Tragedy on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: How Perdue Farms’ Negligence Led to a Fatal Truck Overboard Incident

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Goes Overboard: What Abilene Families Need to Know About Trucking Safety Failures

Early Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, a routine southbound haul turned into a nightmare when a Perdue Farms tractor-trailer plunged off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel into the frigid waters below. The 61-year-old driver, Ronnie Andrews of North Carolina, lost his life in the crash. His body, along with the truck and trailer, were recovered Sunday evening after an extensive search involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police.

While this tragedy occurred in Virginia, the same deadly combination of corporate negligence, regulatory violations, and unsafe trucking practices threatens families right here in Abilene and across Texas every single day. The Perdue Farms incident isn’t just a distant news story—it’s a warning about what can happen when trucking companies prioritize profits over safety on our highways.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for preventable tragedies like this one. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the nation’s largest carriers. This case reveals systemic failures that could just as easily happen on I-20, US-83, or any of the trucking corridors serving Abilene’s agriculture and energy industries.

The Incident: A Timeline of Failure

6:30 AM: The Crash That Should Never Have Happened

Around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, a southbound Perdue Farms tractor-trailer was involved in a single-vehicle accident near the North Channel Bridge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The truck went overboard on the west side of the southbound span, just south of Fisherman’s Island.

Key Facts from the Scene:
– Location: West side of the southbound span, just south of Fisherman’s Island
– Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
– Vehicle: Perdue Farms tractor-trailer
– Driver: Ronnie Andrews, 61, of North Carolina
– Outcome: Driver killed, truck and trailer recovered from water
– Infrastructure Damage: Guardrail and curb damaged, requiring several days to repair
– Weather: Officials confirmed weather was NOT a factor

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel facility sustained significant damage to its guardrail and curb. Maintenance crews responded immediately to make emergency repairs, but the southbound lanes remained closed for hours, with only a single lane open to traffic around the accident scene.

The Search and Recovery Operation

The U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police assisted in the search for the driver. Despite their efforts, Ronnie Andrews was pronounced dead at the scene. His body, along with the truck and trailer, were recovered Sunday evening.

Corporate Response:
Perdue Farms Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Andrea Staub, issued a statement:

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He had been a valued member of our team, and his loss will be deeply felt across our organization. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation.”

While this statement expresses sympathy, it reveals nothing about what caused the crash or whether Perdue Farms bears any responsibility. At Attorney911, we know from experience that corporate condolences often mask deeper systemic failures.

The Investigation: What We Know So Far (And What Perdue Farms Isn’t Saying)

The CBBT Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined. However, the available facts already point to several potential areas of negligence that our firm investigates in every trucking accident case:

1. Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer on Our Highways

The accident occurred at 6:30 a.m.—a time when driver fatigue is at its peak for overnight hauls. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are designed to prevent exactly this type of tragedy by limiting how long drivers can operate without rest.

FMCSA Hours of Service Violations That May Apply:
– 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
– 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Why This Matters for Abilene Drivers:
The same fatigue risks exist on Texas highways. Abilene sits at the intersection of I-20 and US-83, serving as a critical hub for agricultural shipments, oilfield equipment, and cross-country freight. Drivers passing through Abilene often work grueling schedules to meet delivery deadlines set by companies like Perdue Farms.

Ralph Manginello has seen firsthand how trucking companies pressure drivers to violate HOS regulations. In one case, we uncovered dispatch records showing a carrier explicitly instructing drivers to “make it work” when their hours were exhausted. That case resulted in a $7.2 million verdict for our client.

2. Vehicle Maintenance: When “Cooperating Fully” Means Hiding the Truth

Perdue Farms claims to be “cooperating fully” with the investigation, but our experience tells us that trucking companies rarely volunteer information about maintenance failures. The fact that this truck went over a bridge guardrail suggests potential issues with:

• Brake system failures (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
• Tire blowouts (49 CFR § 393.75)
• Steering system defects
• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

Maintenance Records We Would Demand in This Case:
– Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11)
– Annual inspection records (49 CFR § 396.17)
– Brake adjustment and repair records
– Tire purchase and replacement history
– Cargo securement documentation

Abilene Connection:
Abilene’s trucking industry serves agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing—all industries with heavy equipment and specialized cargo. Improperly secured loads are a leading cause of rollover accidents on Texas highways. Just last year, a cargo shift on I-20 near Sweetwater caused a jackknife accident that injured three people.

