Caitlyn Jenner could face charges for fatal crash
On Aug. 21, it was announced that Caitlyn Jenner, who was involved in a fatal car crash in California, could face a manslaughter charge for her involvement. Following an investigation, authorities reportedly determined that she was driving her vehicle too fast, resulting in a four-vehicle crash.
On Feb. 7, 2015, Jenner was driving her Cadillac SUV on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu when she collided with the back end of a Lexus. The impact caused the Lexus to be pushed into another vehicle. The Lexus came to rest in the southbound lane when it was struck by a Hummer. The driver of the Lexus, a 69-year-old woman, died as a result of her injuries.
Authorities stated that Jenner’s speed was considered to be a factor in the crash. This could potentially result in a misdemeanor manslaughter charge, though other potentially mitigating factors could counter the charge. Ultimately, whether or not Jenner will face the charge depends on the district attorney’s office. A defense attorney stated that the prosecutors would have to assess several other factors before a decision can be made, including the driver’s conduct and the flow of traffic in addition to the driver’s speed.
If it was determined that a driver caused a collision that caused the death of another person, the family of the decedent can potentially file a civil wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit may be filed even if the liable driver is not criminally charged. Damages that are often sought in such an action include funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship and other damages that are allowed by statute.
Source: NBC News, “Caitlyn Jenner Could Face Manslaughter Charge in Fatal Car Crash“, Andrew Blankstein and Daniella Silva, Aug. 21, 2015