NC Resources for Accident Victims
Directory of NC resources for accident victims: medical care, legal aid, financial assistance, disability services, mental health, and transportation.
The Bottom Line
After a car accident in NC, you may need help with medical bills, legal questions, disability services, mental health, transportation, or basic financial needs. This directory compiles the most useful NC community resources in one place, organized by category, so you can find help quickly. Many of these services are free or low-cost. Print this page or bookmark it for reference.
Emergency and Immediate Help
NC 2-1-1 (United Way)
Phone: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone Website: nc211.org
NC 2-1-1 is a free, confidential helpline that connects you with local health and human services in your community. Trained specialists can help you find food assistance, housing, utility help, medical care, mental health services, transportation, and more. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish, with access to interpreters for other languages.
When to call: If you are overwhelmed after an accident and do not know where to start, 2-1-1 is the single best first call. They will assess your needs and connect you with specific local resources.
NC Crime Victims Compensation Program
Phone: 800-826-6200 Website: NC Victim Services
If your accident involved a crime (DUI, hit-and-run, reckless driving with charges), you may be eligible for up to $30,000 for medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and counseling. See our detailed guide on NC Crime Victims Compensation for eligibility and how to apply.
Medical Care
NC Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
NC has a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide medical care on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Even if you have no insurance and no ability to pay, FQHCs will see you. Services typically include primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.
There are over 40 FQHC organizations across NC with more than 300 service locations. To find one near you, visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or dial 2-1-1.
NC Medicaid
Phone: 888-245-0179 Website: medicaid.ncdhhs.gov Apply online: epass.nc.gov
Since NC expanded Medicaid in December 2023, adults ages 19-64 with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify for comprehensive medical coverage. Medicaid covers ER visits, surgery, specialists, prescriptions, mental health, rehabilitation, and more. See our detailed guide on NC Medicaid After a Car Accident.
NC Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
If you are enrolled in NC Medicaid, you can get free rides to medical appointments through the NEMT program. Transportation is coordinated through regional brokers. Schedule rides at least 3 business days in advance. Contact your regional NEMT broker or call NC Medicaid at 888-245-0179 for details.
Legal Help
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Phone: 866-219-5262 Website: legalaidnc.org
Statewide free legal services for low-income NC residents. While Legal Aid does not typically handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, they can provide legal advice, help with insurance disputes, assist with benefits applications, and refer you to appropriate attorneys. They also operate a network of legal clinics across the state.
NC Pro Bono Resource Center
Website: ncprobono.org
Connects low-income NC residents with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal services. The center coordinates pro bono efforts across the state and can help you find a lawyer willing to take your case at no charge.
Pisgah Legal Services (Western NC)
Phone: 828-253-0406 Website: pisgahlegal.org
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents in the 18 western NC counties. Services include help with benefits, housing, domestic violence, consumer issues, and immigration.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Phone: 704-376-1600 Website: charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Provides free legal services to low-income residents in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and surrounding counties. Focus areas include housing, public benefits, immigration, and community economic development.
NC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Phone: 919-677-8574 Website: ncbar.org
Get matched with an attorney who handles car accident cases in your area. The referral service can connect you with personal injury lawyers who offer free initial consultations and work on contingency fees (no upfront cost to you).
Financial Assistance
NC Emergency Assistance Program
Apply through: Your county Department of Social Services (DSS)
Emergency financial assistance for NC residents facing a crisis. Benefits can help with rent, utilities, and other essential needs. Eligibility is based on income and the nature of the emergency. Contact your county DSS or dial 2-1-1 to learn about emergency assistance in your area.
NC Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
Apply online: epass.nc.gov Apply in person: Your county DSS office
If your accident has reduced your income, you may qualify for food assistance. NC Food and Nutrition Services (the state's SNAP program) helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy food. Apply online through ePASS or at your county DSS.
Catholic Charities of NC
Website: catholiccharitiesraleigh.org
Provides emergency financial assistance, food pantries, housing help, and other social services regardless of religious affiliation. Multiple offices across NC.
Salvation Army NC
Website: salvationarmycarolinas.org
Emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs. The Salvation Army operates service centers throughout NC and provides assistance regardless of background.
Modest Needs
Website: modestneeds.org
Self-sufficiency grants for individuals and families who are temporarily in financial crisis but do not qualify for most government assistance programs. Grants help with emergency expenses to prevent a temporary crisis from becoming a long-term problem. Apply online.
Disability Services
NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Phone: 855-313-6287 Website: NC VR Services
Free vocational counseling, job training, assistive technology, and job placement for people with disabilities that affect their ability to work. If your accident injuries have changed your career path, NC VR can help you retrain and find new employment. See our detailed guide on NC Vocational Rehabilitation After an Accident.
NC Assistive Technology Program (NCATP)
Phone: 828-251-6876 Website: ncatp.org
Provides demonstrations, loans, and information about assistive technology devices that can help people with disabilities in daily life and at work. If you are unsure what adaptive equipment might help you, NCATP lets you try devices before purchasing.
Disability Rights NC
Phone: 877-235-4210 Website: disabilityrightsnc.org
Free legal advocacy for people with disabilities in NC. They can help with disability discrimination, access to services, Social Security disability issues, and protecting your rights. If you believe your disability rights are being violated by an employer, insurer, or government agency, Disability Rights NC can assist.