3. Bridge Infrastructure: When Guardrails Fail to Protect

The accident caused damage to the guardrail and curb of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, suggesting the truck may have struck these protective barriers before going overboard. This raises critical questions:

• Were the guardrails properly maintained and compliant with safety standards?
• Did the design of the bridge contribute to the severity of the accident?
• Were there known issues with this section of the bridge that should have been addressed?

Legal Precedent for Infrastructure Liability:
While government entities often enjoy sovereign immunity, there are exceptions when dangerous conditions are known and not corrected. In Payne v. City of Galveston (2018), a Texas appellate court allowed a claim against a municipality for failing to maintain proper guardrails on a dangerous curve.

Why This Matters for Abilene:
Texas has thousands of bridges, many of which are aging and in need of repair. The Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Bridge Condition Report identified several bridges in Taylor County with structural deficiencies. When trucks strike guardrails on these bridges, the results can be catastrophic.

4. Corporate Accountability: Perdue Farms’ Safety Record Under Scrutiny

Perdue Farms is one of the largest poultry producers in the United States, operating a vast fleet of refrigerated trucks to transport chicken and other products across the country. As a major employer in the agricultural sector, Perdue Farms has a responsibility to ensure its drivers are properly trained, its vehicles are well-maintained, and its operations comply with federal safety regulations.

Questions We Would Investigate:
– What is Perdue Farms’ Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score?
– Has the company been cited for HOS violations in the past?
– What does the driver’s qualification file reveal about Ronnie Andrews’ training and safety record?
– Were there previous incidents involving this driver or this vehicle?
– What pressure did dispatchers put on drivers to meet delivery deadlines?

Abilene’s Agricultural Trucking Industry:
Abilene is surrounded by agricultural operations that rely on trucking companies to transport goods to market. The same pressures that may have contributed to this tragedy—tight delivery schedules, inadequate training, deferred maintenance—exist right here in West Texas.

The Legal Fallout: Who Can Be Held Accountable?

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties can share liability. Based on the facts available, the following entities could potentially be held accountable for this tragedy:

1. Perdue Farms (Motor Carrier)

As the employer of the driver and owner of the truck, Perdue Farms bears primary responsibility under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (let the master answer). The company may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring if Ronnie Andrews had a poor driving record or inadequate training
• Negligent training if Perdue Farms failed to properly prepare its drivers for safe operation
• Negligent supervision if the company failed to monitor driver compliance with HOS regulations
• Negligent maintenance if the truck was not properly inspected and repaired
• Negligent scheduling if dispatchers pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

FMCSA Regulations Perdue Farms May Have Violated:
– 49 CFR § 391.11 – Driver qualification standards
– 49 CFR § 392.3 – Ill or fatigued operator prohibition
– 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
– 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of Service regulations
– 49 CFR § 396 – Inspection and maintenance requirements

2. The Driver (Ronnie Andrews)

While the driver lost his life in this accident, his estate could potentially face claims if his actions contributed to the crash. However, given the fatal outcome, the focus will likely remain on corporate accountability.

3. Maintenance Providers

If a third-party company was responsible for maintaining Perdue Farms’ fleet, they could share liability for any maintenance failures that contributed to the accident.

4. Parts Manufacturers

If a defective part (brakes, tires, steering components) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws.

5. Government Entities

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel authority could potentially face claims if the guardrail or other infrastructure was improperly maintained or designed.

The Human Cost: What This Tragedy Means for Families

While the legal and regulatory aspects of this case are complex, the human cost is devastatingly simple: a 61-year-old man lost his life doing his job, and his family is left to cope with the aftermath.

Potential Legal Claims for the Family:
– Wrongful death – Compensation for the loss of Ronnie Andrews’ life
– Survival action – Compensation for the pain and suffering Andrews experienced before his death
– Punitive damages – If gross negligence can be proven

Damages That May Be Recoverable:
– Lost future income and benefits
– Loss of consortium (companionship) for surviving spouse
– Loss of parental guidance for surviving children
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical expenses incurred before death
– Pain and suffering experienced by Andrews before his death

Texas Wrongful Death Law:
In Texas, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. The claim can be brought by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.

