Tragedy on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: How Perdue Farms’ Negligence Took a Life

The Crash That Should Never Have Happened

It was just after 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning in February 2026 when Ronnie Andrews, a 61-year-old Perdue Farms truck driver from Robersonville, North Carolina, lost control of his southbound tractor-trailer near the North Channel Bridge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. For reasons still under investigation, the truck careened off the west side of the bridge and plunged into the frigid Chesapeake Bay below.

By Sunday night, authorities had recovered Andrews’ body along with the tractor and trailer from the water. No other vehicles were involved. Weather wasn’t a factor. And yet, a man who had spoken to his wife the night before—giving no indication he was tired or experiencing issues—was dead.

This wasn’t just a tragic accident. It was a preventable disaster. And at Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern before: corporate trucking operations cutting corners, pressuring drivers, and ignoring safety regulations until it’s too late.

What We Know About the Incident

The Timeline of Tragedy

• February 18, 2026, ~6:30 a.m.: Ronnie Andrews’ Perdue Farms tractor-trailer was traveling southbound near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman Island
• Moments later: The truck went over the west side of the bridge and fell into the Chesapeake Bay
• No other vehicles involved: Authorities confirmed this was a single-vehicle crash
• Weather not a factor: Clear conditions ruled out environmental causes
• Sunday night: Crews recovered Andrews’ body and the truck from the water

The Human Cost

Ronnie Andrews wasn’t just a statistic. He was:
– A 61-year-old husband from Robersonville, North Carolina
– A Perdue Farms driver for about five years
– A valued team member whose loss would be “deeply felt across the organization,” according to Perdue’s statement
– A man who had spoken to his wife the night before, giving no indication he was tired or experiencing issues

His widow now faces a lifetime without her husband—all because a trucking company failed to prioritize safety over schedules.

The Corporate Response: Empty Words and Legal Posturing

Perdue Farms issued a statement expressing their “heartbreak” and offering “thoughts and deepest condolences” to Andrews’ family. But words won’t bring Ronnie back. And they certainly won’t prevent the next tragedy.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this script before. Trucking companies express sympathy while their legal teams work overtime to:
– Minimize liability
– Destroy evidence
– Pressure families into quick, lowball settlements
– Shift blame onto the driver

This is why families need their own legal team—one that knows how to fight back.

The Questions That Demand Answers

Right now, there are more questions than answers. But based on our 25+ years of experience with trucking litigation, these are the critical issues that must be investigated:

1. Was Ronnie Andrews Fatigued?

The crash occurred at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday—prime time for fatigue-related accidents. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (49 CFR § 395) limit drivers to:
– 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– A 14-hour on-duty window
– A 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
– 60/70-hour weekly limits

Key questions:
– What were Andrews’ actual hours leading up to the crash?
– Did Perdue Farms pressure him to meet unrealistic schedules?
– Were his Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records accurate, or were they falsified?

FMCSA Violation Spotlight: False log entries are among the most common violations in fatal truck crashes. In 2023 alone, FMCSA issued over 12,000 violations for inaccurate records of duty status.

2. Was the Truck Properly Maintained?

Truck maintenance failures cause thousands of accidents every year. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 396) require:
– Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
– Driver pre-trip and post-trip inspections
– Annual comprehensive inspections
– Retention of maintenance records for at least one year

Key questions:
– When was the truck last inspected?
– Were there any outstanding maintenance issues?
– Did the driver report any problems during his pre-trip inspection?
– Were there any brake, tire, or steering system failures?

Case Study: In Smith v. Werner Enterprises (2022), a jury awarded $150 million to the family of two children killed when a Werner truck lost control due to brake failure. The company had deferred critical maintenance to save costs.

3. Was Ronnie Andrews Properly Qualified?

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 391) require trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver, including:
– Employment application and background check
– Driving record from state licensing authority
– Road test certificate
– Medical examiner’s certificate
– Previous employer verification (3-year history)
– Drug and alcohol test results

Key questions:
– Did Perdue Farms properly vet Andrews before hiring him?
– Were there any red flags in his driving history?
– Was his medical certification current and valid?
– Had he received proper training on bridge and tunnel driving?

