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New York is preparing a major overhaul of its Driver Violation Point System that is expected to take effect in early 2026. Under the new rules, a driver could face license suspension after accumulating 10 points within 24 months , instead of the current threshold of 11 points in 18 months. One of the main targets of the change is distracted driving . Violations of the state’s hands-free “touch” rule — which prohibits drivers from physically handling their cell phones while be

New York City paid $1.94 billion  to resolve more than 13,000 claims  in fiscal year 2024 — the highest ever recorded.According to Comptroller Brad Lander , police and correction-related cases made up most of the costs. Lander urged City Hall to hold agencies accountable for preventing harm and reducing future claims. Source:  Associated Press / NYC Comptroller’s Office https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2025/05/02/822231

Following the Flanders v. Goodfellow  decision, dog bite victims on Long Island can now bring claims based on negligence  rather than being constrained by the “one-bite” doctrine. The shift means the focus in dog bite cases is now on whether the owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the bite, not just on prior history of aggression. This change improves access to justice for victims in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/new-yorks-highe

A New York jury awarded $72.5 million  to Aurora Beauchamp , a cancer patient who was knocked down and dragged by an MTA bus on the Lower East Side in 2017.She suffered severe pelvic injuries and partial paralysis in her left leg. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before reaching the verdict. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said it intends to appeal the decision. Source:   Associated Press (AP News)   https://apnews.com/article/woman-dragged-bus-l