At Tennessee Accident Law, we understand the devastating impact that a GM truck accident can have on your life. Commercial trucks operated by or for General Motors (GM), whether involved in shipping or other logistics operations, are massive, complex vehicles that can cause severe injuries and extensive damage in an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a GM commercial truck, you need an experienced GM truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by completing the form or calling 615-212-9866.
Understanding GM Truck Accidents and Liability
GM’s commercial trucking division plays a crucial role in shipping and logistics. These heavy-duty trucks transport parts, equipment, and vehicles across the country, and their immense size and weight make them inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicles. Accidents involving GM trucks can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to exhaustion and reduced reaction times.
- Improper maintenance: Commercial trucks require frequent inspections and repairs. Any negligence in this area can lead to catastrophic failures on the road.
- Overloaded cargo: Excessive weight or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, or aggressive driving by truck operators can pose a significant risk to others on the road.
- Faulty truck components: Defective parts or systems in GM trucks, such as brakes or tires, can result in mechanical failures.
When these accidents occur, determining liability often involves investigating the trucking company, the driver, and potentially even GM itself. An experienced GM truck accident lawyer can analyze the circumstances of the accident and identify all liable parties.
The Importance of Hiring a GM Truck Accident Lawyer
Navigating a personal injury claim involving a GM commercial truck can be complex. The trucking industry is heavily regulated by state and federal laws, including those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. A truck accident lawyer will ensure that these regulations are thoroughly investigated to build a strong case on your behalf.
Additionally, trucking companies and their insurers often deploy aggressive tactics to minimize their liability. They may dispute fault, downplay your injuries, or offer lowball settlements. Tennessee Accident Law is experienced in countering these strategies and negotiating fair compensation for our clients.
Common Injuries in GM Truck Accidents
Due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries sustained in GM truck accidents are often severe or catastrophic. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, and brain damage caused by violent impacts.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common in high-impact collisions.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur due to blunt-force trauma.
- Burns and lacerations: These injuries can result from contact with sharp debris or truck fires.
- Fatal injuries: Tragically, many GM truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to pursue wrongful death claims.
If you have suffered any of these injuries, you deserve compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Proving Fault in a GM Truck Accident Case
To secure compensation, your GM truck accident lawyer must establish fault. This process typically involves gathering and analyzing the following evidence:
- Accident reports: Official documentation from law enforcement can provide critical details about the crash.
- Truck driver logs: Hours-of-service records can reveal whether the driver was operating beyond the legal limits.
- Vehicle maintenance records: These can uncover any neglected repairs or safety violations.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): Data from the truck’s ELD can provide insights into speed, braking, and other driving behaviors.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from bystanders can corroborate your account of the accident.
- Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can help piece together the events leading to the crash.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we have the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate GM truck accident cases and build a compelling case for compensation.
Compensation Available for GM Truck Accident Victims
Victims of GM truck accidents are entitled to recover a range of damages, depending on the specifics of their case. These may include:
- Economic damages: Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other tangible losses.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Our team at Tennessee Accident Law is committed to maximizing your compensation so you can focus on recovery.
The Role of Negligent Hiring and Training in GM Truck Accidents
One often-overlooked factor in GM truck accidents is the role of negligent hiring and training practices by trucking companies. These companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are qualified, experienced, and properly trained to operate massive commercial vehicles safely. Unfortunately, lapses in these areas can contribute to devastating accidents.
Negligent Hiring Practices
Trucking companies have a duty to thoroughly vet drivers before putting them behind the wheel of a GM commercial truck. Negligent hiring practices can include:
- Failing to conduct background checks: Drivers with a history of reckless driving, DUI, or other serious offenses may pose a significant risk on the road.
- Ignoring medical conditions: Drivers with untreated medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or heart issues, can experience health emergencies while driving, leading to accidents.
- Hiring unqualified drivers: Failing to ensure that drivers possess the proper commercial driver’s license (CDL) or adequate driving experience can result in unprepared operators handling these heavy-duty vehicles.
Inadequate Training
Even experienced drivers require specialized training to operate GM’s commercial trucks, particularly if they are tasked with transporting hazardous or oversized cargo. When trucking companies cut corners on training, the results can be disastrous. Examples of inadequate training include:
- Insufficient safety training: Drivers need to understand best practices for avoiding collisions, handling bad weather, and navigating difficult road conditions.
- Failure to train on specific vehicles: GM trucks may have unique operational features that require proper instruction.
- Improper cargo handling training: Drivers must be trained on how to secure loads safely to prevent shifting or overloading, which could destabilize the truck.
Establishing Liability for Negligent Hiring and Training
When negligent hiring or training contributes to a GM truck accident, the trucking company can be held liable for its failure to ensure the safety of its operations. An experienced GM truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the company’s hiring and training practices by:
- Reviewing personnel files and hiring documentation.
- Examining training materials and programs to assess their adequacy.
- Investigating whether the company violated federal or state safety regulations.
Holding trucking companies accountable for these failures not only helps secure justice for accident victims but also incentivizes safer industry practices to prevent future tragedies. At Tennessee Accident Law, we are committed to uncovering all sources of negligence in GM truck accidents and holding the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to complete your free case evaluation form or call us at 615-212-9866.
What Sets Tennessee Accident Law Apart?
At Tennessee Accident Law, we have over 20 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries. Our dedication to our clients has resulted in successful outcomes against Fortune 500 companies, including those in the trucking and automotive industries. When you choose us as your GM truck accident lawyer, you can expect:
- Personalized attention: We take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor our approach accordingly.
- Aggressive advocacy: We are relentless in pursuing justice and fair compensation for our clients.
- No upfront fees: Our cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Time is of the essence in truck accident cases, as evidence can quickly disappear. Contact Tennessee Accident Law today to schedule a free case evaluation by completing the form or calling us at 615-212-9866.
Sources
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Comprehensive resource on federal regulations governing commercial trucking. Visit FMCSA
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Data and statistics on large truck accidents in the United States. Visit NHTSA
- American Trucking Associations (ATA): Insights into the trucking industry and its role in the economy. Visit ATA
