourage you to make some basic preparations. Even the busiest among us can tackle hurricane preparation in stages, as we suggest on our Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog. Our Miami Hurricane dispute lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.
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About the Author – Gabriel de las Salas is an attorney with the law firm of Alvarez & Barbara, LLP. His practice is focused on general civil and commercial litigation, including personal injury, insurance claims and real estate disputes. Mr. de las Salas received his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Florida, and his J.D., from Stetson University College of Law.

May 19 2014

Our Miami Hurricane Insurance Claim Lawyers are Monitoring Hurricane Irene as it Approaches South Florida

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

001914.gifEarlier today, Irene strengthened into the season’s first hurricane. This broke a streak of eight consecutive tropical storms to begin the 2011 season without a hurricane. It also marks the first time in over 50 years that the first eight named storms of the season did not attain hurricane strength

Our Miami storm damage attorneys continue to report that South Florida has entered the height of hurricane season. Indeed, this the eighth named storm of what promises to be an active hurricane season.

Hurricane Irene, now packing 100-mph winds that make it a Category 2 hurricane, passed Monday north of the island of Hispaniola, home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was heading for the Bahamas.

The move prompted a warning from the National Hurricane Center in Miami that Hurricane Irene will likely intensify to a Category 3 storm with winds of 115 mph over the Bahamas by Thursday.

More than a million people in Puerto Rico saw their power cut off Monday, as Hurricane Irene passed about 105 miles west of San Juan. Hurricane Irene also walloped the British Virgin Islands, bringing lightning that was the likely culprit in a fire that destroyed billionaire Richard Branson’s Caribbean home. Guests, including the Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet, escaped the fire uninjured.

Projections for South Florida

Most computer forecast models show Hurricane Irene traveling parallel to Florida’s east coast starting Thursday with possible eventual landfall on the Georgia or South Carolina coast early on Saturday.

Forecasters said a low pressure trough over the eastern United States was expected to shift Hurricane Irene’s track to the east, reducing the risk of a direct landfall in densely populated South Florida but raising the risk in the Carolinas.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

May 19 2014

Hurricane Research Flights Could Be Curtailed due to Recent Budget Cuts Made by Congress

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

hurricane flight.jpgDuring these tough economic times, government has set in place many spending cuts. Now, due to federal spending cuts, the air squadron which performs hurricane research may have its operations budget cut by 40%. This air squadron has helped hurricane forecasters more accurately track storms over the last decade

While the budget cut proposal is many months away from becoming a reality, a red flag has been raised with top forecasters. They worry that reduced flights or hours for the planes they used to track hurricanes will stall their efforts to better computer forecast models.

Apart from the short-term effect of lowering operating costs, those cuts may lead to high long-term costs. Improved forecasts can help save lives and money. The money would be saved because improved forecasts would help communities more effectively conduct evacuations. Luckily, these proposed cuts would not affect the daily flights into active tropical storms. However, these planes are not equipped to conduct the research done by the Hurricane Hunters.

These researchers are rightfully concerned about the potential long term costs of the loss of this valuable research. This research is vital because it helps us all better understand the nature of hurricanes. In turn, the public is better able to prepare for the impending landfall of these storm systems.

At this point in the hurricane season, forecasters predict that tropical activity is going to increase. Accordingly, make sure you have plans in place for your property and family as we will begin to see more tropical storms and hurricanes in the coming months.

On this blog we have posted several articles discussing useful tips on preparing for hurricane season. Our Miami Hurricane Dispute Lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.
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About the Author – Gabriel de las Salas is an attorney with the law firm of Alvarez & Barbara, LLP. His practice is focused on general civil and commercial litigation, including personal injury, insurance claims and real estate disputes. Mr. de las Salas received his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Florida, and his J.D., from Stetson University College of Law.

May 19 2014

Tropical Storm Emily is Expected to Strengthen Today as it Approaches the Dominican Republic: Miami is in her Sights for Later this Week

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

Emily track 01.JPGAs of this morning, Tropical Storm Emily has maximum sustained winds at near 40 miles per hour. It is anticipated that its center will move across the northeastern Caribbean Sea today and approach the island of Hispaniola as early as tonight.

Emily is projected to head towards Cuba, the Bahamas, and possibly Florida.

