Gas Station Murders, Shootings, Robberies and Violent Criminal Attacks may be Preventable

Key to Gas Station Crime Lawsuits is the Foreseeability of the Attack.

Negligent Security expert witnesses commonly refer to gas stations as “crime magnets.”  Gas stations are usually open late at night and require patrons to get out of their unlocked cars in order to pump gas. Criminals prey on gas stations and gas station owners are aware of the danger their customers are in. This is referred to as 'foreseeability', which means the notice the gas station owner had, prior to the attack, of the potential of crime occurring on his property. Indicators of gas station criminal foreseeability include:

• Prior crimes that occurred at or near the gas station;

• The amount of prior crimes in the surrounding neighborhood, as per the crime grid;

• If installed security measures are out of order or nonfunctioning (i.e. a light is out or a fence is broken); and,

• The amount of security measures nearby gas stations are using to keep their customers safe.

The foreseeability of a gas station criminal attack is not something you can determine on your own. If you would like to investigate whether your gas station crime was foreseeable, speak with a negligent security lawyer today at 888.375.9998.

Preventing Gas Station Criminal Attacks

The following methods help prevent and deter crime at gas stations:

• Bright overhead lighting

• Security cameras

• Gas pumps in view of the gas station employee

• Adequate employees on site to supervise the gas station premises (at least 2 employees at the convenience store)

• A private security guard patrolling the property

• A pass through window for late night sales. Typically, these windows are made of polycarbonate and are bullet proof

Gas Station Security Laws

Due to the high crime statistics involving gas stations, many states require gas stations and convenience stores which remain open late at night to implement special security measures. Florida has a statute, commonly referred to as the Florida Convenience Store Statute, codified as Sect. 812.171, which requires convenience store owners and gas stations who operate between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to prevent foreseeable crimes. Additionally, if a violent crime occurs on the premises of the gas station (rape, murder, robbery, etc.), the Florida Convenience Store statute requires 'enhanced security measures'. Some examples of enhance security includes the hiring of a private security guard, hand pass through windows only at night, etc. Failure to abide by the convenience and gas station security law can result in a $5,000 fine, and violation of this statute can be evidence of liability and negligence in a civil gas station negligent security lawsuit.

Injured or Killed in a Gas Station Crime: Now What?

If you or a loved one was victimized through a preventable crime at a gas station, make sure to speak with a negligent security attorney to learn if your state has any enhanced security requirements for gas stations and convenience stores. Make sure to find a lawyer who has handled negligent security lawsuits in the past and one that will investigate your case for free. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and there are no attorneys fees or costs if you do not make a financial recovery.
Call us at 888.375.9998 for a free negligent security gas station lawsuit evaluation.

How do I Know Who Owns the Gas Station Where the Shooting Occurred? 

Gas stations are typically owned by shell corporations, in part, in an attempt to hide from any potential liability from a gas station shooting lawsuit. This is typically not a problem for an experience negligent security lawyer, as most gas stations carry plenty of insurance coverage. Once your lawyer places the negligent gas station on notice of the potential inadequate security claim, the gas station should provide their insurance dec sheet. On the dec sheet, your attorney should be able to determine which entity or entities own and operate the gas station. 

Speak with a Gas Station Attack Lawyer Now

Call us at 888.375.9998 or fill out the form below to evaluate your gas station crime victim lawsuit.