§ 35-A §710 — Accidents investigated; reports

If an accident occurs upon the premises of a public utility or directly or indirectly arises from or is connected with its maintenance or operation, the following provisions apply.
1.
Accidents resulting in loss of life.
If the accident results in the loss of human life, the public utility shall file a report of the accident in accordance with subsection 4 and the commission shall cause an investigation of the accident to be made immediately.
2.
Accidents resulting in personal injury or property damage.
If the accident results in personal injury or damage to property, the public utility shall file a report of the accident in accordance with subsection 4 and the commission may investigate if in its judgment the public interest requires it.
3.
Investigations.
Investigations shall be made in compliance with the following provisions:
4.
Filing accident reports.
Every public utility shall file reports of accidents described in subsections 1 and 2 with the commission. Accident reports must be filed in compliance with the commission's rules and in the manner and form designated by the commission. Accidents resulting in loss of human life must be reported immediately by telephone, facsimile machine or electronic media in a manner designated by the commission followed by a detailed written report.
5.
Reports not admitted as evidence in an action.
No order or recommendation of the commission or accident report filed with the commission may be admitted as evidence in any action for damages based on or arising out of the loss of life or injury to person or property referred to in this section.

Legislative History

PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 225, §6 (AMD).