Current conditions suggest that Tropical Storm Emily could intensify and strengthened over the course of the next 48 hours. It is not anticipated to approach Florida until the weekend, but by the time does it could be as strong as a hurricane.

Emily Could Strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane

Forecasters are predicting that Tropical Storm Emily could grow into a Category 1 hurricane, with winds of at least 74 miles per hour according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A category 1 hurricane is defined as having sustained winds between 74-95 mph. It is a dangerous storm and its winds will produce damage.

Time to Prepare

Our Miami Insurance Dispute Lawyers would like to remind you that now is the time to prepare for Emily’s potential arrival later in South Florida later this week.

On this blog we have posted several articles discussing useful tips on preparing for hurricane season. We encourage you to read them, and, more importantly, we encourage you to prepare for the storm’s potential arrival. Our lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.
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Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.

Before opening our law firm in 2006, our attorneys worked for some of the state’s, and nation’s, largest law firms, and worked representing the insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are now uniquely positioned to use that experience to assist individuals and businesses alike throughout Florida with their insurance claims. As a result, our attorneys are well versed in the impact insurance has on businesses, condominiums, and individuals alike. Our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to tackle your insurance claim.

Given our extensive experience litigating for, and against, insurance companies, our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to provide aggressive, efficient and effective representation on a broad spectrum of insurance claims in Florida for local, national, and international clients. We are prepared to advocate insurance claims at the pre-suit stage, trial, appellate and arbitration levels.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or at 305-263-7700.

May 19 2014

The Tropics Have Been Active So Far This Hurricane Season: Hurricane Emily to Form Soon and Threaten Miami Later this Week?

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

NHC_91L1.gifA developing tropical system, destined to become Emily early this week, will threaten the Antilles first and could approach part of the U.S. coastline this weekend, including Miami and the Florida Keys.

The National Hurricane Center has given this storm a 70% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. No matter what path this storm takes, it will be in conditions that favor intensification into a hurricane for the next 24 to 48 hours. In sum, this is a storm that bears monitoring over the next few days.

If this developing storm does become a named storm, its name will be Emily.

The 2011 Hurricane Season Has Been An Active One So Far This Year

So far this year, there have been three named storms to date, in the Atlantic. Historically speaking there is typically only one named storm in the Atlantic between June and July.

Only once has there been a hurricane season in which four, or more, named storms developed during July.
That was back in 2005, the year that gave us before Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

But back in 2005, and before we had Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, we had Hurricane Emily. In July of 2005, Hurricane Emily was one of five named storms. And it was a monster.

With sustained winds of 160 miles per hour, Hurricane Emily became the strongest hurricanes ever to form before August. Indeed, Hurricane Emily was the first category 5 hurricane of the record breaking 2005 hurricane season.

Time To Prepare

With hurricane season upon us, now is the time for all individuals and businesses alike throughout South Florida to properly plan for hurricane season. Our Miami insurance dispute lawyers would like to urge you to take the time now to plan for hurricane season.

Please visit this blog to learn useful tips on planning for hurricane season, and please contact our office should you sustain any hurricane/wind storm related damage.
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Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.

Before opening our law firm in 2006, our attorneys worked for some of the state’s, and nation’s, largest law firms, and worked representing the insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are now uniquely positioned to use that experience to assist individuals and businesses alike throughout Florida with their insurance claims. As a result, our attorneys are well versed in the impact insurance has on businesses, condominiums, and individuals alike. Our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to tackle your insurance claim.

Given our extensive experience litigating for, and against, insurance companies, our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to provide aggressive, efficient and effective representation on a broad spectrum of insurance claims in Florida for local, national, and international clients. We are prepared to advocate insurance claims at the pre-suit stage, trial, appellate and arbitration levels.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or at 305-263-7700.

May 19 2014

Understanding Hurricane Watches and Warnings can Help Protect Homeowners in South Florida

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

tropical storm emily.JPGOur Miami insurance dispute lawyers would like to remind you that forecasters are keeping an eye on a disturbance that could grow into a named storm, Emily, as South Florida enters the height of hurricane season.

And, while forecasting has made great strides in recent years, it is still far from infallible. When Hurricane Charley hit the Fort Myers area in 2004, it did so after making a virtual 90 degree turn at the last minute — it had been forecast to make landfall far up the West Coast of Florida.

