Do I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for My Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, medical bills after a crash can come from two main sources: your own health insurance (including MedPay) and the at-fault driver’s auto policy. If you carry health insurance, your provider typically pays first under your policy terms. Once your health insurer pays, you can pursue repayment of any deductible or co-pay from the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you have MedPay through your auto policy, it can cover your medical costs regardless of fault—up to the limit you selected. MedPay does not require a deductible and applies whether you ride in your vehicle or a friend’s car. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, any fault you share could bar recovery. That makes accurate documentation and timely notice critical. Notify both your health insurer and the at-fault driver’s auto insurer promptly. Keep detailed records of all treatments—doctor visits, hospital stays, chiropractic sessions and physical therapy.

• File claims with your health insurer immediately to avoid late-filed penalties.
• Use MedPay benefits on your auto policy to cover up-front medical costs.
• Document every treatment: date, provider, diagnosis, treatment notes.
• Send medical records and bills to the at-fault driver’s insurer for reimbursement.
• Watch North Carolina’s strict contributory-fault rule: even 1% fault may block recovery.

After a collision, many people need extended chiropractic and physical therapy (PT) sessions to recover. In North Carolina, you can pursue payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer for all reasonable, related treatment. To do this, get a clear treatment plan from each provider stating the projected number of visits and medical necessity. Submit those plans and progress reports to the at-fault insurer to justify ongoing care. You should also stay current on medical records. Each treatment note should show your symptoms, the provider’s findings, and the care prescribed. Keep copies of all bills, receipts, and summaries. If the at-fault insurer disputes your care, ask your provider for a letter of medical necessity outlining why chiropractic or PT is required to reach maximum recovery.

• Obtain a written treatment plan with the number of expected visits.
• Collect detailed progress notes after each session.
• Submit bills and medical reports to the at-fault insurer regularly.
• Request a medical necessity letter if the insurer questions treatment.
• Watch statute of limitations—file suit within three years for personal injury.