Pickup Truck Kills Pedestrian in Hit-and-Run on Decker Blvd in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC (August 10, 2026) – A pedestrian was struck and killed Saturday night, August 8, by a pickup truck that fled the scene on Decker Boulevard in Richland County.

The crash happened around 9:09 p.m. near Joye Circle, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The green pickup was traveling north on Decker Boulevard when it struck the pedestrian and did not stop.

Investigators have not yet determined the truck's make or model, but say it may have front-end damage. The pedestrian's identity has not been released.

Troopers continue working to identify the vehicle and locate its driver. 

Our condolences go out to the victim's family during this painful time.

Legal Questions That Arise After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Columbia, SC

Fatal hit-and-run crashes that involve pedestrians are a persistent concern along busy Columbia corridors, where foot traffic often crosses paths with fast-moving vehicles. Decker Boulevard itself sees heavy commercial traffic throughout the day and night, conditions that can make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially after dark.

Families who lose a loved one this way tend to face funeral and burial costs, the sudden loss of that person's income and support, and the emotional weight of not knowing who was responsible. When a driver flees, uninsured motorist coverage on the victim's own policy can sometimes come into play if the driver is never found.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a claim can still move forward as long as the pedestrian is not found more than 50 percent at fault for what happened. 

Wrongful death claims in the state generally must be filed within three years, and a wrongful death lawyer can guide families to help them understand how that deadline applies once more facts come to light. Hit-and-run cases can hinge on locating the driver, so legal guidance can help clarify what options exist even before an arrest is made.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we recognize how difficult it is to lose a family member this way, especially when answers are still unclear. We are open to talk through with families facing this kind of loss to explain legal options available under South Carolina law. 

If you'd like to learn more, you can call The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645. We are here to help whenever you are ready to talk.

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.