Most people associate grocery store injuries with a slip and fall accident inside the store, on wet floors, tripping hazards, or uneven surfaces. But what if the danger isn’t inside the store? What if a grocery store’s negligence causes a car accident in the parking lot or adjacent roadway? It’s a question more people are asking: Can you sue if a grocery store spillage causes a car accident in Nevada?
The short answer: Yes, under certain conditions. Nevada’s premises liability laws allow injured individuals to pursue a personal injury lawsuit when a store’s failure to exercise reasonable care leads to injury.
This article explains your rights under Nevada law, what makes a valid personal injury claim, and why speaking to a knowledgeable attorney is key to getting the financial compensation you deserve.
Understanding Legal Duty and Premises Liability in Nevada
In all personal injury cases, including those involving fall accidents, car accidents, or dog bites, the legal foundation is based on negligence. To win a personal injury lawsuit, the injury victim must demonstrate that the defendant—in this case, the grocery store—violated their legal duty of care.
In Nevada, property owners like retail stores and store owners are legally required to keep their premises safe. This includes the inside of the store, walkways, loading areas, and even parking lots.
Failing to clean up spillage, address slippery floors, or conduct regular inspections can create hazardous conditions that lead to resulting injuries, from falls to car accidents.
When such conditions are ignored, the injured party can file a premises liability claim or personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages
You may find advice on avoiding slip and falls in grocery store, but there isn’t reliable advice on how to avoid car accidents. This is because it is not in the hands of the driver, but rather the grocery store owner in most cases.
Common Hazards That Can Cause Car Accidents
While falling objects, slippery floors, and inadequate lighting inside the store are well-known dangers, grocery store spillage in or around the parking lot can also cause serious accidents. Examples include:
- A leaking dumpster causing slippery conditions
- A fallen product or wet floor near a loading dock
- Spillage from deliveries spreading onto adjacent roads
- Tripping hazards like improperly placed signage or debris near traffic lanes
In such cases, if an accident occurs, victims may be able to prove that the grocery store failed to meet its legal obligations, especially if it did not post warning signs or conduct regular inspections to identify and fix the issue.
Even a grocery store slip and fall accident causing traumatic brain injury can be challenged, so your car accident claim will also be valid.
The Four Elements of Negligence
To succeed in your premises liability or personal injury case, you must establish the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care – The store owner had a legal duty to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of Duty – The store failed to act as a reasonable person would in maintaining safety.
- Causation – The accident was directly caused by the breach.
- Damages – You suffered injury, medical expenses, lost wages, or other losses.
A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you build a compelling case by collecting medical records, photographic evidence, witness statements, and store inspection logs.
Injuries That May Result from Grocery Store Negligence
If a car accident is caused by a store’s failure to maintain safe conditions, it can lead to a range of serious injuries, such as:
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal damage (SPI) or herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or catastrophic injuries
- Internal injuries requiring ongoing medical care
Whether you were a driver, pedestrian, or another party affected by the accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim under Nevada law.
What Types of Compensation Can You Pursue?
Victims of car accidents or fall accidents caused by grocery store negligence may be eligible for:
- Medical costs related to the injury
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Repairs for property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Non-economic damages like anxiety or diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages in cases of gross or intentional misconduct
The key is to seek medical attention right away, document all expenses, and speak to a Las Vegas personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
How Nevada Law Supports Injury Victims
Under Nevada law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to the statute of limitations. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to recover compensation, even if your case is valid.
Nevada courts also use a comparative negligence model, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
What Evidence Helps Prove Your Case?
Winning your personal injury lawsuit depends on your ability to prove negligence. Essential forms of evidence include:
- Medical records and medical bills
- Photographs of the hazardous conditions
- Store surveillance footage
- Incident reports or logs
- Statements from witnesses or employees
- Proof of lost wages
- Documentation of medical attention and follow-up care
Your attorney can subpoena internal store records, investigate inspection routines, and demonstrate how the retail store failed to meet its legal duty to prevent potential hazards.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
While it’s technically possible to represent yourself in a personal injury case, the chances of a favorable outcome increase significantly with a skilled personal injury attorney on your side.
An experienced car accident lawyer can:
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Accurately assess your damages, including non-economic damages
- Collect, organize, and present evidence persuasively
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
Especially in cities like Las Vegas, where fall cases and premises liability claims are frequently contested by large corporate legal teams, having a law firm behind you is essential.
Steps to Take After a Spillage-Related Car Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
- Document everything: take photos, write down what happened, and gather contact info for witnesses.
- Ask the police for an official accident report.
- Do not accept early settlement offers from insurance companies without legal advice.
- Schedule a free consultation with a qualified car accident personal injury lawyer to understand your options.
Conclusion: Can You Sue if a Grocery Store Spillage Causes a Car Accident in Nevada?
Yes, under the right circumstances, you can sue if a grocery store’s spillage or failure to maintain safety caused a car accident in Nevada. Whether due to wet floors, poor store maintenance, or failure to warn drivers of dangerous conditions, stores can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
With help from an experienced car accident attorney, you can navigate the legal steps necessary to pursue a personal injury claim, recover medical costs, lost wages, and gain access to the financial compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Bourassa Law Group Today for a Free Consultation
At Bourassa Law Group, we fight for injury victims across Nevada, including Las Vegas, who have suffered due to another party’s negligence. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a fall accident, or any injury caused by a grocery store’s negligence, our personal injury attorneys are ready to help.
We’ll walk you through your legal options, help you prove negligence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today—let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.
1-800-870-8910