The Dixie Fire has impacted thousands of people living in Northern California. Even though the community has recovered from the second-largest wildfire in California history, which consumed over 950,000 acres, its effects are still being felt.
Residents were not only injured and forced out of their houses, but they also had financial hardships as a result of their losses. It is impossible to imagine the effects of losing land, animals, and businesses. However, making a Dixie Fire claim can assist victims in recovering losses and hold negligent parties like PG&E accountable for their carelessness. There are certain conditions Of The Dixie Fire Settlement and following actions can be crucial while pursuing a Dixie Fire Claim.
Important Steps to Start Your Dixie Fire Claim
Learn the deadlines for filing claims
If a state of emergency caused the loss, California’s wildfire statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. The statute of limitations initially enabled victims of wildfires only a year to submit a claim. However, on September 21, 2018, Assembly Bill No. 2594 was enacted. It extended the legislation to provide victims additional time to collect the proof and other paperwork they need to submit a claim for their losses.
Gather Evidence and Documents
You must have as much evidence as possible to claim your Dixie wildfire-related damages. You still have options even if most of your evidence got destroyed in the fire. You might be able to obtain copies of papers online, including copies of other documents and transactions about your losses, as well as receipts for items you bought for your property.
Keep copies of your medical records, including hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and any paperwork relating to treatments and therapies if you faced injuries from the wildfire. If you have trouble gathering evidence, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced lawyer.
Speak with a Skilled California Wildfire Attorney
A California wildfire claim is complex to pursue. It can be even more difficult than you might have thought, from gathering proof to dealing with your insurance company. It’s also important to be aware that your insurance provider might not pay for all of your damages.
An accomplished California wildfire attorney can assist you in pursuing justice by bringing a civil action against PG&E responsible for starting the fire and making a claim with your insurance provider.
Common Errors to Avoid When Making a Dixie Fire Claim
Insurance companies are in the business of making money; therefore, when making payments following an incident like the Dixie Fire, they will seek out opportunities to make lowball settlement offers or outright reject a wildfire claim.
It’s critical to ensure you don’t make the following mistakes:
- Not reading through your insurance policy thoroughly and unable to understand the deductibles, coverage, and out-of-pocket expenditures
- Not submitting claims by the deadline (the statute of limitations law for California Wildfires is two years from the date of the incident).
- Providing the insurance adjuster with excessive information could deny your claim.
- Not contacting a lawyer. A knowledgeable California wildfire attorney is familiar with the insurance industry’s strategies for denying claims and making poor settlement offers.
Can I Submit My Own Dixie Fire Claim?
Even though you can file a wildfire claim independently, working with insurance providers can be challenging because they are not on your side. Because the insurance companies are in business to make money, they frequently offer low payouts. They might particularly target persons who don’t properly understand the law and the compensation to which they are entitled. It’s not advised to file a wildfire claim on your own.
Conclusion
In 2021, PG&E stated that the Dixie Fire might have been caused by its machinery . The fire destroyed 1,329 houses and damaged 95 others while consuming 963,309 acres in Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, and Tehama County. The fire continued to burn for more than 100 days before it was finally contained on October 25.