Supermarket Car Park Accident Claims: Slips, Trips and Falls Outside the Store
An accident in a supermarket car park can be just as serious as one inside the store — and it may also be claimable. If you slipped, tripped or fell in the car park because of a hazard that should have been dealt with, you may be able to claim compensation. These claims carry one extra question, though: who was actually responsible for the area where you were hurt?
Can I claim for an accident in a supermarket car park?
Yes — you may be able to. The car park is part of the premises that a supermarket (or whoever controls it) is responsible for keeping reasonably safe. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, the occupier owes a duty of care to lawful visitors, and that duty does not stop at the shop doors. Whether a particular accident leads to a successful claim depends on the circumstances and the evidence.
Who is responsible — the supermarket or the car park operator?
This is the key difference between car park claims and accidents inside the store. Responsibility rests with whoever controls and maintains the area, and that is not always the supermarket. Depending on the site, the correct party might be:
- the supermarket itself, where it owns and runs the car park;
- a third-party car park operator contracted to manage and maintain it;
- a landlord or landowner responsible for a shared retail park area; or
- a local authority, where the accident happened on adjoining public land.
Identifying the correct occupier is part of investigating the claim. Signage at the entrance often names the operator, which is one reason to photograph it.
Common supermarket car park hazards
| Hazard | Why it may support a claim |
|---|---|
| Potholes & uneven surfaces | A defect that should have been found and repaired through reasonable inspection. |
| Ice & snow | Foreseeable winter hazards that reasonable gritting or inspection might have addressed. |
| Stray trolleys & trolley bays | Trolleys left in walkways or poorly managed bays creating a trip hazard. |
| Poor lighting | Inadequate lighting that hides a hazard a visitor could not reasonably see. |
| Unmarked ramps & kerbs | Changes in level without markings or warnings. |
| Oil, diesel or spillages | Slippery substances left long enough that reasonable checks should have caught them. |
Duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957
The occupier must take reasonable care to see that visitors are reasonably safe for the purpose for which they are invited onto the premises. In an outdoor car park, what is “reasonable” takes account of the conditions — for example, a sensible gritting and inspection routine in freezing weather, and a system for spotting and repairing surface defects. The duty is to take reasonable steps, not to guarantee that no accident can ever happen.
What to do immediately after a car park accident
- Report the accident to staff and ask for it to be recorded in the accident book.
- Photograph the exact hazard, with something for scale and a recognisable landmark.
- Note the weather and lighting conditions at the time.
- Photograph any signage — including who operates the car park.
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Keep the footwear you were wearing, unwashed.
- Seek medical attention so your injuries are documented.
- Request CCTV footage in writing as soon as possible.
Evidence that strengthens a car park claim
- photographs of the hazard, the surrounding area and any signage;
- the accident report from the store or operator;
- CCTV footage requested promptly before it is overwritten;
- witness contact details and accounts;
- medical records linking your injuries to the fall; and
- receipts and records of any financial losses.
What the supermarket may argue
It helps to understand the likely defence. An occupier or operator may argue that the car park is run by a different company, that the hazard was temporary and they had no reasonable opportunity to deal with it, that they had a proper inspection or gritting system in place, or that you were not paying reasonable attention to where you were walking. These points are part of why evidence about how long the hazard was present, and what systems were in place, can matter so much.
How much compensation could you receive?
The amount depends on the type and severity of your injury and its effect on your life and finances. Compensation in personal injury claims is assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines as a starting point, alongside your specific losses. Because every case is different, no figure can be promised in advance — the amount depends on the circumstances and the evidence. You can read more on our compensation payouts guide.
How to start a No Win No Fee claim
Most supermarket injury claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you do not pay upfront legal costs to begin. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation (capped by law); if it does not succeed, you normally do not pay your solicitor’s fees, subject to the terms of your agreement. For the full step-by-step process and time limits, see our guide on how to make a supermarket accident claim.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible if the car park is run by a separate company?
It depends on who controls and maintains the area where you were injured. Sometimes it is the supermarket, and sometimes a third-party car park operator or the landowner. Part of investigating a claim is identifying the correct occupier responsible for that part of the site.
Can I claim if I slipped on ice in a supermarket car park?
You may be able to. The occupier is expected to take reasonable steps to manage foreseeable winter hazards, which can include gritting and inspection. Whether a claim succeeds depends on what was reasonable in the circumstances and on the evidence available.
What if there were no warning signs?
An absence of warning signs can be relevant, but signs alone do not decide a claim. The key questions are whether the hazard existed, whether the occupier knew or ought to have known about it, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm.
Can I claim if I tripped on a pothole?
Possibly. A pothole or uneven surface that the occupier knew about, or should have found through reasonable inspection, and failed to repair may support a claim. The length of time the defect was present is often important.
Is there CCTV in supermarket car parks?
Many supermarket car parks have CCTV, though coverage varies. Footage can be valuable evidence, so it is sensible to request it in writing as soon as possible, as it is often overwritten within a short period.
How long do I have to make a car park accident claim?
In most cases the time limit for a personal injury claim in England and Wales is three years from the date of the accident. Different rules apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity. It is best to seek advice well before the deadline.
Check if your car park accident is claimable
Tell us where in the car park it happened and we’ll let you know whether you may be able to claim — free of charge and with no obligation. Handled by regulated UK solicitors on a No Win No Fee basis.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Eligibility to claim and any compensation depend on the individual circumstances and the evidence. Time limits apply to personal injury claims.