Tragedy on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: How Perdue’s Negligence Took Ronnie Andrews’ Life

A Devoted Family Man Lost in an Instant

Ronnie Andrews wasn’t just another truck driver. He was a 61-year-old husband, father, and friend from Robersonville, North Carolina who always went out of his way to help others. His wife Lovie described him as a “wonderful man who loved life, family, and friends” – someone who was “kind and compassionate” and hoped to be remembered for how he treated people.

“He always went out of his way for other people; if they needed help, he would help them,” Lovie told reporters, fighting back tears. “I am just going to miss him so much, we are all going to miss him so much.”

But in the early morning hours of February 16, 2026, Ronnie’s life ended in a catastrophic crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. While driving a Perdue tractor-trailer southbound around 6:40 a.m., his truck crashed through the west guardrail and plunged into the water below. Perdue officials pronounced him dead at the scene.

The beach was littered with blue baskets containing the chicken cargo from his Perdue truck. Multiple agencies – the U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia Beach Marine Rescue Team, and Crofton Diving – responded to the recovery efforts. Crofton Diving eventually pulled Ronnie’s body from the water, along with the truck.

This wasn’t just a tragic accident. It was a preventable disaster that raises serious questions about Perdue’s safety practices, regulatory compliance, and corporate accountability. At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern before – companies cutting corners on safety, drivers pushed beyond their limits, and families left to pick up the pieces.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: A Known Danger Zone

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has a long and troubling history of truck accidents. Since the 1980s, at least 15 tractor-trailers have gone off this structure. That’s not a coincidence – it’s a pattern that suggests systemic safety issues.

The bridge-tunnel is one of the most challenging roadways in America. Stretching 23 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, it features two tunnels, four artificial islands, and numerous bridges. For truck drivers, it presents unique challenges:

• Narrow lanes that require precise control
• Sudden elevation changes that affect vehicle stability
• High crosswinds that can push trucks off course
• Limited escape routes if something goes wrong
• Tunnel sections that create disorientation
• Bridge sections with no shoulder for emergency stops

Truck driver Isaiah Little, who regularly navigates this route, emphasized the importance of preparation: “Preparing ahead of time, make sure that you are not on your phone, while you must drive for other people, defensive driving. Don’t put yourself in a situation you can’t get out of.”

Yet Perdue allowed Ronnie Andrews to drive this dangerous route without ensuring he was properly prepared, properly rested, or operating a properly maintained vehicle. That’s not just negligence – it’s corporate recklessness.

Perdue’s Corporate Responsibility: What Went Wrong?

Perdue Farms is one of America’s largest poultry producers, with annual revenues exceeding $8 billion. They have the resources to ensure their drivers operate safely. Instead, they allowed a preventable tragedy to occur.

1. Driver Fatigue: A Known Killer

The investigation ruled out weather conditions as a factor, which means we must look at human and mechanical causes. One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue.

Under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 395), truck drivers are limited to:
– 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
– 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart required

Did Perdue pressure Ronnie Andrews to violate these regulations?

We’ve seen this pattern in countless cases. Trucking companies push drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to hours of service violations. When drivers are fatigued, their reaction times slow, their judgment becomes impaired, and they’re more likely to make catastrophic mistakes.

The data doesn’t lie. Studies show that:
– Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes
– Drivers who violate HOS regulations are 2.3 times more likely to be involved in crashes
– The risk of a crash doubles after 8 hours of driving

2. Vehicle Maintenance: Did Perdue Cut Corners?

When a truck crashes through a guardrail, we must ask: Was the vehicle properly maintained?

FMCSA regulations require:
– Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3)
– Pre-trip inspections by drivers (49 CFR § 396.13)
– Annual inspections of all vehicles (49 CFR § 396.17)
– Brake system requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
– Steering system requirements (49 CFR § 393.209)

Did Perdue fail to maintain Ronnie’s truck?

Guardrail crashes often result from:
– Brake failures – Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
– Steering failures – Worn components or fluid leaks
– Tire blowouts – Underinflated or worn tires
– Suspension failures – Worn shocks or springs
– Lighting failures – Non-functional headlights or markers

The fact that Ronnie’s truck went through the guardrail suggests either:
1. He was unable to stop in time (brake failure or excessive speed)
2. He lost control of the vehicle (steering failure, tire blowout, or driver error)
3. The guardrail itself failed (though this appears less likely given the investigation ruled out weather)

3. Driver Qualification: Did Perdue Hire Properly?

FMCSA requires motor carriers to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver (49 CFR § 391.51), containing:
– Employment application
– Motor vehicle record
– Road test certificate
– Medical examiner’s certificate
– Annual driving record review
– Previous employer inquiries
– Drug and alcohol test records

Did Perdue properly vet Ronnie Andrews?

