Facts

Yijing Chen and her mother were in a crosswalk located at Las Virgenes Road near the 101 Freeway ramp. As they walked, a pickup operated by Nicole Hershel, collided with the two and killed Chen's mother on impact. Hershel was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that after the impact, defendant dragged her mother's corpse from underneath defendant's car so that defendant could park. Plaintiff further contended that defendant intentionally lied to police at the scene and attempted to hide evidence of her involvement in the accident.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant contended that she encountered plaintiff's mother's body while on her way to the supermarket.

Injuries

Chen suffered a fractured leg and wrongful death damages.

Result

The jury found defendant acted with malice and awarded plaintiff a $18 million verdict.