Many gas stations are usually well-lit and have security cameras. However, even the best-run gas stations can sometimes be the site of accidents due to factors like slippery floors, cluttered aisles, and careless employees. Gas station accidents can leave you with serious injuries that require expensive medical treatment and time away from work. If you're a victim of such an incident, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to pay for your losses. Here are three factors they'll examine when establishing negligence.
The Condition of the Property
The first thing your lawyer will look at is the condition of the gas station property itself. Were there any obvious hazards like a wet floor or cluttered aisle? Did the station have proper signage warning of potential risks? If all these were present and you still slipped and fell, the gas station may not be liable. But, if the floor was recently mopped and there were no signs warning of a wet floor, the station is likely to be found negligent. A personal injury lawyer will find out if the gas station knew about a hazard on their property and took steps to fix it or if they knew about it and did nothing. If they knew and did nothing, they'll sue them and ensure you get compensated.
The Actions of the Employees
The behavior of employees at a gas station can play a role in an accident. Because they handle hazardous materials, they should pay attention to whatever is happening around them. If they believe that a customer is intoxicated or behaving in a way that could lead to an accident, they should take any appropriate actions. They should also clean up any gasoline that spills on the floor and ensure that the area is well-lit to prevent slips and falls. A personal injury lawyer will investigate employee behavior at the station and determine if they took the proper precautions. If they didn't, they'll file a lawsuit against them and the gas station.
Witness Statements
Witness statements can also be helpful in determining whether the gas station was negligent in causing your accident. Your lawyer will speak to any witnesses who saw your accident and collect their statements. For example, if a witness saw the gas station employee failing to clean up a spill, this could be used as evidence against the station. These lawyers will also look at any surveillance footage of the accident to find out what caused it.
If you're a victim of a gas station accident, don't hesitate to hire a personal injury lawyer. They'll help you get a favorable settlement by examining these factors of negligence. With them by your side, you have a much higher chance of success.
