Gas stations are often busy, high-traffic businesses that operate late at night or around the clock. In many areas of Houston and throughout Texas, gas stations are located in neighborhoods with higher crime rates — and unfortunately, they are frequent locations for violent incidents such as robberies, assaults, and shootings.
Under Texas premises liability law, gas station owners and operators have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect customers from foreseeable harm. When that duty is ignored — and someone is injured or killed due to crime on the property — the gas station may be held legally responsible through a negligent security claim.
Why Are Gas Stations Common Locations for Crime?
Several factors make gas stations especially vulnerable to crime:
- 24-hour operation — open during late-night hours when crime risk increases
- Easy access to cash registers and convenience store items
- Isolated locations or poorly lit parking areas
- Customers distracted while pumping gas or using ATMs
- Lack of visible security presence
Because of these risks, gas station owners should take proactive security measures — particularly if prior crimes have occurred on or near the property.
What Security Measures Should Gas Stations Implement?
Gas station operators in high-crime areas should take a number of steps to protect customers and employees:
Adequate Lighting
Dark or poorly lit parking lots, pump areas, and entrances create opportunities for crime. Bright, consistent lighting is one of the most effective deterrents.
Security Cameras
Surveillance systems should cover:
- The store interior
- Fuel pump areas
- ATM locations
- Parking lots and entrances
Working cameras also provide critical evidence if a crime occurs.
Security Personnel
In high-crime areas or at night, gas stations should consider having trained security guards on-site or patrol services.
Visibility Into and Out of the Store
Windows should remain unobstructed so employees and customers can see their surroundings.
Controlled Access
Store entrances and exits should be well-marked and secure. Late-night service windows or locked doors can protect employees after dark.
Employee Training
Staff should be trained on:
- Responding to robberies or assaults
- De-escalation techniques
- Reporting suspicious behavior
- Emergency procedures
When Are Gas Stations Liable for Customer Injuries?
In Texas, a gas station may be held liable for injuries or death if:
- The crime was foreseeable (due to prior incidents or known crime rates).
- The gas station failed to take reasonable security measures.
- The lack of security directly contributed to the injury or crime.
Negligent security claims often arise after:
- Robberies at the pump or store entrance
- Assaults or shootings in parking lots
- Attacks near ATMs
- Carjackings or thefts
- Sexual assaults in secluded or dark areas
Compensation Available in a Negligent Security Lawsuit
Victims of violent crime at gas stations may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
What Should You Do After a Crime or Injury at a Gas Station?
If you were injured due to a violent crime or unsafe condition at a Texas gas station:
- Call the police and report the incident immediately.
- Seek medical attention.
- Obtain a copy of any incident report created by the gas station.
- Take photographs of the area, lighting, and any visible security cameras.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Contact an experienced premises liability attorney.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Help With Gas Station Negligent Security Claims
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims of crime and unsafe property conditions throughout Houston and across Texas. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a violent crime at a gas station, our team is ready to fight for your rights. We know how to investigate these claims, uncover evidence of negligent security, and pursue full compensation for our clients.
📞 Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. You owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Property owners must take safety seriously — and when they don’t, we are here to hold them accountable.