R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-9-3: Railroads as common carriers — Articles transported by connecting lines.

Every railroad corporation shall be deemed a common carrier; and whenever two (2) or more railroads are connected within this state, the corporation running either of the railroads shall receive articles for transportation to any place on the line of either of the railroads so connected, and shall be liable as common carriers for the delivery of articles at the place. If any corporation shall become liable to pay any sum by reason of the neglect or misconduct of any other corporation, the corporation paying the sum may collect the sum of the corporation by reason of whose neglect or misconduct it became so liable.