We’ve seen cases where companies hire drivers with:
– Suspended or revoked CDLs
– Multiple moving violations
– Previous accident histories
– Medical conditions that should disqualify them
– Drug or alcohol problems

When companies cut corners on hiring, they put everyone on the road at risk.

4. Cargo Securement: Did the Load Shift?

The article mentions that the beach was littered with blue baskets containing chicken. This raises questions about cargo securement.

FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:
– Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
– Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces
– Specific requirements for different types of cargo

Was the chicken cargo properly secured?

If the load shifted during transit, it could have:
– Affected the truck’s stability
– Made the vehicle harder to control
– Contributed to the crash

The Legal Case Against Perdue: Holding Them Accountable

At Attorney911, we’ve handled numerous cases against major corporations like Perdue. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of corporate negligence. Here’s how we would approach this case:

1. Multiple Theories of Liability

a. Negligent Hiring (49 CFR § 391.11)
– Did Perdue properly vet Ronnie Andrews?
– Did they check his driving record?
– Did they verify his medical certification?
– Did they investigate his previous employment?

b. Negligent Training (49 CFR § 390.3)
– Was Ronnie properly trained on bridge-tunnel driving?
– Did Perdue provide specific training for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?
– Was he trained on cargo securement for poultry loads?

c. Negligent Supervision (49 CFR § 390.3)
– Was Perdue monitoring Ronnie’s hours of service?
– Were they tracking his compliance with regulations?
– Did they have systems to prevent HOS violations?

d. Negligent Maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3)
– Was the truck properly maintained?
– Were pre-trip inspections conducted?
– Were known defects repaired?
– Were brakes, tires, and steering systems in good condition?

e. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR § 395)
– Was Ronnie driving while fatigued?
– Did Perdue pressure him to violate HOS regulations?
– Were his ELD records falsified?

f. Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
– Was the chicken cargo properly secured?
– Did the load shift contribute to the crash?
– Were proper tiedowns used?

2. Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

In trucking cases, evidence disappears quickly. That’s why we act fast.

Critical evidence that must be preserved:
– ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes (can be overwritten in 30 days)
– ELD Data – Records hours of service and driving time (required to be retained for 6 months)
– Driver Qualification File – Contains hiring records, training documentation, and medical certification
– Maintenance Records – Shows whether the truck was properly maintained
– Inspection Reports – Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
– Dispatch Records – Shows delivery schedules and pressure to violate HOS
– Cell Phone Records – To check for distracted driving
– Drug and Alcohol Test Results – To rule out impairment
– The Physical Truck – For expert inspection of brakes, tires, steering, and other systems

Perdue should have received a spoliation letter within 48 hours of this accident.

If they destroyed or failed to preserve any of this evidence, the court can impose severe sanctions, including:
– Adverse inference instructions (telling the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable)
– Monetary penalties
– Default judgment in extreme cases

3. Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Lovie Andrews and Ronnie’s family may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

a. Economic Damages
– Lost future income and benefits Ronnie would have earned
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical expenses incurred before death

b. Non-Economic Damages
– Loss of consortium (companionship, love, and relationship)
– Loss of parental guidance for any surviving children
– Mental anguish and emotional distress
– Pain and suffering Ronnie experienced before death

c. Punitive Damages
If Perdue acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be available to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Virginia law (where this accident occurred) allows for substantial wrongful death damages. Recent verdicts in similar cases include:
– $462 million – St. Louis underride case (2024)
– $160 million – Alabama quadriplegia case (2024)
– $141.5 million – Florida trucking case (2023)

While every case is different, these verdicts show what’s possible when corporations are held fully accountable.

The Bigger Picture: Trucking Safety in America

This tragedy isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger pattern of corporate negligence in the trucking industry.

1. The Fatigue Epidemic

Despite FMCSA regulations, driver fatigue remains a major problem:
– 31% of fatal truck crashes involve fatigued driving
– 13% of truck drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel in the past month
– 65% of drivers report feeling drowsy while driving
– 43% of drivers admit to violating HOS regulations

Why does this keep happening?
– Economic pressure – Trucking companies pay by the mile, incentivizing drivers to drive longer
– Delivery deadlines – Companies promise unrealistic delivery times
– Lack of parking – Drivers struggle to find safe places to rest
– Weak enforcement – FMCSA inspections catch only a fraction of violations

2. Maintenance Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Other common maintenance issues include:
– Worn tires – Cause blowouts and loss of control
– Steering failures – Make vehicles difficult to control
– Lighting problems – Reduce visibility to other drivers
– Suspension failures – Affect vehicle stability

3. The Guardrail Problem

The fact that Ronnie’s truck went through the guardrail raises serious questions. Guardrails are designed to:
– Contain vehicles that leave the roadway
– Redirect vehicles back onto the road
– Absorb impact to reduce crash severity

When guardrails fail, the results are often catastrophic. This is particularly concerning given the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel’s history of truck accidents.

