Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | September 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents can turn life upside down in an instant. Beyond the physical pain and emotional stress, one of the most pressing concerns for crash victims is how to handle mounting medical bills. From the ambulance ride to emergency care, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and prescriptions, the costs can add up quickly. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, you may be wondering: Who is responsible for paying my medical bills?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. North Carolina law provides multiple potential sources of coverage, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies involved. Let’s break it down.
REMEMBER: If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, talk with an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer today. We can help determine your best available legal options and, if you decide to hire us, fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free case review.
Immediate Responsibility for Medical Bills
One of the most important things to know is that you are ultimately responsible for your own medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. Hospitals, doctors, and other providers will bill you directly. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck paying out of pocket forever. Depending on the situation, you may be reimbursed by one or more insurance sources.
Potential Sources of Coverage
1. Your Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it will typically cover accident-related treatment (subject to your co-pays, deductibles, and coverage limits). Using your health insurance can help you get the care you need quickly, without waiting for liability disputes to resolve. Later, if another party is found at fault, your health insurer may place a lien on any settlement or recovery to reimburse what they paid.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (“MedPay”)
North Carolina drivers can purchase Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) as part of their auto insurance policy. MedPay can help pay for:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Necessary medical equipment
- Funeral expenses
MedPay is optional, but if you have it, it applies regardless of who was at fault for the crash. Coverage limits typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, though higher amounts may be available.
3. At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
North Carolina requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. Minimum limits were increased to these amounts effective July 1, 2025. If another driver caused your accident, their liability insurance may ultimately cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
However, keep in mind:
- The insurer does not pay your bills as they come in. Instead, payment comes as part of a settlement or jury verdict, which could take months or even years.
- If your medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, you may need to look to your own policies for additional coverage.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the driver who hit you is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries, you may be able to file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. This coverage is required in every North Carolina auto policy, and it can help cover your medical expenses when the other driver’s insurance falls short.
5. Workers’ Compensation (If You Were on the Job)
If you were driving for work at the time of the accident, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Talk with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer if you were injured while driving for work.
Challenges You May Face
Even when coverage is available, there are often obstacles:
- Insurance disputes: Liability insurers may argue over fault or the severity of your injuries.
- Coverage limits: High medical bills can quickly exhaust minimum policy limits.
- Medical liens: Health insurers, hospitals, and government programs (like Medicare or Medicaid) may file liens on your settlement.
- Timing: Medical bills are due immediately, but settlements can take months or years to resolve.
This is where having an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
FAQs: Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in NC?
Do I have to pay my medical bills if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Yes, you are initially responsible. However, you may later be reimbursed through MedPay, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or your UM/UIM coverage.
Will the at-fault driver’s insurance pay my bills directly?
No. They typically pay in a lump-sum settlement or verdict after liability is established. Until then, you’re responsible for paying your providers.
Should I use my health insurance after an accident?
Yes. It helps you get the care you need quickly, and your insurer can later seek reimbursement from any settlement.
What if my bills are more than the other driver’s insurance coverage?
You may be able to use your UM/UIM coverage, MedPay, or pursue other avenues of compensation.
Can I avoid collections while waiting for a settlement?
An attorney can often work with your medical providers to delay collections or arrange for bills to be paid directly out of your settlement.
Protecting Your Rights
Medical bills after a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. A skilled attorney can:
- Identify all available sources of insurance coverage
- Negotiate with providers to reduce bills and liens
- Handle communications with insurers
- Fight for a fair settlement that accounts for both current and future medical needs
Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, the bills shouldn’t be your burden to carry alone. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless North Carolinians secure the compensation they deserve after serious crashes. Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042