Understanding the Problem

If you were in a North Carolina car accident and you have right-shoulder pain but have not gone to the hospital yet, you may be wondering: do I need to see a doctor now even if I think it is “not that bad”? This question matters because your health can change quickly after a crash, and the timing of medical care can also affect how an insurance claim is evaluated—especially when the other driver allegedly fled the scene.

Apply the Law

North Carolina personal injury claims generally require you to prove that the crash caused your injuries and that you acted reasonably to address them. Medical records created soon after a wreck often become the main way to show (1) what symptoms you reported, (2) what the provider found, and (3) what treatment was recommended. If the other driver cannot be identified or may be uninsured, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply, and UM claims commonly turn on documentation and timing—such as promptly reporting the crash to law enforcement and giving notice to your insurer.

Key Requirements

• Protect your health first: If symptoms could indicate a serious problem, urgent evaluation (ER or urgent care) is the safer choice than “waiting it out.”
• Document injury and causation: A prompt exam creates a medical record that ties your complaints (like shoulder pain) to the collision.
• Follow reasonable medical advice: Gaps in treatment or ignoring recommendations can be used to argue your injury was not serious or was caused by something else.
• Report a hit-and-run promptly: When the other driver is unknown, timely reporting helps preserve a UM claim and supports the credibility of what happened.
• Give your insurer notice: UM claims often require notice and cooperation; delays can create avoidable disputes.
• Be careful with statements: Telling anyone you are “fine” and then seeking care much later can be used against you, even if you were trying to be polite.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reporting requirements) - Requires the driver in a reportable crash to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately by the quickest means of communication.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166 (Duty to stop and render aid) - Requires drivers involved in crashes to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance, including calling for medical help when needed.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Required UM coverage; hit-and-run provisions) - Requires UM coverage in most auto liability policies and includes special rules for claims involving unidentified hit-and-run vehicles, including a 24-hour report requirement (or as soon as practicable).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You report right-shoulder pain after a recent crash where the other driver allegedly fled. Getting checked soon helps protect you medically and creates a clear record that your shoulder symptoms started after the collision. Because a hit-and-run can shift the claim toward your own UM coverage, prompt reporting and prompt medical documentation can reduce disputes about whether the crash happened as described and whether the crash caused your injury.

Process & Timing

1. Who acts: You. Where: An emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care provider in North Carolina. What: Ask for an evaluation of your shoulder pain and make sure the provider notes the injury began after a motor vehicle crash. When: As soon as you reasonably can—same day or next day is often best if you have ongoing pain.
2. Report the crash: If you have not already, report the hit-and-run to the appropriate law enforcement agency (city/town police if inside a city, or the State Highway Patrol/sheriff outside a city). This matters for both safety and insurance documentation.
3. Notify your insurer: Open a claim and ask specifically about uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for a hit-and-run. Keep copies of the crash report number, medical visit paperwork, and any follow-up instructions.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “I thought it was minor” can still become a problem: Delayed symptoms are common, but long gaps in care can give an insurer room to argue the injury was not caused by the crash.
• Not reporting the hit-and-run quickly: If the other driver is unknown, delays in reporting can create UM coverage disputes and credibility issues.
• Downplaying symptoms: If you tell responders, family, or an adjuster that you are “fine,” that statement may show up later in the claim file.
• Stopping treatment too soon: If a provider recommends follow-up (imaging, physical therapy, ortho referral) and you do not go, the insurer may argue you failed to act reasonably.
• Mixing up insurance coverages: Even if the other driver has no insurance (or cannot be found), your UM coverage may still apply—but you typically must cooperate and provide requested information.

If you want more background on hit-and-run claims, you may find this helpful: How can I file a claim for a hit-and-run car accident if the other driver left the scene?

Conclusion

In North Carolina, you should strongly consider getting medical care promptly after a car accident even if your injury seems minor, because symptoms can worsen and early records help connect your condition to the crash. This is especially important in a hit-and-run where you may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage. Next step: get evaluated and make sure the hit-and-run is reported to law enforcement within 24 hours (or as soon as practicable) if it has not been reported yet.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a hit-and-run crash and you are unsure how to handle medical treatment, documentation, and uninsured motorist coverage deadlines, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call (919) 333-1333.

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.