Strict Liability of Carriers in Den Haag
In Den Haag, as a public transport passenger, you are extra protected by the strict liability of carriers such as HTM (bus and tram), NS trains, or regional EBS bus lines. This means the carrier is automatically liable for injury or death during the journey and must itself prove there was no fault involved. Ideal for Den Haag residents who commute daily through the busy city center, Scheveningen, or Laan van NOI.
Why Does Strict Liability Apply to Carriers in Den Haag?
Under strict liability, as a passenger you do not need to prove the carrier was at fault – the burden of proof shifts to them. This applies to bodily injury or death in vehicles such as trams on Grote Marktstraat or trains at Den Haag Centraal. Carriers bear professional risk for their operations, unless they prove force majeure, such as slippery roads from Den Haag's winter showers. This rule from personal injury law makes claims accessible for victims in Den Haag's public transport. For more on injury in local transport, see our article on Personal Injury in Public Transport.
Legal Basis for Den Haag
The rule is set out in Book 8 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC) on carriage contracts, particularly Article 8:571 DCC: "The carrier is liable for damage resulting from the death or injury of the passenger, unless it is not attributable to his fault." Thus, HTM or NS must demonstrate no fault occurred, e.g., in an emergency stop due to a cyclist on Fahrenheitstraat. For goods, Article 8:561 DCC is relevant, but passenger transport focuses on injury. Article 6:162 DCC supplements this in cases of tort, while the Public Transport Act 2014 (PTA) regulates Den Haag public transport concessions. EU Regulation 1371/2007 protects train passengers in incidents on lines to Rotterdam or Leiden.
Liability runs from boarding to alighting, including waiting on platforms at Hollands Spoor. Den Haag taxi companies or private shuttles receive similar protection, but HTM and NS are the main local players.
Practical Examples from Den Haag
Suppose you board an HTM tram to Scheveningen and fall due to a sudden braking maneuver, resulting in a broken wrist. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove fault; HTM must show the action was unavoidable. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering compensation.
Or in an NS incident at Den Haag Centraal, such as a slip on a wet platform: NS is liable unless they prove force majeure. In recent Den Haag cases, such as tram accidents in the city center, victims received compensation including for psychological harm. Taxi accidents on Utrechtsebaan follow the same principle.
Rights and Obligations in Den Haag
Rights as a Den Haag Passenger
You can demand full compensation, such as:
- Medical costs: Bills from Haga Hospital or physiotherapy.
- Lost income: Missed salary from your city job.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000 to €50,000 for non-pecuniary damage.
- Extras: Aids or alternative transport to Madurodam.
File with the carrier or insurer; no strict 5-year limitation period for injury (Article 3:310 DCC), but consult the Juridisch Loket Den Haag promptly for free advice. In disputes: District Court of Den Haag.
Obligations of the Carrier
They must:
- Ensure safety per PTA standards in Den Haag concessions.
- Provide proof of innocence.
- Handle claims and provide information, often via Municipality of Den Haag public transport contact points.
Insured, but gross negligence can lead to prosecution at the District Court of Den Haag.
Comparison of Liability Types
Overview in table:
| Type | Burden of Proof | Application in Den Haag Public Transport | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability | With Carrier | Injury in HTM tram/NS | Fall due to braking |
| Fault-Based Liability | With Victim | Passenger's Own Fault | Ignores Tram Warning |
| Absolute Liability | No Proof Needed | Not for Public Transport | - |
This table illustrates the benefits of strict liability of carriers for Den Haag 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.