What This Means for Andrews, Andrews County, Texas Drivers

While this tragedy occurred in Virginia, the same dangers exist right here in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas. Our highways see heavy truck traffic from major carriers like:
– Walmart (with a major distribution center in the region)
– Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers)
– Werner Enterprises (major presence in Texas)
– Swift Transportation (headquartered in Arizona but operates extensively in Texas)
– J.B. Hunt (major Texas operations)

Andrews, Andrews County, Texas drivers face identical risks on our local corridors:
– I-20 – Major east-west freight corridor
– US-385 – Important north-south route
– SH-115 – Connects to major oil field operations
– Local oil field roads – Heavy truck traffic from energy sector

The same factors that caused Ronnie Andrews’ death exist here:
– Fatigued drivers pushing beyond legal limits
– Poorly maintained trucks with brake and tire issues
– Companies prioritizing profits over safety
– Challenging road conditions that require extra caution

How Attorney911 Can Help

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major corporations. We know how to hold trucking companies accountable.

1. Immediate Action We Take

When you call us after a trucking accident, we move fast:

Within 24 Hours:
– Send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence
– Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
– Secure the accident scene for investigation
– Interview witnesses before memories fade

Within 7 Days:
– Retain accident reconstruction experts
– Obtain police reports and 911 call recordings
– Subpoena cell phone records
– Request driver qualification files
– Obtain maintenance records

Within 30 Days:
– File lawsuit if necessary
– Depose key witnesses
– Build case for maximum compensation

2. Our Unique Advantages

a. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims.

b. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

c. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:
– $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
– $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
– $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
– Millions for families in wrongful death cases

d. 24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Neither do we. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911.

3. We Handle All Types of Trucking Accidents

Our experience covers every type of trucking accident:
– Jackknife accidents – When trailers swing out of control
– Rollover accidents – Often caused by speeding or cargo shifts
– Underride collisions – When vehicles slide under trailers
– Rear-end collisions – Often caused by brake failures or distracted driving
– Wide turn accidents – When trucks cut off other vehicles
– Blind spot accidents – When trucks change lanes into occupied space
– Tire blowout accidents – Caused by poor maintenance
– Brake failure accidents – Resulting from deferred maintenance
– Cargo spill accidents – From improper securement
– Head-on collisions – Often caused by fatigue or impairment

What You Should Do If You’re in a Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Call the Police

Always file a police report. It creates an official record of the accident.

3. Document Everything

• Take photos of all vehicles involved
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information

4. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately

The sooner you call us, the sooner we can:
– Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
– Begin our investigation
– Protect your rights

The Bottom Line: Perdue Must Be Held Accountable

Ronnie Andrews’ death was preventable. Perdue Farms had a responsibility to:
– Hire qualified drivers
– Train them properly
– Supervise their performance
– Maintain their vehicles
– Follow federal safety regulations

Instead, they allowed a dangerous situation to develop – one that cost a good man his life and left his family devastated.

This case is about more than just compensation. It’s about justice. It’s about sending a message to Perdue and other trucking companies that they can’t cut corners on safety without consequences.

At Attorney911, we’re committed to fighting for families like Ronnie’s. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been doing this work for over 25 years. We know how to build strong cases, gather compelling evidence, and hold corporations accountable.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas, you don’t have to fight alone. We’re here to help.

Learn More About Your Rights

For more information about trucking accidents and your legal rights, watch these videos from our extensive library:

• “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” – Understanding your rights after a trucking accident
• “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” – Steps to take after a truck accident
• “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” – Comprehensive overview of trucking accident law
• “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” – How tire failures cause accidents
• “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” – Protecting your claim from insurance tactics

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📞 (713) 528-9070 (Direct Houston line)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and can assist you directly.

No fee unless we win. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

24/7 availability. Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. Neither do we.

Don’t let Perdue or any other trucking company get away with negligence. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.”

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your trucking accident case is disappearing. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.”

“Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas and across Texas. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.”

“If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Andrews, Andrews County, Texas, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Andrews, Andrews County, Texas trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.”

“Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability. One number to remember: 1-888-ATTY-911.”