Will the underinsured motorist adjuster automatically receive the medical bills and records submitted for the liability claim?

Why the Records Usually Do Not Transfer Automatically

A liability claim and an underinsured motorist claim serve different purposes. The liability insurer handles the claim against the at-fault driver. The underinsured motorist, or UIM, insurer handles a claim under an insurance policy that may cover the injured person.

Because these claims may have different adjusters, claim numbers, document systems, and authorization requirements, documents sent to one claim file may not appear in the other. This can be true even when both claims are being handled by the same insurance company.

The UIM adjuster may also conduct a separate review of fault, injuries, medical expenses, prior conditions, insurance coverage, and the amount paid or offered by the liability insurer. A liability insurer’s policy-limits offer does not require the UIM adjuster to accept the liability insurer’s evaluation of the claim.

What to Send to the Underinsured Motorist Adjuster

Ask the UIM adjuster for a written list of the documents still needed. Depending on the claim, the requested package may include:

• Medical records connected to the accident injuries.
• Itemized medical bills, not just balance statements.
• Visit summaries or discharge paperwork.
• Documentation of health insurance payments or adjustments, when relevant.
• The crash report and photographs.
• The liability insurer’s policy-limits offer or tender letter.
• A copy of any proposed release.
• Applicable insurance declarations pages and policy documents.
• The affidavit requested by the UIM adjuster.
• Documentation of lost income or other claimed losses, if applicable.

Before signing an affidavit, confirm what facts it addresses and make sure every answer is complete and accurate. Keep a signed copy. Do not assume that an affidavit requested for one purpose also satisfies every notice, coverage, or settlement requirement.

Medical Authorizations Are Not Necessarily Shared

An authorization given to the liability insurer does not necessarily mean the UIM adjuster has the records or authority to obtain them. Review any new authorization before signing it, including which providers it covers, the time period involved, and how long it remains valid. If records are submitted directly instead, organize them by provider and date so the adjuster can identify what has been provided.

A simple cover letter or email can list each enclosed bill, record set, affidavit, and settlement document. Save the email, delivery confirmation, fax confirmation, or other proof showing when the package was received.

Do Not Treat the Liability Check as the Only Timing Issue

Whether to hold, deposit, or return a liability settlement check cannot be decided from the check alone. The proposed release, written notices, policy terms, and communications with the UIM insurer may all matter. Signing a release or completing a settlement without addressing the UIM carrier’s rights can create avoidable disputes.

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21, a UIM insurer that receives written notice of a tentative settlement generally has 30 days to advance an amount equal to that settlement if it wants to preserve certain subrogation or settlement-approval rights. This procedure is separate from sending medical records.

For that reason, merely keeping the check uncashed may not resolve the important questions. Before endorsing or depositing it, or signing a release, confirm in writing:

1. Whether the UIM insurer received notice of the tentative liability settlement.
2. The date the notice was received.
3. Whether the insurer needs additional settlement documents.
4. Whether the applicable response period has expired or the insurer has responded.
5. Whether the proposed liability release protects the remaining UIM claim.

These steps do not determine whether a particular settlement should be accepted. They help identify whether the liability settlement and UIM claim have been coordinated correctly.

How This Applies to the Current Claim

Here, the liability insurer has offered its policy limits, while the UIM adjuster is asking for an affidavit, medical bills, and records. That request is a strong indication that the UIM file does not yet contain everything the adjuster believes is necessary. The safest administrative approach is to send the requested materials directly to the UIM adjuster rather than relying on the liability carrier to transfer them.

The claimant should also request written confirmation that the UIM adjuster received a complete submission. If something remains missing, ask the adjuster to identify the provider, date range, bill, or form needed. This can prevent a vague request for “all records” from delaying review without explaining what is absent.

The liability settlement check should be considered together with the proposed release and the UIM notice process. Holding the physical check does not necessarily protect the claim if a release has already been signed or a required notice was not properly delivered. Likewise, the UIM adjuster’s request for records does not by itself show that the insurer has approved the liability settlement.

Keep the Claim File Organized

A practical UIM file should contain:

• A document list showing what was sent to each insurer and when.
• Copies of all medical bills and records submitted.
• The signed affidavit and any medical authorization.
• The liability offer, settlement check, and proposed release.
• Written notice sent to the UIM insurer about the tentative settlement.
• Delivery confirmations and adjuster responses.
• The relevant policy and declarations pages.
• A current list of unpaid balances, health-plan claims, or possible medical liens.

Do not let document discussions obscure legal deadlines. Many North Carolina personal injury actions are subject to the timing rule in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52, which commonly provides a three-year period for injury claims. Policy requirements and UIM procedures may create additional concerns. Negotiations, document requests, and an open insurance file do not automatically extend a lawsuit deadline.