Strict Liability of Carriers in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, strict liability for carriers, such as GVB (tram, bus, metro) or NS, provides important protection for passengers. The carrier is automatically liable for injury or death during the journey. They must prove that the damage was not their fault, rather than you as a passenger having to demonstrate it. This offers extra security for Amsterdammers in the busy public transport system and taxi rides.
What does strict liability mean for Amsterdam's public transport?
Strict liability differs from standard rules, under which the victim must prove fault. Here, the burden of proof lies with the carrier for injury or death of passengers. Carriers like GVB bear professional responsibility for safe journeys through the city. They manage busy routes and vehicles, and assume the risk of incidents, except in cases of proven force majeure or the passenger's own fault.
Typical in Amsterdam: slipping in a GVB tram due to sudden braking on the Damrak or a metro incident at Rokin station. This rule falls under personal injury law and simplifies claims for victims. For advice on injury in Amsterdam's public transport, visit the Public Transport Personal Injury Amsterdam page. Contact Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for free assistance.
Legal basis in the Netherlands and Amsterdam
Strict liability of carriers is set out in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 8. 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, such as GVB, does not have to prove a mistake, e.g., due to extreme rain on Amsterdam's canal paths.
For goods, Article 8:561 DCC applies, but passenger transport focuses on injury. Article 6:162 DCC (unlawful act) is relevant, but transport rules take precedence. The Passenger Transport Act 2014 (PTA), enforced by the Municipality of Amsterdam, regulates public transport operations, but liability is a civil matter. EU Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 protects rail passengers, relevant for NS trips to Schiphol.
This liability applies from boarding to alighting, including waiting on platforms at Amsterdam Centraal. Taxi companies in the city are also covered, in addition to GVB and Connexxion.
Practical examples from Amsterdam
Suppose you board a GVB bus at Leidseplein and the driver brakes abruptly for a cyclist. You fall and suffer a wrist fracture. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove negligence; GVB must show it was unavoidable. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering compensation.
Or an NS train accident near Amsterdam Muiderpoort due to a signal failure: NS is liable unless an unforeseen cause beyond their fault. In recent Amsterdam tram accidents on Wibautstraat, victims received compensation, including for psychological harm. The same applies to taxi accidents on the canals.
Rights and obligations in Amsterdam
Rights of the Amsterdam passenger
You are entitled to full compensation, such as:
- Medical costs: Bills from OLVG or AMC.
- Lost income: Missed wages during recovery.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000 to €50,000 for pain, depending on severity.
- Other costs: Household help or extra bike repairs.
Submit claims to the carrier or insurer. No strict 5-year limitation period (art. 3:310 DCC), but act promptly. You can litigate at the Amsterdam District Court; start at Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Obligations of the carrier
Carriers must:
- Ensure safety in accordance with the Municipality of Amsterdam and PTA.
- Provide proof of innocence.
- Handle claims promptly with claim information.
Insured via professional liability insurance, but gross negligence can lead to criminal proceedings by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Comparison of liability types
Overview in table:
| Type | Burden of proof | Application Amsterdam public transport | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict liability | With carrier | Injury GVB tram/NS | Fall due to braking |
| Fault-based liability | With victim | Only own fault | Passenger ignores stop |
| Absolute liability | No proof required | Not relevant for public transport | - |
This table illustrates how strict liability of carriers protects Amsterdammers in public transport.
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.