In North Carolina, it’s common for an insurance company to ask for more documentation before it will pay medical bills—especially when you are making a claim against the other driver’s liability coverage. If you don’t provide what they reasonably request, they may delay payment, dispute whether the treatment is related to the crash, or refuse to reimburse until the claim is resolved. The practical fix is usually to get evaluated, document the injury and treatment plan, and submit a clear, organized packet that ties the treatment to the wreck.
If you were hurt in a North Carolina car wreck and the other driver’s insurance adjuster says they won’t approve or reimburse treatment until you provide more documentation, you are really asking: “Can the insurer make me prove my injury and the need for care before it pays, and what do I do next?” In your situation, one key fact is that you have lower-back pain but have not yet seen a doctor.
Under North Carolina practice, the other driver’s liability insurer generally does not “pre-approve” your medical treatment the way health insurance sometimes does. Instead, it evaluates whether (1) the other driver is legally responsible, and (2) your medical care was reasonable and related to the crash, before it agrees to reimburse bills as part of a settlement. That is why adjusters often request documentation such as medical records, itemized bills, and proof of diagnosis and causation.
Also, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, North Carolina law builds in notice and information-sharing requirements in certain UM situations, and insurers can request reasonable information about the accident and injury. Separately, if the claim ends up in litigation, the insurer’s position on “insufficient documentation” often becomes a dispute about proof—medical records, provider opinions, and timing of treatment.
Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you have not yet seen a doctor for your lower-back pain, the insurer has very little objective documentation to evaluate whether your symptoms are crash-related and what treatment is appropriate. Even with a police report showing a T-bone collision, the adjuster may still ask for medical records, a diagnosis, and itemized bills before discussing payment. If you start chiropractic care on a lien/“pay later” arrangement without an initial medical evaluation, the insurer may push harder for documentation showing why that care was needed and how it relates to the wreck.
In North Carolina, an insurance company can ask for reasonable documentation before it agrees to reimburse medical treatment, especially when you are pursuing payment through the other driver’s liability claim. The insurer typically wants proof of injury, proof the care is related to the crash, and itemized bills showing the treatment was reasonable. Your next step is to get a prompt medical evaluation and submit a complete documentation packet to the adjuster before you fall behind on proof or deadlines.
If you're dealing with an insurer that is delaying approval or reimbursement until you provide more documentation, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand what information matters, how to present it clearly, and how to protect your timeline while you treat. Reach out today. Call [CONTACT NUMBER].
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.
