Caitlyn Jenner Settles Lawsuit With Crash Victim's Family
Caitlyn Jenner has settled a negligence lawsuit with the stepchildren of a woman who was killed in a car crash she was part of last year, Variety reports. Kim Howe's family sued Jenner for negligence last May, saying her reckless driving caused the three-car crash in which another woman was also injured.
But after prosecutors declined to charge Jenner with vehicular manslaughter, the family's claims seemed less likely to succeed. Indeed, the settlement announced this week is reportedly for a "modest amount," writes TMZ. But the story is not totally over yet.
No Settlement Details
Both Jenner and the Howe children filed motions to dismiss the civil case pending against Jenner, stating that they had reached an agreement. Neither side has disclosed the settlement terms but TMZ reports that sources close to the case say the settlement is for a modest amount, and paid by Jenner's insurer.
Jenner herself will not pay for the accident out of pocket. According to reports, the reason for the small settlement -- apart from no formal prosecution -- is that the lawsuit by Howe's children faced some procedural challenges, given the children's status as stepchildren.
One Down, One to Go
Jenner still has not settled with another family who sued her for the same crash. Jenner reportedly slammed into the vehicle driven by Kim Howe, who was killed in the accident. Howe slammed into another vehicle driven by Jessica Steindorff. The Steindorff family also sued Jenner and has yet to settle.
LA DA Says OK
In September, Los Angeles county prosecutors announced after an investigation that Jenner would not face criminal prosecution for the crash. Although the DA's office initially said she was driving too fast for the road she was on under the circumstances, in September the prosecutor's office concluded that Jenner had not been reckless when she plowed into Howe.
Related Resources:
- Caitlyn Jenner's Name and Gender Legally Changed in California Court (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Jenner Sister T-Shirts Inspire Lawsuit and Settlement (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Involuntary Manslaughter Overview (FindLaw)