Woman Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash in Lexington County
Head-on crashes are a common source of car accident fatalities. Sadly, this situation led to fatality for one person in South Carolina.
The woman was killed on the morning of September 20 in a four-vehicle crash in Lexington County. The crash occurred on U.S. 378 near Tom Draft Circle in the Gilbert area, close to Lake Murray.
A Ford Fusion was traveling east on U.S. 378 when it crossed the center line and collided with three other vehicles. The vehicles involved were a Nissan Kicks, a Toyota Corolla, and a Ford Expedition.
A 50-year-old woman from Columbia was a passenger in the Ford Fusion. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
The drivers of the other vehicles were also injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment. Information about their conditions was not immediately available. It is unknown if the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the crash. It is unknown what caused the Ford Fusion to cross the center line.
Head-On and Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Crossing the center line can result in a head-on collision, which can be particularly dangerous because vehicles traveling in opposite directions may collide at significant combined speeds. When a vehicle then strikes additional cars, as occurred in this crash, the collision can involve multiple occupants and result in additional injuries.
The circumstances of a crash can be important when determining liability. Investigators may examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, witness statements, surveillance or dashcam footage, vehicle data and other evidence when determining how a collision occurred.
South Carolina has recorded at least 634 traffic deaths so far in 2026, according to state Department of Public Safety data. At least 914 people were killed in crashes across the state in 2025.
FAQs
Q: What causes a vehicle to cross the center line?
A: A vehicle may cross the center line for many reasons, including distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, speeding, mechanical problems, or losing control of the vehicle. Investigators typically examine the available evidence before determining what caused a crash.
Q: Who may be liable in a multi-vehicle accident?
A: Liability depends on the circumstances. The driver who caused the initial collision may be responsible for injuries and property damage. In some cases, multiple drivers or other parties could share responsibility.
Q: Can a passenger injured in a crash file a claim?
A: An injured passenger may be able to pursue compensation when another person’s negligence caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve the insurance coverage of the driver responsible for the collision.
Contact Us Today
Car accidents are sometimes minor, but they can be serious in an instant.
A car accident can result in long-term injuries and damages. Some even result in fatality. Get the financial and legal support you need from a Columbia car accident lawyer from Simmons Law Firm. Having us working on your behalf can be the difference between a lowball settlement and a recovery that actually reflects what you lost. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (803) 779-4600.
Source:
thestate.com/news/traffic/article317320802.html
