Columbia, SC — March 12, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred Wednesday morning on I-126.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of March 12th. According to official reports, a vehicle was travelling on I-126 near Elmwood when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway and drove off a bridge and crashed into the ground where it caught fire.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained critical injuries and transported them to the hospital. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of the driver's injuries or what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators take every step necessary to determine what really happened. A vehicle leaving the roadway, driving off a bridge, and catching fire is not something that happens without cause. While some might assume driver error, experience has taught me that these incidents are often more complicated than they initially appear. To get to the truth, there are three critical questions that need to be asked.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Reports indicate that the vehicle left the roadway “for unknown reasons,” which suggests that there is no obvious explanation. Did the driver swerve to avoid something? Were there hazardous road conditions, a mechanical issue, or even another vehicle involved that left the scene? Given the severity of the crash, investigators should be reconstructing the scene, interviewing potential witnesses, and examining all possible contributing factors. If authorities lack the resources or expertise to conduct a comprehensive investigation, an independent review may be necessary.

The second question that is often overlooked is whether a vehicle defect could have played a role. A sudden loss of steering, braking failure, or unintended acceleration could explain why the vehicle veered off the road. Additionally, since the crash resulted in a fire, it’s critical to examine whether a fuel system or electrical defect contributed to or worsened the situation. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely investigated unless someone pushes for it, and if the vehicle is not preserved, crucial evidence could be lost.

Finally, we have to ask whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. The vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) may hold critical information about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance cameras from nearby roads, dashcams from other vehicles, or GPS data from the driver’s phone could provide a clearer picture of what happened. However, this evidence won’t be available forever, and if authorities don’t secure it quickly, it may be lost for good.

At the end of the day, crashes like this leave those affected searching for answers. A thorough investigation isn’t just about assigning responsibility—it’s about making sure every possible factor is considered so that the truth can come to light. The least we can do is ensure that no evidence is overlooked and that those impacted get the clarity they deserve.