Port Orange Traffic Accident Leads to a Wrongful Death Claim

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 5, 2015

A minor traffic accident led to one man’s death and another man’s arrest on a second-degree murder charge in Port Orange, Florida. According to police, a van driven by Robert Gelles, 63, rear-ended a truck slowing down for a traffic light on the afternoon of September 13th.

The driver of the truck, Joseph Bailey, 44, got out of his vehicle to talk to Gelles, as would most drivers after a rear-end collision. Gelles remained in his van, and allegedly shot and killed Bailey after he approached his driver side window. Bailey was pronounced dead at a hospital later that day. A surveillance video from a nearby business later showed nothing wrong with Bailey’s behavior. Gelles was arrested and is being held without bail. He is now facing second degree murder charges and a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death cases such as this are completely unjustifiable. It’s normal for drivers to speak with one another after a minor accident, and there is no reason for the criminal actions described in this tragic incident. The death of a friend or family member is made all the more painful when it is the result of criminal action on behalf of another person, such as the case described here. Wrongful death cases can be complex and difficult to navigate without the proper legal resources. At the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A., our experienced wrongful death attorney uses legal strategies that help families through the pain of losing a loved one, and to bring justice against the responsible parties. Sadly, a wrongful death can occur throughout all of our firm’s practice areas, and we are here to help families through this painful time and respond sensitively to their needs.

Offering compassionate legal representation, our firm strives to hold negligent people and companies responsible for their actions. If you or someone you love was involved in a wrongful death suit, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. To learn how our firm can help you and your family after a fatal accident, or other tragedy, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to set up your free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.