How does the substantial evidence rule apply in an appeal?

An appellate court applies the substantial evidence rule when, as here, the appeal challenges the trier-of-fact's resolution of disputed factual questions. In such a situation, the appellate court must review the record, and draw any reasonable inferences therefrom, in the light most favorable to the judgment and will uphold the judgment where the record contains substantial evidence to support it. (Bickel v. City of Piedmont (1997) 16 Cal.4th 1040, 1053.) In exercising substantial evidence review, an appellate court does not evaluate the credibility of the witnesses but defers to the trier of fact. (Lenk v. Total-Western, Inc. (2001) 89 Cal.App.4th 959, 968.) Similarly, the court does not reweigh the evidence, but will uphold a judgment that is supported by substantial evidence, even if substantial evidence to the contrary also exists. (Howard v. Owens Corning (1999) 72 Cal.App.4th 621, 630-631).