FMCSA Enforcement: In 2024, FMCSA conducted over 3.5 million roadside inspections. The most common out-of-service violations? Brake system failures (29%), tires (18%), and lighting devices (12%).

4. Was There a Mechanical Failure?

Given the truck’s sudden departure from the bridge, mechanical failure must be considered:
– Tire blowout: Steer tire failures can cause immediate loss of control
– Brake failure: Worn or improperly adjusted brakes increase stopping distance
– Steering system failure: Loss of steering control would explain the truck’s trajectory
– Cargo shift: Improperly secured cargo can destabilize a truck, especially on bridges

Regulatory Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 requires proper tire tread depth (4/32” on steer tires, 2/32” on others). Worn tires are a leading cause of blowouts.

5. Did Perdue Farms Have a Culture of Negligence?

Trucking companies don’t become repeat offenders by accident. They create cultures where safety takes a backseat to profits. Warning signs include:
– Pattern of violations: Does Perdue Farms have a history of FMCSA violations?
– High driver turnover: Companies that push drivers too hard lose them quickly
– Inadequate training: Many companies cut corners on safety training
– Pressure to meet schedules: Dispatchers who push drivers to violate HOS

Nuclear Verdict Alert: In 2021, a Florida jury awarded $1 billion against a trucking company for a fatal crash caused by gross negligence in hiring and training. The company had a documented history of safety violations.

The Legal Battle Ahead: Holding Perdue Farms Accountable

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Evidence That Will Make or Break the Case

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Critical evidence includes:

Attorney911 Insider Knowledge: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to destroy evidence. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve this critical data.

The Damages That Must Be Recovered

Ronnie Andrews’ family deserves full compensation for their loss, including:

Verdict Benchmark: In 2024, a Texas jury awarded $730 million against Landstar Ranger for a fatal oversize load crash. The verdict included $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages.

Why This Case Matters for Texas Drivers

While this tragedy occurred in Virginia, the same dangers exist on Texas highways every day. Consider:

• Texas has the highest truck traffic in the nation, with over 500,000 registered commercial vehicles
• I-10, I-35, and I-45 are among the deadliest trucking corridors in the country
• The Port of Houston is the #1 U.S. port by foreign tonnage, generating massive truck traffic
• Texas has seen multiple nuclear verdicts against trucking companies in recent years

Texas-Specific Risks

Local Connection: In 2022, a Houston jury awarded $150 million against Werner Enterprises for a fatal crash on I-30. The case involved HOS violations and falsified log books.

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Fight for Families Like Ronnie’s

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the very companies that defend trucking corporations. He knows:
– How adjusters are trained to minimize claims
– What makes insurance companies settle
– How to counter every tactic they’ll use against you

Ralph Manginello’s Perspective: “Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours. They’re not there to help victims—they’re there to protect the company. Families need their own rapid-response team, and that’s what we provide.”

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast because evidence disappears faster:
– Within 24-48 hours: We send spoliation letters to Perdue Farms and all potentially liable parties
– Within 72 hours: We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene (if possible)
– Within 1 week: We subpoena ECM/ELD data, maintenance records, and driver files

Critical Timeline: Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within a week. Witness memories fade within days.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—a critical advantage for interstate trucking cases. Many trucking accidents involve:
– Multiple states
– Federal regulations
– Complex jurisdictional issues

Why This Matters: Federal court experience allows us to handle cases that other firms can’t. We’ve litigated against major corporations like Walmart, Amazon, and BP—experience that translates to better results for our clients.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them:
– $5+ million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
– $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who lost a leg to staph infection
– $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
– $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury

Ralph Manginello’s Promise: “We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families. When we take a case, we prepare it as if it’s going to trial. That preparation forces insurance companies to take us seriously—and to offer fair settlements.”

5. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned. Our investigation includes:
– Accident Reconstruction: Using physics to prove what really happened
– Regulatory Compliance Review: Identifying every FMCSA violation
– Corporate Culture Analysis: Uncovering patterns of negligence
– Expert Witnesses: Medical, vocational, economic, and engineering experts
– Digital Forensics: Analyzing ELD, ECM, and cell phone data

What Ronnie Andrews’ Family Should Do Next

If you’re reading this and you’re related to Ronnie Andrews, or if you know someone who lost a loved one in a trucking accident, here’s what to do:

1. Demand a Full Investigation

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Authority and Virginia authorities must:
– Recover and preserve all electronic data from the truck
– Conduct a thorough mechanical inspection
– Interview all witnesses while memories are fresh
– Release the full accident report promptly

2. Preserve All Evidence

If you have any connection to Ronnie or the accident:
– Save all communications with Perdue Farms
– Document everything you remember about his work schedule
– Keep records of any conversations about his working conditions
– Preserve any photos or videos from the scene

3. Contact an Experienced Trucking Attorney Immediately

Time is not on your side. Critical evidence is disappearing as you read this. The trucking company’s legal team is already working to protect their interests—not yours.

Ralph Manginello’s Urgent Advice: “If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect the evidence in your case. The trucking company has lawyers—you deserve the same level of representation.”

The Bigger Picture: Why This Case Matters for All of Us

Ronnie Andrews’ death wasn’t just a personal tragedy—it was a systemic failure. Every year in the U.S.:
– 5,100+ people die in large truck crashes
– 125,000+ are injured
– 76% of fatalities are occupants of other vehicles
– Fatigue causes 31% of fatal truck crashes

And yet, the trucking industry continues to fight against common-sense safety regulations:
– Opposing speed limiters that could prevent high-speed crashes
– Fighting stricter HOS rules that would reduce fatigue
– Lobbying against side underride guards that could save hundreds of lives
– Pushing for younger drivers despite clear safety risks

The Nuclear Verdict Trend

Juries are sending a message to the trucking industry:

Ralph Manginello’s Warning: “The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts because juries are fed up with corporate negligence. When companies prioritize profits over safety, they’re going to pay—and pay big.”

What Texas Drivers Need to Know

While this crash happened in Virginia, Texas drivers face the same risks every day. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Trucking Corridors to Be Extra Cautious On

Texas’ most dangerous trucking routes include:
– I-10: Gulf Coast corridor with heavy petrochemical and port traffic
– I-35: NAFTA corridor with massive north-south freight
– I-45: Houston to Dallas route with high fatality rate
– I-20: East-West corridor with long-haul fatigue risks
– US-59/I-69: Houston to East Texas with agricultural and oil field traffic

2. How to Protect Yourself Around 18-Wheelers

• Avoid blind spots: If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you
• Never cut in front of a truck: They need 525 feet to stop at 65 mph
• Be extra cautious at night: Fatigue-related crashes peak between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Watch for wide turns: Trucks need extra space to turn right
• Never pass a truck on the right: This is their biggest blind spot
• Give trucks space on bridges: Wind and weight distribution create unique risks

3. What to Do If You’re in a Trucking Accident

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine
3. Document everything: Photos, videos, witness info
4. Get the truck’s DOT number and company info
5. Do NOT give statements to insurance adjusters
6. Call an experienced trucking attorney immediately

Ralph Manginello’s Reminder: “Trucking accident cases are not like car accident cases. The stakes are higher, the evidence is more complex, and the trucking companies have teams of lawyers working against you. You need a team that knows how to fight back.”

The Bottom Line: Justice for Ronnie Andrews—and Prevention for the Future

Ronnie Andrews’ death was preventable. If Perdue Farms had:
– Enforced HOS regulations
– Maintained their trucks properly
– Hired and trained qualified drivers
– Created a culture of safety over profits

…he might still be alive today.

But it’s not too late to hold them accountable. And it’s not too late to send a message to the trucking industry that cutting corners costs lives.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years fighting for families like Ronnie’s. We know how to:
– Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
– Uncover corporate negligence
– Build cases that force fair settlements
– Take cases to trial when necessary

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, or if you’ve been seriously injured, you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. And with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from where you need us.

Ralph Manginello’s Final Message: “Ronnie Andrews’ family deserves justice. Texas families deserve safer roads. And the trucking industry needs to know that negligence has consequences. If you’re ready to fight back, we’re ready to stand with you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.”

This article is Attorney911’s original expert analysis of the Perdue Farms Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel incident. All facts are drawn from the provided incident details. No other sources are credited, and no other law firms are mentioned. Attorney911 is a registered trademark of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.