A Hollywood talent manager is suing reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner over a fatal car wreck allegedly caused by the former Olympic gold medal winner. In her lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Jessica Marie Steindorff alleges that "Bruce Jenner a/k/a Caitlyn Jenner" acted "negligently, carelessly, recklessly and wantonly" when she was part of a four-car pile-up. Steindorff’s suit claims lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and seeks at least $25,000 in damages. The Cochran Firm, D.C., does not represent any of the parties involved in this incident.
The accident occurred on February 7, 2015, in Malibu, California, along the California Pacific Coast Highway. Steindorff’s Toyota Prius was sitting stopped in traffic when it was rear-ended by a Lexus, then rear-ended again when Jenner's Cadillac Escalade struck the Lexus. Jenner’s collision with the Lexus caused a chain reaction, which sent the Lexus into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Lexus, Kim Howe, was killed when her vehicle was struck head-on by a Hummer H2.
Howe’s adult stepchildren filed their own wrongful death lawsuit against Jenner in May. Jenner’s attorney responded with a motion to dismiss the suit, claiming the adult stepchildren are financially independent and therefore not entitled to any damages.
Jenner was not seriously harmed in the accident. Alcohol is not believed to have played a role in the crash. Jenner voluntarily submitted to a field sobriety test at the scene of the accident and was released.
Jenner rose to fame in 1976 after winning a record-breaking Olympic gold medal in the decathlon at the Summer Games in Montreal. Jenner is also known for her role in the reality TV show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” In April, Jenner revealed to Vanity Fair that she is transgender. Jenner was also honored at ESPN’s ESPY awards this month.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove Jenner's driving was unreasonably. Investigators determined that she was driving slightly below the speed limit and had applied the brakes before the collision.
However, Jenner faced several civil lawsuits related to the incident:
In summary, while Jenner was not criminally charged, she resolved all civil claims through financial settlements.
High-profile incidents like this remind us how suddenly life can change due to a car accident. Whether caused by distracted driving, poor road conditions, or unexpected chain reactions, collisions can have devastating consequences. Victims often face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills, making legal guidance critical.
At The Cochran Firm DC, our car accident attorneys are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. We handle cases involving rear-end collisions, multi-car pileups, wrongful death, and more. We step in to shoulder those burdens so you can focus on getting better. Here's what working with our team looks like:
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Reach out today, and let’s start moving your life forward.
Don’t let the clock run out on your right to fair compensation. The statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident—waiting even a few days can weaken your case and cost you thousands. It costs nothing to reach out and learn exactly what steps you need to take to protect your rights. Contact The Cochran Firm DC today or complete our quick online form. Let’s get started on your path to recovery—before it’s too late.