Last year, the National Hurricane Center made changes to the hurricane watch and hurricane warning system that is relied upon by local emergency planning officials and residents alike. The changes provide greater lead time to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.

The National Weather Service reports that tracking errors have been cut in half over the last 15 years. The issuance of watches and warnings will be made 12 hours earlier this year, which should allow homeowners and emergency officials in the target area more time to prepare.

Tropical Storm Watch: Are now made when tropical storm conditions (winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: Are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (winds greater than 74 mph) are possible within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
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Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.

Before opening our law firm in 2006, our attorneys worked for some of the state’s, and nation’s, largest law firms, and worked representing the insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are now uniquely positioned to use that experience to assist individuals and businesses alike throughout Florida with their insurance claims. As a result, our attorneys are well versed in the impact insurance has on businesses, condominiums, and individuals alike. Our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to tackle your insurance claim.

Given our extensive experience litigating for, and against, insurance companies, our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to provide aggressive, efficient and effective representation on a broad spectrum of insurance claims in Florida for local, national, and international clients. We are prepared to advocate insurance claims at the pre-suit stage, trial, appellate and arbitration levels.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or at 305-263-7700.

May 19 2014

Texas May be Struck by Tropical Storm Don on Friday

Posted by Hugo V. Alvarez |

Tropical-Storm-Don-heads-toward-Texas-2K8I89H-x-large.jpgTropical Storm Don earned respect when she earned her name on Wednesday. Tropical Storm Don is expected to make landfall in southeastern Texas on Friday.

This should serve as a reminder to all of us here in South Florida that tropical depressions, or areas of intense thunderstorms that gather in the tropics, become named tropical storms when they reach sustained wind speeds of 39 mph.

Understanding how storms are characterized can assist homeowners in knowing what to expect. However, our Miami hurricane damage lawyers caution homeowners against becoming complacent in cases where a tropical storm fails to become a hurricane, or when a hurricane fails to climb the charts.

The act of rating a storm can actually be dangerous when it leads to such complacency. The storm-classification system is designed to assist South Florida residents in understanding what to expect — as long as they understand that, in all cases, a storm carries the risk of serious property damage and the potential for serious or fatal injury when residents fail to take the proper safety precautions.

Tropical storms, such as Don, have wind speeds of 39 to 73 miles an hour and are associated with torrential rains, localized flooding, downed trees and power lines and the possibility of structural damage, particularly to older buildings or mobile homes.

A tropical storm reaches hurricane strength when winds climb above 74 miles an hour and are categorized on a scale of 1 to 5 until the winds reach roughly twice that speed. Anything with sustained winds of more than 155 mph is considered a Category 5 hurricane. Katrina was a Category 5 storm when it hit New Orleans and Andrew was a Category 5 storm when it devastated South Florida in 1992.

Florida Today provides a nice graphic illustration.

Category 1: Minimal Hurricane
Winds: 74 to 95 miles per hour
Storm surge: Up to 5 feet
Damage: Some trees and power lines may be down; damage caused by flying debris; localized flooding; those in mobile and modular homes are at greatest risk.

Category 2: Moderate Hurricane
Winds: 96 to 110 miles per hour.
Storm Surge: 6 to 8 feet.
Damage: Downed trees and power lines; some flooding; debris damages; structural damage possible, particularly in older homes. Mobile and modular homes at great risk.

Category 3: Extensive Hurricane
Winds: 111 to 130 mph
Storm Surge: 9 to 12 feet
Damage: Widespread flooding possible. Significant structural damage to homes and buildings possible. Downed trees and power lines. Probable destruction of mobile and modular homes.

Category 4: Extreme Hurricane
Winds: 131 to 155 mph
Storm Surge: 12 to 18 feet
Damage: Widespread destruction of homes and buildings, structural damages and roof loss are common, significant flooding and storm surge risk, higher likelihood of significant time without power.

Category 5: Catastrophic Hurricane
Winds: Greater than 155 miles per hour
Storm Surge: 18 feet
Damage: Widespread destruction

The important thing to keep in mind when considering a storm’s rating is that all of these storms can cause significant property damage and can lead to the risk of serious or fatal injuries. This weekend’s tropical storm, in Texas, with winds of 40 miles per hour, is roughly twice as powerful as our typical violent summer weather. A minimal category 1 hurricane is four times as powerful as a typical summer storm.
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If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in South Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

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