Short Answer

In North Carolina, “accident protection” is a common way people refer to medical payments coverage (often called “MedPay”) on their own auto policy. MedPay can help pay certain accident-related medical bills (and sometimes related expenses) regardless of who caused the crash, up to the limit you purchased. It can be especially helpful in the first weeks or months after a wreck while the liability claim against the other driver is still pending.

Understanding the Problem

If you were hurt in a North Carolina car accident and your own insurance representative asks for a statement several months later, it is normal to wonder what coverage you may have under your own policy and whether it can help with medical bills while the claim is being sorted out.

Apply the Law

North Carolina auto policies can include different “parts” of coverage. Some parts are required by law (like liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), and some are optional “additional” coverages you can choose to buy. Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is typically an optional coverage that can pay qualifying medical expenses for you (and often other covered people in your vehicle) after a crash, up to the MedPay limit on the policy.

MedPay is different from a claim against the at-fault driver. A liability claim focuses on fault and damages. MedPay is usually a no-fault benefit under your own policy, designed to help with medical costs sooner and with less fighting about who caused the collision.

Key Requirements

• You must have MedPay on your policy: Not every North Carolina driver has it. The declarations page usually lists it as “Medical Payments” with a dollar limit.
• The expense must be accident-related: MedPay generally applies to reasonable medical treatment connected to injuries from the crash.
• You must be a covered person under the policy: Coverage often applies to the named insured and sometimes household family members and/or occupants, depending on the policy language.
• You must follow the policy’s claim process: Insurers typically require notice of the claim, medical documentation, and cooperation with reasonable requests for information.
• Payments are capped by the MedPay limit: MedPay is not unlimited; it pays up to the amount purchased.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Motor vehicle liability policy; required coverages) - Explains what coverages must be included in a North Carolina motor vehicle liability policy and confirms that policies may include additional lawful coverages beyond the required ones.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-280.4 (Financial responsibility for transportation network company drivers) - References “medical payments coverage” as a type of auto coverage that may be included or excluded in certain situations, showing it is a recognized category of coverage in North Carolina auto insurance.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the crash happened several months ago and your insurer is asking for a statement, it is a good time to confirm what coverages you bought—especially whether your declarations page shows “Medical Payments” (sometimes described informally as accident protection). If you do have MedPay, it may help pay qualifying medical bills tied to the collision up to your policy limit, even while the liability claim is still developing.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The injured person (or the policyholder) makes a MedPay claim. Where: Directly with the auto insurance company that issued the policy in North Carolina. What: Ask for a copy of the declarations page and request that a MedPay claim be opened; the insurer may provide its own claim forms and medical authorization forms. When: As soon as practical after you learn you may have MedPay, because delays can slow reimbursement and make it harder to gather records.
2. Document the expenses: Provide itemized bills and records that connect the treatment to the crash, and keep proof of what you paid out-of-pocket.
3. Coordinate with other coverage: If you also have health insurance, the order of payment and reimbursement issues can matter. In many cases, MedPay can help with deductibles, copays, or bills that are not promptly covered elsewhere, but the details depend on the policy and the provider’s billing practices.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Not everyone has MedPay: Many people assume it is automatic. It is often optional, so the declarations page matters.
• Recorded statements can be used to evaluate coverage and the injury claim: Your insurer may request a statement as part of investigating the claim. Be careful to be accurate and avoid guessing about speed, distances, or what you “must have” done.
• Coverage details vary by policy: Who is covered, what expenses qualify, and what documentation is required can differ based on the policy language and endorsements.
• Coordination and reimbursement issues: Payments from MedPay, health insurance, and a later settlement can interact. Handling bills without a plan can create disputes with providers or insurers later.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, accident protection is commonly another name for medical payments (MedPay) coverage under your own auto policy. If you purchased it, MedPay can pay certain crash-related medical expenses up to your policy limit, often without needing to prove the other driver was at fault. The practical next step is to get your declarations page and open a MedPay claim with your auto insurer promptly so you can submit medical bills and confirm what the policy will cover.

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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.