South Carolina roads have seen far too many tragedies and the weekend of July 20, 2025, was no exception. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Marisela Gaither, a 48-year-old resident of Winnsboro, South Carolina, was killed in a devastating single-vehicle accident late Saturday night in Newberry County. If you or a loved one has been affected by a crash in the region, speaking with a qualified Columbia Car Accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
What Happened in the Fatal Newberry County Crash?
The accident occurred at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Saint Philips Church Road, near the intersection with S.C. 219. According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Marisela Gaither was driving a 2022 Honda sedan heading eastbound when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road, striking a mailbox.
The crash didn’t end there.
After hitting the mailbox, the vehicle swerved back across Saint Philips Church Road, then veered off the left side, colliding with a wooden post, crashing into an embankment, and finally smashing into a tree. Tragically, Gaither – the only occupant of the car – was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Pending Autopsy
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. Authorities have not yet determined whether Gaither was wearing a seat belt, and no additional injuries or vehicles were involved in the wreck. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Newberry County Coroner’s Office are currently investigating the accident, and an autopsy is scheduled to help clarify the circumstances leading to Gaither’s death
Rising Fatalities on South Carolina Roads
This fatal wreck is not an isolated incident.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS):
- 465 people have died on SC roads in 2025 as of mid-July.
- In 2024, the state recorded at least 948 crash-related deaths.
- Newberry County alone has seen at least five fatalities in 2025 so far.
- In 2024, there were eight total traffic deaths in Newberry County.
These numbers are sobering, especially considering that South Carolina consistently ranks among the top states for fatal traffic crashes per capita. Whether due to distracted driving, speeding, road design, impaired driving, or other factors, the toll continues to climb – leaving families devastated and communities mourning.
Legal Rights of Families After a Fatal Car Accident in South Carolina
When a loved one is taken too soon in a car accident, the emotional devastation is often followed by financial stress, unanswered questions, and legal uncertainty. Families of crash victims may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law, even in cases where the cause of the accident is initially unclear.
At Ted Law Firm, we believe families deserve:
- Answers about what caused the accident
- Justice for the loss of their loved one
- Compensation to help with funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering
Let’s take a closer look at the legal process.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when someone dies due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing.
In a case like Marisela Gaither’s, if an investigation reveals a mechanical defect, road maintenance issue, or third-party negligence, her family could potentially file a wrongful death claim.
Potential causes that may open the door to legal action:
- Vehicle malfunction or recall (e.g., defective brakes, airbags)
- Hazardous road design or signage issues
- Negligent road maintenance by a city or county
- Impaired or distracted driving by another party
Even in single-car accidents, outside factors can contribute to or cause fatal crashes.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina Code Section 15-51-20, a wrongful death action must be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, on behalf of the following survivors:
- Spouse and children
- If no spouse/children: parents
- If no parents: heirs under SC law
Survivors may seek damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
Single-Vehicle Accidents Still Require Investigation
It’s a common misconception that single-vehicle crashes are always the fault of the driver. In reality, thorough investigations often uncover hidden contributors, such as:
- Defective guardrails
- Tire blowouts
- Potholes and poor road conditions
- Inadequate lighting or signage
- Poorly maintained embankments
- Animals or debris on the road
In Marisela Gaither’s case, the fact that her vehicle struck multiple objects – including a mailbox, post, embankment, and tree – raises questions about road layout, visibility, and safety conditions. Was there signage? Was the area poorly lit? Was the vehicle functioning correctly?
Only a detailed forensic investigation can answer these questions.
Importance of Preserving Evidence Early
In any fatal accident case, timing is critical. The longer a family waits to seek legal guidance, the harder it becomes to preserve key evidence.
An attorney can:
- Request vehicle black box data
- Preserve surveillance or dash cam footage
- Obtain 911 call logs
- Interview first responders and witnesses
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
- Review toxicology and autopsy results
These efforts are vital for building a strong claim.
The Emotional Toll: More Than Just Numbers
Behind every statistic is a real person – someone like Marisela Gaither, a mother, daughter, or friend. Her passing is not just another number in South Carolina’s climbing road fatality count. It is a loss that ripples through her family, her community, and all who knew her.
Our role is not just about courtrooms and paperwork. It’s about helping real people heal, recover, and find answers when tragedy strikes.
What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Crash
If your family is facing the devastating loss of a loved one due to a car accident, here’s what you can do right now:
- Take time to grieve – Reach out to support systems.
- Request a copy of the police report and coroner’s findings.
- Preserve all related documents (vehicle title, insurance, communications).
- Do not rush into insurance settlements.
- Consult with a wrongful death attorney before making legal or financial decisions.
