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Carrier's Strict Liability in Leiden

Discover strict liability for public transport in Leiden: Qbuzz and NS liability for injuries. Burden of proof on carrier. Advice via Juridisch Loket Leiden. (127 characters)

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Carrier's Strict Liability in Leiden

In Leiden, carrier's strict liability offers extra protection for passengers on local bus, tram, and train services, such as Qbuzz buses or NS trains from Leiden Centraal. The carrier is automatically liable for injury or death during the journey, unless it proves the damage was not due to its fault. This enables Leiden residents to obtain compensation quickly after accidents in urban or regional public transport.

What does strict liability mean for Leiden passengers?

Under strict liability, the burden of proof shifts to the carrier, unlike standard rules where the victim must prove fault. This applies to injury or death of passengers carried by professional carriers. Operators like Qbuzz or NS bear responsibility for safe journeys on routes through Leiden, such as Breestraat or to Leiden Centraal station, and must rebut incidents, for example on slippery roads due to rain in the polders.

Typical cases in Leiden include falls in a Qbuzz bus due to sudden braking or incidents on regional trains. This rule falls under personal injury law and simplifies claims for local victims. For advice on public transport accidents in Leiden, visit Het Juridisch Loket Leiden or read our article on Personal Injury in Public Transport.

Legal Basis

Strict liability is codified in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 8, specifically Article 8:571 DCC: "The carrier is liable for damage due to death or injury of the passenger, unless not attributable to its fault." The carrier must prove force majeure, such as extreme weather. For goods, Article 8:561 DCC applies, but passenger transport prioritizes injury protection. Article 6:162 DCC supplements for torts, while the Public Transport Act 2014 (PTA) regulates public transport operations. EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 protects rail passengers. Disputes in Leiden are handled by the District Court of Leiden.

Liability covers from boarding to alighting, including waiting on platforms at Leiden Centraal. This also applies to local taxi companies alongside public transport.

Examples from Leiden Practice

Suppose you board a Qbuzz bus on the Nieuwe Rijn and fall due to abrupt braking for a cyclist, breaking your wrist. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove fault; Qbuzz must rebut it. Claim medical costs, lost income, and non-pecuniary damages.

Or in an NS train incident at Leiden Centraal due to a signal failure: NS is liable unless an unforeseen cause is proven. Similar to taxi accidents in the city center: the driver bears the risk. Local victims can inquire with the Municipality of Leiden about public transport safety.

Rights and Obligations

Rights of Leiden Passengers

You are entitled to full compensation, such as:

  • Medical costs: Bills from LUMC or physiotherapy.
  • Lost income: Missed wages during recovery.
  • Non-pecuniary damages: €1,000 to €50,000 for immaterial harm.
  • Other costs: Household help or alternative transport.

Submit claims to the carrier or insurer; the limitation period is 5 years (Art. 3:310 DCC), but act promptly. Het Juridisch Loket Leiden offers free assistance with filing.

Obligations of Carriers

Carriers must:

  1. Ensure safety in accordance with PTA standards in Leiden.
  2. Provide proof of non-liability.
  3. Handle claims promptly with claim information.

In cases of gross negligence, criminal proceedings may follow via the District Court of Leiden; they are insured.

Comparison of Liability Types

Overview in table:

Type Burden of Proof Application in Leiden Public Transport Example
Strict Liability On Carrier Injury Qbuzz/NS Fall in bus on Breestraat
Fault-Based Liability On Victim Only Passenger Fault Ignores seatbelt in taxi
Absolute Liability No Proof Needed Not Relevant for Public Transport -

This table illustrates the benefits of carrier's strict liability for Leiden residents.

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