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New California Drunk Driving Law Restricts Uber & Lyft Drivers

Frank • Mar 21, 2018
Booking a Driver — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.


Commencing July 1, 2018, a California DUI law will go into effect making it illegal for drivers with a blood alcohol content level of .04 percent or higher to operate a vehicle that carries a passenger for hire.


“Passenger for hire” is a legal definition meaning “a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having an interest in the vessel.”(46 USCS § 2101).

Existing California drunk driving law already prohibits drivers of commercial vehicles from driving with a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. (For regular drivers, the legal limit is .08 percent.) The DMV notes:


“Commercial drivers caught with a BAC of 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle can expect the following license suspension periods:


First Offense: 1 year
Second & Subsequent Offenses
 (in a 10-year period): Permanently


Note that these suspension periods are in addition to any fines, jail time, and DUI programs the CA DMV and court system impose.”


Uber and Lyft drivers will soon be held to the same level of accountability as a commercial truck driver.

Pick Up and Drop Off Sign — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers
Train Passengers — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Drunk Driving Still a Problem in Sacramento

According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, there were 1,120 drunk driving accident victims in 2017 (the most recent year of data available). To put that in perspective, Sacramento is in the Top 10 worst cities of similar size for drinking and driving accidents in the state.


Roseville had only 20 DUI injury accidents in 2015, one of the best rates among cities of comparable size.

Why Are There Different Rules for Commercial Drivers?

Those who operate a vehicle for profit have an added responsibility to drive safely. Many more people can be injured in a chartered bus accident than a regular car, for example. And given the enormous size and weight of a big rig, commercial truck accidents can be especially traumatic.


When you hire an Uber or Lyft driver, you are trusting your safety to a stranger. It’s important that the driver be sober and focused on the road. To that end, it would be a good idea not to engage in any conversation that might distract him or her and lead to a distracted driving accident.


If you or someone you love has been injured in a commercial truck driving accident, the success of your case depends on working with an attorney who is knowledgeable about the ways that commercial injury cases differ from a regular car accident case. It is also important to consult an experienced vehicle accident attorney who is knowledgeable about the newest California DUI laws. Contact our offices for a free consultation.

Woman Inside of Auto — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

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By Frank Penney 18 Mar, 2024
Woodland, California, was shaken by a heartbreaking incident over the weekend, resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl after being struck by a truck. According to the initial report from the Woodland Police Department, the toddler was hit by a black Dodge truck in the 300 block of West Street just after 3:45 p.m. on Saturday. Family members rushed the child to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. As the investigation progressed, new details emerged, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. Woodland police revealed that the owner of the truck had parked it at a 76 gas station pump before entering the store, leaving his three-year-old child unattended in the vehicle. Upon exiting the store, the owner discovered that the truck had moved forward, striking the two-year-old victim. Tragically, the three-year-old had been out of their car seat and in the driver's seat of the truck at the time of the incident. The family later identified the young victim as Ailahni Sanchez Martinez. Ailahni's parents, Rosa Martinez and Sandro Sanchez, expressed devastation over the loss of their daughter, describing her as a source of joy and happiness in their lives. They recounted witnessing the truck moving backward towards their daughter while they were setting up their taco stand nearby. Sanchez condemned the owner's actions, stating, "He left the vehicle running and with a child inside. What happened is not right." Seeking justice for their daughter, Ailahni's parents emphasized the need for accountability. Woodland police acknowledged the possibility of criminal negligence charges and confirmed that the case would be forwarded to the District Attorney's office for review. The Woodland community mourns the loss of a young life and stands in solidarity with the grieving family during this difficult time. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Lawyers , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.
By Frank Penney 18 Mar, 2024
On Thursday morning, Carmichael experienced a four-vehicle collision that drew the attention of local authorities. Responders from the California Highway Patrol and fire departments quickly intervened to manage the situation. Around 8 a.m., a collision on Madison Avenue near Hackberry Lane disrupted the usual calm, resulting in two vehicles sustaining significant damage. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District documented the rescue efforts on social media as they worked to free trapped occupants. The aftermath revealed the seriousness of the incident: two individuals were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition, while two others suffered minor injuries, with one requiring hospitalization. Photographs shared by both Metro Fire and the CHP showed the extent of the damage, including a black Ford Mustang with front and rear-end damage. As authorities investigated, eastbound traffic on Madison Avenue was temporarily halted for about an hour. The CHP's North Sacramento office led the inquiry into the cause of the collision. The community awaited answers regarding the events leading up to the incident on what had started as an ordinary morning in Carmichael. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Lawyers , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website w ww.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis. 
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Train accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injuries. Discover more about train accident litigation by exploring our blog.
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If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!

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