It is impossible to drive in or near Coatesville without encountering at least one semitruck. This makes sense, as commercial vehicles are the lifeblood of the area's economy. Still, because a tractor-trailer likely outweighs your vehicle by more than 75,000 pounds, it is not hard to see that a collision with one may leave you or your family members with life-altering injuries.

Semitruck accidents can occur for a seemingly endless number of reasons. Nonetheless, certain causes are more common than others. Here are the four most common reasons commercial accidents usually occur:

1. Fatigue 

Commercial drivers are often under extreme pressure to meet tight deadlines for deliveries and pickups. Meanwhile, they must comply with strict guidelines for both working and rest. This puts drivers in a tough spot. Unfortunately, though, if a semitruck operator drives with insufficient sleep, he or she may cause a catastrophic crash.

1. Operator error 

Driving a tractor-trailer is different than driving a passenger vehicle. Accordingly, professional drivers undergo extensive training. They are not perfect, however. If a driver fails to respond appropriately to traffic, road conditions and other situations, an accident may be imminent. Furthermore, if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she may be unable to maintain control of a commercial vehicle.

1. Improper maintenance 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes minimum standards for semitruck maintenance. Nonetheless, many commercial vehicles require additional work to remain safe. To keep costs low, trucking companies may delay service or skip necessary repairs. This approach, regrettably, may put your life in danger.

1. Distracted driving 

Distracted driving continues to be a dangerous problem in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Because of the size of commercial vehicles, though, a distracted truck driver may be even more dangerous than someone driving a passenger vehicle. To avoid a collision, semitruck operators should always focus on the road.

With some luck, you may never have a collision with a tractor-trailer. Nevertheless, because commercial vehicle crashes are often serious, you must understand why they happen. Similarly, if you or someone you love sustains a serious injury in a truck accident, you also must act quickly to protect your legal interests.