510-257-4141
By Rene Muñoz
The recent wildfires in Southern California, particularly in areas like Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena, have left many families facing devastating losses and uncertainty. These fires hit close to home for me—I’m Rene Muñoz, a Pasadena native and a proud graduate of John Muir High School. Many of the places I visited growing up, the homes of childhood friends, and familiar landmarks have been lost to the flames. Seeing the destruction in a community that shaped me is deeply personal, and it’s why I’m sharing these important tips to help victims navigate this challenging time.
As an attorney with years of experience representing victims of negligence, fires, and explosions, I’ve seen how overwhelming the aftermath can be. These six tips are meant to provide immediate guidance and help protect your rights as you recover from this disaster.
1. Prioritize Your Family’s Safety
Your family’s safety is the most important concern. Follow all CalFire evacuation orders promptly and evacuate early. Staying behind longer than necessary puts you and your loved ones in danger and complicates the efforts of firefighters, who must prioritize human life over property. The sooner you leave, the safer you’ll be, and the more resources firefighters can direct toward saving homes.
2. Open an Insurance Claim ASAP
Once you’re in a safe place, contact your insurance company to open a claim immediately. You don’t need an attorney to do this. Insurance companies often handle claims on a first-come, first-serve basis, so the earlier you open your claim, the better. Even if you don’t end up needing the claim, it’s wise to have it on record.
3. Know Your Insurance Rights
Remember, your insurance company has a legal obligation to treat you in good faith. You pay your premiums for a reason—hold them accountable. Request a copy of your Declarations Page from your claims representative. This document will outline the coverage available to you and serve as a critical reference point as you move forward.
4. Address Immediate Displacement Expenses
In the days after evacuating, you’ll likely incur costs for temporary housing, food, and other necessities. Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover many of these displacement expenses. Contact your claims representative to understand the monetary limits and timeframes of your coverage. With the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration, some caps may be extended, so be sure to ask.
5. Be Wary of Public Adjusters
Public adjusters often charge steep fees for their services, typically taking a percentage of your total insurance payout. For instance, if your insurance company offers $100,000 and the public adjuster secures an additional $100,000, their fee might apply to the full $200,000. Consider holding off on hiring a public adjuster or attorney for your insurance claim unless you encounter significant issues. Many claims can be resolved without these additional expenses.
6. Document Your Home Before Evacuating
If you haven’t evacuated yet but anticipate the possibility, take a video walkthrough of your home. Go room by room, including closets and drawers, to capture a detailed record of your belongings. If your home is lost, this footage will help you create a personal property inventory, which insurers may require to process your claim.
Final Thoughts
Above all, please adhere to CalFire’s evacuation orders and stay informed about wildfire developments. Their expertise in managing wildfire safety is unparalleled, and their directives are designed to save lives.
If you or your loved ones are affected by the fires and need advice, feel free to reach out. At Franco Muñoz, we’re here to help you through this challenging time. We understand how overwhelming this process can be and are ready to provide the guidance and support you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance at (510) 257-4141.
Stay safe, Southern California. We’re in this together.
About the Author
Rene Muñoz is an attorney at Franco Muñoz, where he passionately represents victims of work injuries, utility-caused wildfires, explosions, and other disasters. As a Pasadena native and John Muir High School graduate, Rene has a deep connection to the community and is committed to helping those impacted by the recent Southern California wildfires. With years of experience advocating for victims, Rene is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal guidance during times of crisis.
