A new truck , manufactured by General Motors Corp . ( GMC ) , stalled in rush- hour traffic on a busy interstate highway because of a defective alternator , which caused a complete failure of the truck's electrical system . The driver stood nearby and waved traffic around his stalled truck . A panel truck approached the GMC truck . Immediately behind the panel truck , Davis was driving a Volkswagen fastback . Because of the panel truck , Davis was unable to see the stalled GMC truck . The panel truck swerved out of the way of the GMC truck , and Davis drove straight into it . The accident killed him . Davis's widow sued GMC . GMC moved for summary judgment , alleging no duty to Davis no factual causation ; and no foreseeable harm Comment on the three defenses that GMC has raised