§ 39-4-1. Investigation of personal injuries and deaths.
Every public utility shall, whenever any accident attended with loss of human life, or serious injury occurs within this state, directly or indirectly arising from or connected with its maintenance or operation, give immediate notice thereof to the division. In the event of any accident, the division, if it deems that the public interest requires it, shall cause an investigation to be made forthwith, which investigation shall be held in the locality of the accident, unless for the greater convenience of those concerned, it shall order the investigation to be held at some other place; and the investigation may be adjourned from place to place as may be found necessary and convenient. The division shall reasonably notify the public utility of the time and place of the investigation. The notice required by this section to be given shall not be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose against the public utility giving notice, in any suit, action, or proceeding brought for damages growing out of any matter mentioned in the notice; nor shall the notice be admitted as evidence or be used for any purpose in any criminal proceeding brought against the public utility giving notice, or against any of its officers, agents, or employees, growing out of any matter mentioned in the notice.
History of Section.P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 49; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 49; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 46; G.L. 1956, § 39-4-1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 107.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 39-4 - Hearings and Investigations
Section 39-4-1. - Investigation of personal injuries and deaths.
Section 39-4-2. - Order to repair or make changes in plant or equipment.
Section 39-4-3. - Investigations on complaint against utility — “Safe and potable” defined.
Section 39-4-4. - Notice of complaint — Time and place of hearing.
Section 39-4-5. - Notice of hearing on complaint — Right to appear and summon witnesses.
Section 39-4-6. - Separation of issues — Damage to complainant not required.
Section 39-4-7. - Hearings in locality of consumers affected.
Section 39-4-8. - Filing of contracts.
Section 39-4-9. - Orders fixing rates.
Section 39-4-10. - Orders as to unreasonable practices or inadequate services.
Section 39-4-11. - Orders as to unsafe or improper conditions.
Section 39-4-11.1. - Order to rebate or cancel charges.
Section 39-4-12. - Payment of investigation expense by utility.
Section 39-4-13. - Summary investigation by division.
Section 39-4-14. - Formal investigation — Notice to utility.
Section 39-4-15. - Notice and proceedings on motion of division.
Section 39-4-16. - Service of orders — Effective date.
Section 39-4-17. - Rescission or alteration of orders.
Section 39-4-18. - Review of grade crossing ordinances.
Section 39-4-19, 39-4-20. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-4-21. - Privilege against self-incrimination.
Section 39-4-22. - Penalties for violations.
Section 39-4-23. - Action in supreme court to prevent violations.