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Palmdale, California – Authorities have identified both the victim and the suspect involved in a deadly head-on collision that occurred early Sunday morning in Palmdale.
According to the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner, the victim, Melyssa Cardaropoli, 47, of Rosamond, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash, which took place around 12:05 a.m. on Sierra Highway, south of Avenue E.
The California Highway Patrol reported that officers responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a 1999 Chevrolet and a 2018 Hyundai. After further investigation, detectives determined that the Chevrolet, driven by Marcos Gonzalez, 29, of Palmdale, had been seen drifting into oncoming traffic multiple times before crashing head-on into the Hyundai driven by Cardaropoli.
Gonzalez sustained severe injuries and was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center. He was later arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Authorities said both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Traffic on Sierra Highway was affected for about three hours while investigators examined the scene.
Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact the CHP Antelope Valley Area Office at 661-743-6060. After-hours calls should be directed to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims: What Families Need to Know
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. In California, surviving relatives have the legal right to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses caused by a wrongful death. Understanding the types of compensation available—and how a wrongful death attorney in California can help—can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.
Economic Damages: Covering Financial Losses
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial impact of the loss. Families can recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final care
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have contributed to the household
- Loss of benefits and inheritance the family reasonably expected to receive
An experienced car accident law firm like Megeredchian Law can help calculate these damages based on income records, employment history, and future earning capacity, ensuring your family’s long-term stability.
Non-Economic Damages: Addressing Emotional Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and relational loss caused by a wrongful death. This includes:
- Loss of love, companionship, and comfort
- Loss of guidance or mentorship for children
- Emotional pain and mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
These losses cannot be measured in exact numbers, but a skilled wrongful death attorney in California will present strong evidence—such as testimony from family, friends, and grief experts—to convey the emotional toll of your loss.
Punitive Damages in California Wrongful Death Cases
In rare cases involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the family but to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.
For example, if the at-fault driver was drunk, racing, or driving recklessly, a judge may impose additional penalties. The head-on collision attorneys at Megeredchian Law have successfully represented families in cases involving gross negligence and DUI-related fatalities.
How Car Accident Lawyers Can Help in Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases often arise from vehicle crashes, including car, truck, or motorcycle accidents. The car accident lawyers in California at Megeredchian Law know how to investigate the cause of a collision, preserve crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies that often undervalue claims.
If your loved one was killed in a head-on or drunk-driving crash, having a dedicated Los Angeles car accident attorney on your side can ensure your case is handled with compassion and determination from start to finish.
Get Justice and Financial Relief for Your Family
No amount of money can bring back a loved one—but securing justice can help your family heal and rebuild. Megeredchian Law has a proven record of holding negligent drivers and corporations accountable in wrongful death cases throughout California.Call (866) 359-0807 today to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and experienced legal team. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
