Terug naar Encyclopedie
Letselschade

Strict Liability of Carriers in Westland

In Westland, strict liability protects bus and train passengers: carrier proves no fault. Easily claim personal injury via Westland Legal Advice Office. (128 characters)

4 min leestijd

Strict Liability of Carriers in Westland

In Westland, as a passenger, you are well protected by carriers' strict liability, such as regional bus companies. A carrier, for example EBS buses between 's-Gravenzande and Naaldwijk, is automatically liable for 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 passenger having to show this. This offers strong protection for Westlanders who rely on local public transport daily.

What does strict liability mean for Westland?

Strict liability differs from standard rules, where the victim must prove fault. Here, the burden of proof lies with the carrier, particularly for passenger injury or death. Carriers bear professional responsibility for safe journeys on Westland roads, such as the N209. They must demonstrate that incidents were unavoidable or caused by the passenger themselves, for example on slippery roads due to rain in the greenhouse region.

Typically in Westland, this applies to bus accidents, such as skidding due to sudden braking on a roundabout in Monster or Kwintsheul. This rule falls under personal injury law and helps victims obtain compensation easily. For advice in Westland: contact Westland Legal Advice Office. See also our article on Personal Injury in Public Transport.

Legal Basis for Westlanders

The rules are set out in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 8, 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 must prove exoneration, such as in cases of extreme fog in Westland.

For goods carriage, Article 8:561 DCC applies, but for passenger transport, it concerns injury. Article 6:162 DCC supplements in cases of tort, but carriage rules take precedence. The Public Transport Act 2014 governs public transport operations, while liability is civil. EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 protects rail passengers. In Westland, this applies from boarding to alighting, including at local stops. The same holds for taxi services in the municipality.

Examples from Westland Practice

Suppose you board an EBS bus from Poeldijk to Den Haag and the driver brakes abruptly for a cyclist. You fall and injure your wrist. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove fault; the carrier must. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering via their insurer.

Or in a train incident near Maassluis station, where Westlanders change trains: the carrier is liable unless due to an unforeseen cause. The same principle applies to taxi accidents on Westland polders.

Rights and Obligations in Westland

Passenger Rights

You are entitled to full compensation, such as:

  • Medical costs: Treatment at Naaldwijk hospital or physiotherapy.
  • Lost income: Missed wages from horticulture or local jobs.
  • Pain and suffering: €1,000 to €50,000 for distress.
  • Other costs: Household help or alternative transport.

Submit claims to the carrier. Act promptly; no strict 5-year limitation period (art. 3:310 DCC), but preserve evidence. You can litigate at Westland District Court, or start with Westland Legal Advice Office for free advice.

Obligations of the Carrier

They must:

  1. Ensure safety in line with Public Transport Act standards on local routes.
  2. Provide proof of no fault.
  3. Handle claims promptly with full information.

They are insured, but gross negligence may lead to criminal proceedings via Municipality of Westland or police.

Comparison of Liability Types

Overview in table:

Type Burden of Proof Application Westland Public Transport Example
Strict Liability On Carrier Injury in EBS Bus Fall Due to Braking
Fault-Based Liability On Victim Only Own Fault Passenger Ignores Stop
Absolute Liability No Proof Needed Not Relevant Here -

This shows the advantage for Westland passengers.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat is mijn retourrecht?

Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.

Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?

Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.

Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?

Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.

Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?

Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.

Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?

Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.