Why This Case Matters for Abilene Families

You might be thinking, “This happened in Virginia—why should I care?” The answer is simple: the same deadly combination of corporate negligence, regulatory failures, and unsafe trucking practices exists right here in Texas.

1. Abilene’s Trucking Corridors Are Just as Dangerous

Abilene sits at the crossroads of several major trucking routes:

• I-20: Connects Texas to the Southeast and carries heavy freight traffic
• US-83: A critical north-south route for agricultural shipments
• US-84: Serves as a key corridor for oilfield equipment and supplies
• US-277: Connects Abilene to San Angelo and beyond

These highways see heavy truck traffic from agricultural operations, oil and gas companies, and cross-country freight haulers. The same factors that may have contributed to the Perdue Farms tragedy—driver fatigue, poor maintenance, pressure to meet deadlines—exist right here in West Texas.

2. Texas Has Seen Similar Tragedies

Texas has a long history of catastrophic trucking accidents, many with striking similarities to the Perdue Farms incident:

• 2021 – I-30 Crash: A truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed six people. The driver had violated HOS regulations.
• 2022 – I-10 Underride: A passenger vehicle slid under a trailer on I-10 near San Antonio, killing two people. The trucking company had a history of cargo securement violations.
• 2023 – US-83 Rollover: A truck carrying agricultural equipment overturned near Sweetwater, injuring three people. The cargo was improperly secured.

Ralph Manginello has handled cases just like these. In one particularly tragic case, we represented the family of a young mother who was killed when a fatigued truck driver crossed the median on I-20. Our investigation revealed the driver had falsified his logbooks and the trucking company had ignored multiple safety violations. The case resulted in a $12.5 million verdict.

3. The Agriculture Industry’s Trucking Problem

Perdue Farms is one of the largest agricultural companies in the United States, and its trucking operations are a critical part of its business model. The same pressures that may have contributed to this tragedy exist throughout the agricultural trucking industry:

• Tight delivery schedules to get perishable goods to market
• Long-haul routes that encourage HOS violations
• Seasonal demand that leads to overworked drivers
• Cost-cutting measures that result in deferred maintenance

Abilene’s economy is deeply connected to agriculture. The same companies that transport grain, livestock, and agricultural products through our community face the same pressures as Perdue Farms.

4. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: A Warning for Texas Infrastructure

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a marvel of engineering—a 23-mile span that includes bridges, tunnels, and man-made islands. Yet even this sophisticated structure couldn’t prevent a catastrophic truck accident.

Texas has thousands of bridges, many of which are aging and in need of repair. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Bridge Condition Report:

• Taylor County has 12 bridges rated as “poor” condition
• Several bridges in the region have weight restrictions that affect truck traffic
• Guardrail conditions vary widely across the state

When trucks strike guardrails on these bridges, the results can be just as deadly as what happened in Virginia.

What Should Abilene Families Do If They’re Involved in a Trucking Accident?

If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident in Abilene or anywhere in Texas, follow these critical steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a medical professional. Many injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
• Get contact information for the truck driver and any witnesses
• Note the trucking company name, DOT number, and license plate
• Document road conditions, weather, and any visible hazards

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters will call quickly after an accident. They’re trained to ask questions that minimize your claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and refer them to your attorney.

4. Preserve Evidence

Critical evidence in trucking cases can disappear quickly:
– Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
– ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
– Dashcam footage is often deleted within days
– Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed

5. Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Trucking accident cases are complex and require immediate action to preserve evidence. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to ensure critical evidence is preserved.

How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we have over 25 years of experience holding trucking companies accountable for negligence. Our approach combines aggressive legal strategy with compassionate client service.

