Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Get Medical Treatment and Document My Injuries After a Car Accident in North Carolina If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
After a wreck, your health and your case both depend on prompt medical attention. Even without health insurance, you still have options under North Carolina law to get care and preserve evidence of your injuries.
Detailed Answer
First, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. You can visit a hospital emergency department, urgent care clinic, or community health clinic. Many facilities will treat you and then seek payment from the at-fault driver’s auto insurer via a lien against any recovery. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21, you must notify the at-fault insurer of your claim within 30 days of treatment. That preserves your right to have medical charges paid out of any settlement or jury verdict.
Next, document everything. Keep copies of all medical records, billing statements and any referrals. Photograph bruises, cuts or swelling at regular intervals. Write down how your injuries affect your daily life—work, chores and sleep. This record helps prove both the severity of your medical condition and the value of your claim.
Finally, remember the statute of limitations. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). Late filings almost always result in dismissal.
For more on scheduling care, medical liens and making a claim, see our detailed guide on
Medical Treatment After an Accident.
Key Steps to Get Treatment and Preserve Your Claim:
- Seek evaluation at an emergency department, urgent care, or community clinic.
- Inform the at-fault insurer in writing within 30 days of your first treatment.
- Request and keep copies of all medical records, diagnostic tests and bills.
- Track your symptoms, pain level and daily limitations in a journal.
- Photograph visible injuries periodically to show healing or complications.
- Note all out-of-pocket expenses (medications, travel, therapy).
- File any lawsuit within three years of the crash date under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52.
Handling medical bills and evidence alone can feel overwhelming. If you decide you’d rather have seasoned North Carolina attorneys handle the process and pursue full compensation on your behalf, contact Wallace Pierce Law. Email us at
intake@wallacepierce.com or call
(919) 313-2729.
2. What Steps Should I Follow to Handle My Own Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Many people pursue a minor accident claim without hiring an attorney. If you choose to handle it yourself, you must follow a clear process under North Carolina law to preserve your rights and maximize your recovery.
Detailed Answer
Start by gathering evidence at the scene. Get contact information for all drivers, passengers and witnesses. Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks and any roadway defects. Obtain the incident report number from the responding officer. This initial fact-finding will form the backbone of your claim.
Next, notify the at-fault driver’s liability insurer in writing. Most policies require prompt notice. Attach copies of your photos, the report and a brief statement of what happened. Keep your correspondence professional and factual.
Then, calculate your losses. Include medical bills (or estimated liens), lost wages, property damage and other out-of-pocket expenses. For soft damages like pain and suffering, use a multiplier of 1.5 to 5 times your economic losses—depending on injury severity.
Submit a demand package that summarizes facts, attaches evidence and states your settlement figure. Allow 30 days for a response. You may negotiate one or more rounds before reaching an agreement. If negotiations stall, you can file suit within three years of the crash date (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52).
For an overview of insurance claim tactics and self-representation tips, see our article on
Car Accident Claims in NC.
Self-Representation Checklist:
- Collect driver, passenger and witness contact details at the scene.
- Photograph damage, injuries and road conditions immediately.
- Secure the police report or incident number from law enforcement.
- Notify the at-fault insurer in writing with supporting documents.
- Track medical costs, wage losses and other financial impacts.
- Prepare a demand letter detailing facts, evidence and damages.
- Negotiate in writing and keep all insurer responses.
- File suit before the three-year deadline under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 if needed.
Self-handling may save fees, but it demands time and legal know-how. If you’d like seasoned North Carolina attorneys to step in—and free you to focus on recovery—reach out to Wallace Pierce Law. Email
intake@wallacepierce.com or call
(919) 313-2729 today.
