If a rear-end crash in Michigan caused lower back pain, you may sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and excess economic losses if your injury meets Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” rule. You can also claim No-Fault (PIP) benefits for medical bills and lost wages.
Car accident rear ended lower back pain cases can range from muscle strains to herniated discs, nerve pain, and fractures. If you’re in pain after this kind of crash, it’s important to understand how Michigan’s No-Fault system works, what the lawsuit threshold requires, key deadlines, what evidence makes your case stronger, and what affects settlement value.
Rear-end cases can get complicated fast. Evidence disappears, insurance companies downplay lumbar injuries as “soft tissue,” and missing a deadline can end your claim. A Michigan auto accident lawyer can protect your rights right away by preserving evidence, guiding you through PIP, valuing your case, and fighting for full compensation.
What is lower back pain after a rear-end collision?
Lower back pain after a rear-end crash often comes from lumbar strains and sprains caused by the body whipping forward and back. More serious injuries are also common, including:
- Herniated or bulging discs – Discs can tear or push out and press on nerves, causing sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs
- Nerve compression (sciatica) – Swelling or disc problems can pinch the sciatic nerve, sending pain down one or both legs
- Spinal fractures – A hard jolt or extreme bending can break vertebrae
- Facet joint injuries and instability – Damage to joints and ligaments can cause lasting pain during movement
Getting diagnosed early matters. Some injuries take days to show. Seeing a doctor right away helps with treatment and links the injury to the crash.
What to do if your lower back hurts after a crash
If your lower back hurts after a crash, take these steps:
Seek medical attention immediately
Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor, even if the pain seems mild. Early imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, or EMG if needed) can find fractures, disc injuries, or nerve damage and start your treatment plan.
Document everything
Keep a journal about pain levels, sleep problems, trouble moving, and missed activities. Save
bills, prescriptions, work slips, mileage logs, and receipts for braces or devices. Take photos of
bruises or changes in posture.
Follow your treatment plan
Go to all appointments and therapy sessions. Do your home exercises and follow any restrictions. Skipping care gives insurance companies a reason to say you’re not really hurt or made it worse yourself.
Report the injury to insurance
Tell your auto insurer and the other driver’s insurance company. Stick to the facts. Don’t guess
about fault or minimize your pain. Keep notes on all calls and letters.
File your No-Fault application
Send in the written No-Fault (PIP) benefits application within one year of the crash (MCL 500.3145). If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to PIP benefits like medical bills and wage loss.
Consult an experienced lawyer early
A lawyer can figure out your coverage, coordinate benefits, send letters to preserve evidence,
gather medical and crash records, calculate future losses, and help you avoid a low settlement
while you focus on recovery.
Can I sue for pain and suffering for lower back pain after a crash?
You may sue the negligent driver for noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress) and excess economic damages (medical bills and wage loss not covered by PIP). To recover this type of damages, you must prove a “serious impairment of body function” under MCL 500.3135, i.e., an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life. Medical evidence such as imaging, specialist notes, EMG findings, and functional limits, often determines whether this threshold is met.
What influences a lower-back pain settlement after a rear-end collision?
Many things can affect your settlement, such as:
- Injury severity – Herniated discs with nerve pain, fractures, or surgeries raise case value
- Medical records – Consistent records, imaging, and specialist opinions make your case stronger
- Life impact – Trouble lifting kids, working, or enjoying hobbies shows how your life changed
- Wage loss – Time off work or lasting limits increase economic damages
- Pain and suffering – Your credibility, treatment length, and daily struggles affect value
- Comparative negligence – Rare in rear-end crashes, but if you’re partly at fault, your recovery is reduced
- Insurance coverage – Policy limits and your UM/UIM coverage may raise or lower available funds
- Evidence quality – Photos, crash data, and strong legal advocacy can increase settlement
- Local trends – Some counties and judges may be more or less generous in back injury cases
What is the average settlement for lower back pain after a crash?
Every case is different, but here are some general trends:
- Minor strains or sprains that heal fast – Usually limited to medical costs and short-term wage loss
- Moderate injuries (like confirmed disc problems, months of therapy, injections) – Higher payouts for ongoing pain and limits
- Serious or permanent injuries (surgery, lasting nerve pain, permanent limits) – Larger settlements that cover future care, lost earnings, and major pain and suffering
Instead of aiming for an “average” settlement, focus on fully documenting your injury and showing how it affects your life.
How can a lawyer help me after a rear-end crash with lower back pain?
Insurance companies often call back injuries “soft tissue” and try to settle fast and cheap before you know the full damage. A skilled Michigan auto accident lawyer can:
- Preserve crash evidence and black box data
- Coordinate PIP and health insurance so treatment continues
- Track legal deadlines and billing windows
- Bring in the right medical and job experts
- Estimate future care and lost earnings
- Negotiate fair settlements or file a lawsuit when needed
Getting an attorney early helps protect your rights, avoid mistakes, and get the full recovery you
deserve.