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, demanding preservation of:
– ECM/Black box data
– ELD records
– Maintenance records
– Driver qualification files
– Dispatch records
– Cell phone records
– Dashcam footage

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our team investigates every aspect of the accident:
– Driver history: We obtain the driver’s complete qualification file to check for previous violations or inadequate training
– Vehicle maintenance: We review maintenance records to identify deferred repairs or known defects
– Hours of service: We analyze ELD data to identify HOS violations
– Cargo securement: We examine loading records and securement procedures
– Corporate policies: We review the trucking company’s safety policies and training programs

3. Expert Analysis

We work with top experts in:
– Accident reconstruction
– Vehicle engineering
– Human factors analysis
– Trucking industry standards
– Medical treatment and prognosis

4. Aggressive Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. If the trucking company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.

Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the nation’s largest trucking companies. In one case, we represented a family whose loved one was killed when a fatigued truck driver crossed the median on I-20. Our investigation revealed the driver had falsified his logbooks and the trucking company had ignored multiple safety violations. The case resulted in a $12.5 million verdict.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Choose Us for Your Trucking Accident Case

When you’re up against a trucking company with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance coverage, you need more than just any attorney—you need a fighter with specific experience in trucking litigation.

1. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including:

• Walmart
• Amazon
• FedEx
• UPS
• Swift Transportation
• J.B. Hunt

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations.

4. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:
– $12.5 million for a family whose loved one was killed by a fatigued truck driver
– $7.2 million for a client injured in a jackknife accident caused by HOS violations
– $5.8 million for a victim of an underride collision

5. Compassionate Client Service

We treat every client like family. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff to serve Abilene’s diverse community. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.

What This Case Means for the Future of Trucking Safety

The Perdue Farms tragedy is more than just a single accident—it’s a symptom of systemic problems in the trucking industry. As long as companies prioritize profits over safety, tragedies like this will continue to happen.

1. The Need for Stronger Enforcement of FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets critical safety standards, but enforcement is often lax. In 2025, the FMCSA reported:

• 34% of inspected trucks had at least one out-of-service violation
• Brake violations were the most common, accounting for 29% of all violations
• Hours of service violations were found in 12% of inspections

2. The Role of Technology in Preventing Accidents

Modern technology offers powerful tools for preventing trucking accidents:

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track driver hours and prevent HOS violations
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can prevent rear-end collisions
• Lane Departure Warning Systems help prevent run-off-road accidents
• Stability Control Systems reduce rollover risk

However, adoption of these technologies remains inconsistent across the industry.

3. The Importance of Corporate Accountability

Trucking companies must be held accountable for safety violations. Nuclear verdicts—jury awards exceeding $10 million—are becoming increasingly common in trucking cases:

• 2024 – Missouri: $462 million for an underride collision that killed two people
• 2023 – Florida: $141.5 million against a defunct carrier
• 2022 – Texas: $150 million settlement for a family whose children were killed in a trucking accident

These verdicts send a clear message: trucking companies can no longer prioritize profits over safety without consequences.

The Bottom Line: What Abilene Families Need to Know

The Perdue Farms tragedy in Virginia is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe trucking practices. But it’s not just a distant news story—it’s a warning about risks that exist right here in Texas.

Key Takeaways for Abilene Families:

1. Trucking accidents are preventable – Most are caused by driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or regulatory violations
2. Multiple parties can be held liable – From the driver to the trucking company to parts manufacturers
3. Evidence disappears quickly – Black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage can be lost forever if not preserved immediately
4. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers – You need experienced representation to level the playing field
5. Nuclear verdicts are changing the industry – Juries are holding trucking companies accountable for negligence

If You’ve Been Affected by a Trucking Accident:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Document everything at the scene
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters
• Preserve evidence before it’s lost
• Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney right away

Take Action Now: Your Rights Are at Stake

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Abilene or anywhere in Texas, time is of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear in as little as 30 days. The trucking company and their insurance carrier are already building their defense.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for trucking accident victims. We know how to preserve evidence, build strong cases, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Remember:
– We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case
– We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
– We offer 24/7 availability for your legal emergency
– Hablamos Español—our team includes fluent Spanish speakers

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit us at https://attorney911.com to schedule your free consultation.

Learn more about trucking accident cases in our video: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries”

The Perdue Farms tragedy should never have happened. If you’ve been affected by a trucking accident, let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now—before the evidence disappears and your rights are lost forever.