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Strict Liability of Carriers in Rotterdam

Strict liability protects RET passengers in Rotterdam against injury: carrier must prove innocence. Claim compensation via Rotterdam Legal Advice Office. (128 characters)

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Strict Liability of Carriers in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, strict liability for carriers, such as RET bus, tram, and metro operators, offers key protection for passengers. The carrier is automatically liable for injury or death during the journey. RET must then prove the damage was not due to their fault, providing extra security for Rotterdam residents using public transport.

Why Does This Apply to Rotterdam Public Transport?

Under strict liability, the burden of proof shifts to the carrier, not the passenger. This applies to injury or death in RET or NS vehicles. Carriers manage busy routes through the city, from the Erasmusbrug to Rotterdam Centraal, and bear the risk of incidents unless force majeure, such as slippery roads due to port weather, is proven.

Typical in Rotterdam accidents, like slipping in a crowded RET tram due to a sharp turn or a metro collision. This rule falls under personal injury law and helps victims obtain compensation quickly. For details on public transport accidents in Rotterdam, see our article on Personal Injury in Rotterdam Public Transport. For questions: the Rotterdam Legal Advice Office offers free advice.

Legal Basis for Claims in Rotterdam

The rule is set out in the Dutch Civil Code (BW), Book 8, specifically Article 8:571 BW: "The carrier is liable for damage due to death or injury of the passenger, unless not attributable to his fault." RET or NS must prove they were blameless, e.g., during a storm in the Maasstad.

For goods, Article 8:561 BW applies, but passenger transport focuses on injury. Article 6:162 BW supplements this, though transport rules take precedence. The Public Transport Act 2014 (WpV) oversees RET operations by the Municipality of Rotterdam, with civil liability. EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 protects rail passengers at incidents on Rotterdam stations.

Protection covers from boarding to alighting, including waiting on platforms at Rotterdam Centraal as part of the contract. Taxis in Rotterdam are also covered, but RET public transport is most relevant here.

Examples from Rotterdam Practice

Suppose you're on a RET bus on the Coolsingel and the driver brakes suddenly for a cyclist. You fall and sprain your wrist. RET must prove it was faultless; you claim medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Or an NS incident at Rotterdam Blaak with injuries from a signal failure: NS is liable unless an unforeseen cause is proven. In recent Rotterdam tram accidents, like a rear-end collision on the Willemsbrug, victims received compensation including for psychological harm. The same principle applies to taxi accidents in the port district.

Rights and Obligations in Rotterdam

Rights of the Rotterdam Passenger

You are entitled to full compensation, such as:

  • Medical costs: Bills from Erasmus MC or physiotherapy.
  • Lost income: Missed wages from port or city work.
  • Pain and suffering: €1,000 to €50,000 for non-material damage.
  • Other costs: Aids or alternative RET transport.

File claims with RET or their insurer. Limitation period is 5 years (Art. 3:310 BW), but contact the Rotterdam Legal Advice Office promptly to preserve evidence. For disputes: Rotterdam District Court.

Obligations of Carriers like RET

They must:

  1. Ensure safety per Municipality of Rotterdam and WpV standards.
  2. Provide proof of innocence.
  3. Handle claims and provide information.

Insured, but gross negligence leads to criminal proceedings via the Public Prosecution Service.

Comparison of Liability Types

Overview in table:

Type Burden of Proof Application in Rotterdam PT Example
Strict Liability On carrier (RET/NS) Injury in tram/metro Fall due to braking on bridge
Fault-Based Liability On victim If passenger at fault Ignores RET announcement
Absolute Liability No proof needed Not for PT -

This table illustrates the benefits of strict liability for carriers for Rotterdam residents.

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