Short Answer

In North Carolina personal injury claims, keep your lawyer updated on your medical treatment, work status, and any new bills or correspondence. Send copies of medical records and itemized bills, photos, police reports, proof of lost wages, out-of-pocket receipts, and your insurance information. Claims usually move once liability and damages documents are complete and treatment has stabilized. Remember that most injury lawsuits must be filed within three years, and wrongful death within two years.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know, in North Carolina, what you should send your personal injury lawyer (or the insurance adjuster) so your claim can move forward now and not stall. The goal is simple: provide timely updates and the right documents that prove fault, medical care, and financial loss. This article explains exactly what to provide and when, so your claim stays on track.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, a personal injury claim advances when you can show three things: someone else is legally responsible (liability), their actions caused your injuries (causation), and you have documented losses (damages). Your lawyer typically negotiates with the at-fault party’s insurer; if settlement is not possible, a civil lawsuit is filed in state court. A core timing rule is the statute of limitations: most injury cases have a three-year filing deadline, while wrongful death has two years.

Key Requirements

• Prove liability: Share the crash report or incident report, witness names/contact info, and clear photos/videos of the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries.
• Document medical care: Provide medical records and itemized bills from every provider (hospital, imaging, specialists, therapy), plus prescriptions and discharge instructions.
• Show lost income: Send pay stubs, a W-2 or recent earnings summary, and an employer letter confirming dates missed and your normal hours/pay; include a doctor’s note restricting work if applicable.
• Track out-of-pocket costs: Keep receipts for co-pays, medications, medical devices, and travel to appointments; maintain a simple mileage and expense log.
• Provide insurance details: Give your auto and health policy information, including any MedPay, UM, or UIM coverage, and copies of health insurer explanation-of-benefits (EOBs).
• Keep timely updates: Notify your lawyer of new providers, referrals, changes in symptoms, and any prior related injuries or claims so records can be ordered once and correctly.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limit for most personal injury claims) - sets the general three-year deadline to file suit.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4) (Two-year limit for wrongful death) - sets the two-year deadline to file a wrongful death action.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With no specific facts provided, the key is completeness and timing. If you have finished treatment, sending all records, itemized bills, wage proof, receipts, and photos lets your lawyer quantify damages and present a full demand. If you are still treating, provide updates as they occur; many claims wait until treatment stabilizes (or a doctor projects future care) before a comprehensive demand, unless the filing deadline is approaching.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You supply documents and updates. Where: To your attorney (or the insurer if unrepresented). What: Medical records and bills, wage proof, receipts, photos, police/incident report, insurance details. When: Send items as you receive them and after each appointment or bill cycle; do not wait to batch everything at the end.
2. Your attorney orders complete records, verifies insurance liens, and drafts a settlement demand once treatment stabilizes; insurers often take several weeks to review and may request clarifications.
3. If settlement is not reached, your attorney files a civil complaint and Civil Summons in the proper North Carolina trial court before the deadline; you then complete discovery by exchanging documents and testimony.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Ongoing treatment can delay a full demand; if the deadline approaches, your attorney may file suit to protect the claim.
• Gaps in treatment or missed appointments can undermine causation; keep consistent care and tell your lawyer why any gaps occurred.
• Do not sign broad medical authorizations or give recorded statements to the other insurer without legal advice; limit releases to relevant providers and dates.
• Disclose prior injuries to the same body parts; your lawyer can separate old conditions from new harm with proper records.
• Be mindful of social media; posts and photos can be used to dispute your injuries.
• MedPay or health insurer reimbursement rights can affect your net recovery; provide EOBs so liens are handled correctly.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a North Carolina injury claim and need to know exactly what to send and when, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today.

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.