Strict Liability of Carriers in Tilburg
In Tilburg, as a passenger in public transport, you benefit from extra protection through the strict liability of carriers such as Arriva (buses) or NS (trains from Tilburg Station). This means the carrier is automatically liable for injury or death during your journey. They must prove the damage was not their fault, rather than you as a passenger needing to demonstrate any errors. This rule offers strong protection for Tilburg residents who travel daily on bus line 2 through the Spoorzone or take the train to Breda.
What does strict liability mean for passengers in Tilburg?
Under strict liability, the burden of proof shifts to the carrier, unlike standard liability where you must prove fault. This applies to personal injury or death of passengers. Carriers like Arriva bear professional responsibility for safety on routes through Tilburg, such as Heuvelstraat or to the city center. They must demonstrate that incidents were unavoidable, for example due to force majeure.
Typical cases in Tilburg include falling in an Arriva bus due to sudden braking at the Hasselt roundabout or train incidents at Tilburg West Station. This regime falls under personal injury law and simplifies claims. For specific advice on public transport accidents in Tilburg, contact the Juridisch Loket Tilburg.
Legal basis and local application
The rule is laid down in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 8, in particular 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 burden of proof lies with them, as in cases of slippery roads during Tilburg's winter cold. For goods, Article 8:561 DCC applies, but passenger transport focuses on injury. Article 6:162 DCC is relevant, but transport rules take precedence. The Passenger Transport Act 2014 governs public transport operations in Tilburg by the Municipality of Tilburg, including civil liability. EU Regulation 1371/2007 protects rail passengers.
Liability applies from boarding to alighting, including waiting on platforms in Tilburg. Taxis in the municipality enjoy similar protection.
Practical examples from Tilburg and surroundings
Suppose you board an Arriva bus on Doctor Deelenstraat and fall due to abrupt braking for a cyclist, breaking your wrist. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove fault; Arriva must. Claim medical costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Or an NS train accident near Tilburg University: the carrier is liable unless unforeseen malfunction is proven. The same principle applies to taxi accidents on Ringbaan West.
Rights and obligations in Tilburg
Rights of passengers in Tilburg
You are entitled to full compensation:
- Medical costs: Invoices from ETZ Hospital in Tilburg.
- Lost income: Missed wages from work in the region.
- Compensation for pain and suffering: €1,000–€50,000 for distress.
- Other: Aids or alternative transport.
Submit claims to the carrier or insurer; limitation period is 5 years (Article 3:310 DCC), but act promptly. In disputes: District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda.
Obligations of carriers
They must:
- Ensure safety in line with local standards.
- Provide proof of innocence.
- Handle claims and provide information.
They are insured, but gross negligence may lead to criminal proceedings.
Comparison of liability forms
Overview:
| Type | Burden of proof | Application in Tilburg public transport | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict liability | With carrier | Injury by Arriva/NS | Fall in city center bus |
| Fault-based liability | With victim | Passenger's own fault | Ignores stop announcement |
| Absolute liability | No proof required | Not relevant for public transport | - |
This table illustrates the benefits of strict liability of carriers for Tilburg residents.
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