Brain Injury Association of NC (BIANC)
Phone: 800-377-1464 Website: bianc.net
Support, resources, and advocacy specifically for brain injury survivors and their families. Services include a helpline, support groups, resource navigation, and educational programs. If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, BIANC is an invaluable resource.
Mental Health
NC LME-MCOs (Regional Mental Health Authorities)
North Carolina has seven regional LME-MCOs (Local Management Entities-Managed Care Organizations) that coordinate mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual/developmental disability services. Your LME-MCO is determined by the county you live in.
| LME-MCO | Region | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Health | Central NC (Wake, Durham, Cumberland, Johnston, and surrounding counties) | 800-510-9132 | alliancehealthplan.org |
| Cardinal Innovations | Piedmont Triad (Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly, and surrounding counties) | 800-939-5911 | cardinalinnovations.org |
| Eastpointe | Southeastern NC (Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, and surrounding counties) | 800-913-6109 | eastpointe.net |
| Partners Health Management | Western NC (Buncombe, Burke, Henderson, McDowell, and surrounding counties) | 888-235-4673 | partnersbhm.org |
| Sandhills Center | Sandhills region (Guilford, Randolph, Richmond, Lee, Harnett, and surrounding counties) | 800-256-2452 | sandhillscenter.org |
| Trillium Health Resources | Eastern NC (Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pitt, and surrounding counties) | 877-685-2415 | trilliumhealthresources.org |
| Vaya Health | Western NC (Avery, Haywood, Madison, Watauga, and surrounding counties) | 800-849-6127 | vfrn.org |
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -- Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support (available 24/7)
- NC Crisis Line -- Contact your regional LME-MCO (numbers above) for local crisis services, including mobile crisis teams
- Crisis Text Line -- Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling via text
Transportation
If your accident injuries prevent you from driving, these NC transportation resources can help you get to medical appointments, work, and essential errands.
Regional Transit Systems
| System | Area Served | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoTriangle | Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) | 919-485-7433 | gotriangle.org |
| CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) | Charlotte metro area | 704-336-7433 | ridetransit.org |
| WAVE Transit | Wilmington area | 910-343-0106 | wavetransit.com |
| PART (Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation) | Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) | 336-662-0002 | partnc.org |
Other Transportation Options
- NC Medicaid NEMT -- Free rides to medical appointments for Medicaid members (see Medical Care section above)
- County community transportation -- Most NC counties operate local transportation services for residents who cannot drive. Contact your county DSS or dial 2-1-1 for local options.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transportation -- Free rides to VA medical facilities for veterans. Contact your local VA or DAV chapter.
Housing
NC Housing Finance Agency
Phone: 919-877-5700 Website: nchfa.com
The NC Housing Finance Agency administers programs that can help with accessible home modifications if your accident injuries require changes to your living space (ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms). They also administer down payment assistance and affordable housing programs.
NC Emergency Assistance (Housing)
Emergency rental and utility assistance is available through your county DSS office. If your accident has caused a financial crisis that threatens your housing, contact your county DSS or dial 2-1-1 for immediate help.
Quick Reference: Which Resource for Which Need
| Your Need | Best First Contact |
|---|---|
| Do not know where to start | Dial 2-1-1 (NC United Way helpline) |
| Cannot afford medical care | NC Medicaid (888-245-0179) or find an FQHC |
| Need a ride to the doctor | NC Medicaid NEMT or your regional transit system |
| Need free legal help | Legal Aid of NC (866-219-5262) |
| Need a personal injury lawyer | NC Bar Association (919-677-8574) |
| Victim of DUI or hit-and-run | NC Crime Victims Compensation (800-826-6200) |
| Cannot return to previous job | NC Vocational Rehabilitation (855-313-6287) |
| Need mental health support | Your regional LME-MCO or call 988 |
| Need food assistance | Apply at epass.nc.gov or your county DSS |
| Need help with rent or utilities | Your county DSS or dial 2-1-1 |
| Need assistive technology | NCATP (828-251-6876) |
| Brain injury support | BIANC (800-377-1464) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free help after a car accident in NC?
NC offers many free resources for accident victims. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with United Way's helpline for local services. Legal Aid of NC (866-219-5262) provides free legal assistance for low-income residents. NC Medicaid covers medical care for eligible adults. The NC Crime Victims Compensation Program provides up to $30,000 for victims of DUI and hit-and-run accidents. NC Vocational Rehabilitation provides free job training for people with disabilities.
How do I get free legal help for a car accident in NC?
Several organizations offer free legal help in NC. Legal Aid of North Carolina (866-219-5262) serves low-income residents statewide. Pisgah Legal Services covers western NC. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy serves the Charlotte area. The NC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (919-677-8574) can connect you with attorneys. Most personal injury lawyers also offer free initial consultations and work on contingency fees.
What mental health resources are available after a car accident in NC?
NC has seven regional LME-MCOs (Local Management Entities-Managed Care Organizations) that coordinate mental health services: Alliance Health, Cardinal Innovations, Eastpointe, Partners Health Management, Sandhills Center, Trillium Health Resources, and Vaya Health. For a crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or your local LME-MCO crisis line. NC Medicaid also covers mental health treatment for eligible adults.
How can I get to medical appointments if I cannot drive after an accident?
NC Medicaid provides free Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for enrolled members. Regional transit systems include GoTriangle (Triangle area), CATS (Charlotte), WAVE Transit (Wilmington), and PART (Piedmont region). Many counties also have community transportation services. Dial 2-1-1 for transportation resources in your specific area.