The families of two University of Miami students who were killed in a 2013 crash were awarded more than $8.5 million in a civil trial Wednesday, their attorneys said.
The jury awarded the verdict to the families of Chen Ying and Liu Hao, who were from China and studying engineering at UM when they were struck and killed by a Porsche driven by Milady Pequeno at Kendall Drive and 68th court in Pinecrest in October 2013.
"This was a case about personal responsibility, accountability and the dangers of distracted driving. We are pleased that the families were appropriately compensated for the unfathomably tragic loss of their children," attorney Deborah Gander said in a statement. "We also hope that this verdict will serve as a reminder to all drivers that they must be vigilant, and pay attention when they drive and be mindful of pedestrians crossing the road.”
Pequeno was found guilty of careless driving last year. She had her driver's license suspended for two years, was ordered to serve 120 hours of community service and attend traffic school, and was fined $1,000.
