Passenger Hurt in Side-Impact Crash on Gateway Corporate Blvd in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC (July 4, 2026) – A 66-year-old woman riding as a passenger was hurt on Saturday morning, July 4, after the vehicle she was in was struck on the passenger side on Gateway Corporate Boulevard in Columbia. 

The woman reported a cut to her right hand and pain following the crash. She was transported to a Columbia hospital for further treatment.

No further details about the circumstances of the crash or the identities of those involved were confirmed by authorities in the initial report on the accident. The investigation remains ongoing.

We hope the woman makes a full and smooth recovery.

Can a Passenger File a Personal Injury Claim After a Side-Impact Crash in Columbia, SC?

Yes, a passenger hurt in a side-impact crash in Columbia can file a personal injury claim under South Carolina law, and their legal options are generally broader than those of the drivers involved because passengers are typically not considered at fault for causing the collision.

Under South Carolina's fault-based insurance system, a passenger may be able to pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash, from the driver of the vehicle they were riding in if that driver also contributed to the collision, or potentially from both, depending on how fault is ultimately determined.

This means a passenger's path to compensation can involve more than one potential source of recovery, making early legal guidance especially valuable in understanding all available options.

Side-impact crashes, sometimes called T-bone collisions, can cause serious physical harm to the occupant on the struck side of the vehicle, as the door and frame of a car offer considerably less protection than the front or rear.

Injuries such as fractures, soft tissue damage, and internal trauma can result from a side impact, and for an older adult, even injuries that initially seem relatively minor, such as hand cuts and general pain, can carry a greater risk of complications or longer recovery times. Seeking a thorough medical evaluation and consistent follow-up care helps ensure that any underlying injuries are identified and treated promptly.

Aside from the immediate medical considerations, South Carolina's modified comparative fault rules mean that even if a passenger is not at fault for a crash, the claims process may still involve disagreements about which driver bears primary responsibility, which can affect the source and amount of compensation available.

A car accident lawyer may be able to assist a passenger in navigating these questions, identifying all applicable insurance coverage, and ensuring that any settlement reached reflects the full extent of their injuries and losses as an innocent party in the collision.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we help injured people in Columbia and nearby South Carolina communities after serious crashes. Our team reviews your case carefully and explains the legal options available based on the facts.

If you have questions about your next steps after a crash, contact The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645. A consultation with our team can help you understand your options and protect your claim.

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.