Why Bollards Are No Longer Optional: What the $91M 7-Eleven Case Means for Property Owners

Quality Paving Builds Trust. And today, that trust includes protecting people from risks many property owners have historically overlooked.

A recent $91 million settlement involving 7-Eleven has sent a clear message across the commercial property industry: Vehicle-into-building crashes are no longer considered rare accidents—they are foreseeable risks that demand proactive safety measures.

For property owners, managers, and asset groups across Southern California, this case changes the conversation around parking lot design and liability.

(Voyagers Bible Church, Irvine)

The Shift in Liability: From Accident to Accountability

In the Chicago case, a driver accidentally accelerated into a storefront, causing catastrophic injury. While the driver caused the crash, the lawsuit focused on something deeper:

Could the property owner have prevented it?

The answer—at least in the eyes of the court—was yes.

Evidence showed thousands of similar crashes across retail locations nationwide. That made the risk predictable. Because of that:

• The hazard was considered foreseeable

• The property owner had a duty of care

• The lack of protective barriers was seen as negligence

The takeaway:

If a risk is known and preventable, property owners can be held financially responsible—even if they didn’t cause the incident.

Why Bollards Are Now Critical Infrastructure

Bollards are no longer just optional add-ons—they are becoming a first line of defense against liability.
Here’s why:

1. They Protect Lives

Storefront crashes often occur in high pedestrian zones—entryways, walkways, and outdoor seating areas. Bollards physically stop vehicles before they reach people.

2. They Reduce Legal Exposure

With thousands of documented incidents nationwide, vehicle crashes are now considered a known hazard.
Failing to install protective barriers—especially in high-risk areas—can be interpreted as:

• Failure to act on known risks

• Negligent property management

• Grounds for significant liability claims

3. They Demonstrate Duty of Care

Courts look for evidence that property owners took reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Installing bollards shows:

• Proactive risk management

• Commitment to tenant and customer safety

• Alignment with evolving industry standards

4. They Protect Your Investment

Beyond liability, a single crash can cause:

• Structural damage

• Business interruption

• Tenant dissatisfaction

• Insurance complications

Bollards are a relatively small investment compared to the cost of one incident.

5. They Are Increasingly Expected

Even if not explicitly required by code, bollards are becoming an industry expectation—especially for:

• Convenience stores

• Retail centers

• Restaurants

• High-traffic commercial properties

Today, it’s not just about compliance—it’s about risk awareness. 

Where Bollards Matter Most

High-risk areas we regularly identify include:

• Storefronts with head-in parking

• Entrances and exits

• Sidewalks directly adjacent to parking stalls

• Outdoor seating areas

• High-traffic pedestrian zones

What This Means for Southern California Property Owners

In a region like Southern California—where:

• Traffic density is high

• Retail centers are heavily utilized

• Liability exposure is significant

Ignoring this risk is no longer a safe option.

The 7-Eleven case is likely just the beginning. Courts are signaling a broader expectation:

Property owners must actively evaluate and mitigate foreseeable risks—not react after incidents occur.

How Empire Parking Lot Services Can Help

At Empire Parking Lot Services, we don’t just pave parking lots—we help property owners protect their assets, tenants, and customers.

Our team can:

• Evaluate your property for vehicle impact risk

• Recommend bollard placement and layout

• Integrate safety solutions into paving and repair projects

• Deliver clean, professional installations aligned with your site design

Take Action Before It Becomes a Liability

If your property has parking directly in front of pedestrian areas or storefronts, now is the time to act.
Let’s assess your risk and build a safer, more secure property.

Empire Parking Lot Services brings decades of experience, professionalism, and care to every project. Let us help you improve your property—without disrupting your residents or your peace of mind.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a site visit.

Empire Parking Lot Services
Quality Paving Builds Trust.