Strict Liability of Carriers in Delft
In Delft, strict liability applies to carriers such as EBS buses, HTM trams or NS trains, under which the carrier is automatically responsible for passenger injury or death during the journey. The carrier must then prove that the damage was not due to their fault, rather than you as a Delft resident having to prove it. This protection is ideal for daily commuters on Delft's public transport, from the Markt to Delft Centraal station.
What does strict liability mean for Delft passengers?
Strict liability reverses the burden of proof compared to standard rules, where the victim must prove fault. For carriers in and around Delft, this applies to personal injury or death. Carriers bear professional responsibility for safety on routes such as bus lines through the city center or train connections. They must prove that incidents were unavoidable or due to your own fault, such as a slippery platform from Delft rain.
Typical in local accidents: a trip in an EBS bus due to sudden braking on the Rotterdamseweg, or a tram accident on line 1 to The Hague. This rule fits into personal injury law and simplifies claims for Delft residents. For advice on public transport injuries, visit the Public Transport Personal Injury in Delft. Contact the Delft Legal Aid Office for free assistance.
Legal Basis for Delft
Strict liability of carriers is set out in Book 8 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC) on carriage contracts. Central is Article 8:571 DCC: "The carrier is liable for damage due to death or injury of the passenger, unless not attributable to his fault." The carrier proves exoneration, e.g., by force majeure such as wintery slipperiness in Delft. Disputes are handled by the District Court of The Hague.
For goods, Article 8:561 DCC is relevant, but for passenger transport it concerns injury. Article 6:162 DCC supplements in cases of tort, while carriage rules take precedence. The Public Transport Act 2014 regulates public transport operations in Delft by the Municipality of Delft, but liability remains civil. EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 protects rail passengers in incidents at Delft Centraal.
The regime applies from boarding to alighting, including waiting on the platform. The same applies to taxi companies in Delft, but primarily for public transport like EBS and NS.
Practical Examples from Delft
Example: You board an EBS bus on Phoenixstraat and fall due to abrupt braking for a cyclist, resulting in a broken wrist. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove fault; EBS must show it was blameless. Claim medical costs, loss of income and pain and suffering damages.
Or an NS train accident at Delft Zuid due to a signal failure: NS is liable unless due to an unforeseeable cause. For taxi accidents on Delft roads, the driver bears the risk. The Delft Legal Aid Office assists with local claims.
Rights and Obligations in Delft Context
Rights as a Delft Passenger
You are entitled to full compensation for:
- Medical costs: Treatment at Reinier de Graaf Hospital.
- Loss of income: Missed salary from work in Delft.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000-€50,000 for suffering.
- Other: Household help or alternative transport.
Submit claims to the carrier or insurer; limitation period is 5 years (Article 3:310 DCC), but act promptly. District Court of The Hague in case of dispute.
Obligations of Carriers
Carriers must:
- Ensure safety under the Public Transport Act and local Delft standards.
- Provide proof of non-liability.
- Handle claims and provide information.
They are insured, but gross negligence may lead to criminal proceedings.
Comparison of Liability Forms
Overview:
| Form | Burden of Proof | Application in Delft Public Transport | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability | With Carrier | Injury in EBS bus/NS train | Fall due to braking |
| Fault-Based Liability | With Victim | If you are at fault | Ignoring stop announcement |
| Absolute Liability | No Proof Required | Not for Public Transport | - |
This shows how strict liability protects Delft residents in local public transport.
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