Understanding Insurance & Liability in North Carolina
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is: Who’s going to pay for all these medical bills? Between ambulance fees, ER visits, diagnostics, and follow-up care, the costs can add up quickly, especially if you don’t have immediate answers or coverage clarity.
The short answer? It depends on the type of insurance coverage involved, the circumstances of the accident, and whether another driver was at fault. Here's what you need to know, and why speaking with a personal injury attorney can help protect your rights.
Liability Insurance: The At-Fault Driver’s Responsibility
In North Carolina, auto insurance laws follow a fault-based system, which means the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for resulting damages, including your medical expenses.
If the other driver was at fault, their liability coverage should pay for your medical costs, but not upfront. Payment is typically made after a settlement is reached or a court awards damages. That means you may need to find a way to handle bills in the meantime.
What’s covered under liability insurance?
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Follow-up medical care
- Prescription medications
What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Coverage?
Unfortunately, many serious injuries exceed the minimum policy limits. In that case, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage from your own policy may kick in to cover the difference, if you have it.
UIM coverage isn’t required in North Carolina, but it’s strongly recommended. It protects you when the at-fault driver’s coverage falls short.
If the driver has no insurance at all, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may apply. All auto policies in North Carolina are required to include at least the minimum in UM coverage.
MedPay: Immediate Help for Your Medical Bills
Another option on your own policy is Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). This optional coverage helps pay for medical costs right away, regardless of who caused the accident.
MedPay can help cover:
- Ambulance transportation
- ER visits
- X-rays or MRIs
- Doctor follow-ups
Because it’s paid out quickly, MedPay is often a critical lifeline before liability is determined or a settlement is reached.
Can Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Bills?
Yes. Your private health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare may cover treatment after a crash. But you’ll want to check the fine print, many plans have subrogation clauses, which means they may seek reimbursement if you receive a settlement later.
Keep all explanations of benefits (EOBs) and payment records. These documents help your attorney negotiate with health insurers and ensure you aren’t paying more than necessary from your recovery.
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Medical Bills Right Away?
Hospitals and providers may send unpaid bills to collections, even while your legal claim is pending. This is why it’s important to:
- Communicate openly with providers
- Inform them if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim
- Ask about medical liens or delayed billing agreements
- Consult an attorney who can coordinate with providers on your behalf
Why You Should Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
While it may seem straightforward to file a claim, the reality is that insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your recovery. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Understand your coverage options
- Negotiate with insurers
- Coordinate medical bill payments and liens
- Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries
At Shankle Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of North Carolinians recover medical costs, lost wages, and more. Our goal is to make this process less overwhelming and to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Don’t Wait, Get the Answers You Need
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and aren’t sure how your medical bills will be paid, the team at Shankle Law Firm is here to help. Your first consultation is always free, and we’ll walk you through your options, no pressure, no obligations.
Call today or contact us online to speak with our team of Workers’ Compensation Specialists and experienced personal injury attorneys.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.