Fatal Rear-End Collision on I-65 in Hardin County: Why This Tragic Truck Accident Demands Immediate Legal Action

A Life Cut Short on Kentucky’s Highways

The morning of February 16, 2026, started like any other for Drew Cookenmaster. The 29-year-old from Hodgenville was driving northbound on Interstate 65 near Lebanon Junction, Kentucky—just another commuter on one of America’s busiest freight corridors. But at approximately 9:46 a.m., his life ended in an instant when his blue Hyundai Elantra struck the rear of a northbound tractor-trailer operated by Shakisha Brewington, a 52-year-old truck driver from Schertz, Texas.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) investigation revealed a chilling sequence of events: traffic had slowed due to a previous collision near the 106-mile marker. Cookenmaster, unable to stop in time, collided with the rear of Brewington’s trailer. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hardin County Coroner. The truck driver walked away uninjured.

The northbound lanes of I-65 at the Joe Prather exit were closed for three hours while troopers reconstructed the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, led by Trooper Scott Wheatley.

This wasn’t just another traffic fatality. It was a preventable tragedy—one that exposes the systemic dangers of commercial trucking and the urgent need for accountability when corporations prioritize profit over safety.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times. And we know exactly how to fight back.

Why This Crash Is a Wake-Up Call for Kentucky—and for Schertz, Texas

The Dangers of I-65: A Corridor of Risk

Interstate 65 is one of the most dangerous highways in the United States for truck-related crashes. It runs through four states—Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana—and serves as a critical artery for freight moving between the Gulf Coast and the Midwest. In Kentucky alone, I-65 sees:
– Over 50,000 vehicles per day, with a significant portion being commercial trucks
– Frequent congestion near Louisville and Lexington, where traffic slows unpredictably
– Challenging terrain, including steep grades and sharp curves in southern Kentucky
– High rates of rear-end collisions, particularly in work zones and during inclement weather

This crash didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened on a highway where trucking companies routinely push drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, where fatigue and distraction are rampant, and where mechanical failures are often ignored until it’s too late.

The Texas Connection: Why Schertz Matters

Shakisha Brewington is from Schertz, Texas—a city in Guadalupe County that sits at the heart of Texas’s logistics industry. Schertz is just 20 miles northeast of San Antonio, home to major distribution centers for companies like Amazon, H-E-B, and Whataburger. It’s also within driving distance of:
– I-35, the NAFTA corridor that carries billions of dollars in freight between Mexico and the U.S.
– I-10, the Gulf Coast corridor that connects Houston’s ports to the rest of the country
– The Port of San Antonio, a major hub for military and commercial cargo

Texas is the epicenter of the trucking industry, with more registered commercial vehicles than any other state. But with this concentration of trucks comes a concentration of risk. Texas leads the nation in truck-related fatalities, and Guadalupe County is no exception. The same pressures that led to this crash in Kentucky exist right here in Schertz:
– Fatigue: Texas truckers are often pushed to drive long hours to meet delivery deadlines.
– Distraction: Dispatch communications, GPS devices, and cell phones create constant distractions.
– Mechanical failures: Texas’s extreme heat and long distances take a toll on trucks, leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues.
– Negligent hiring: With a high demand for drivers, some Texas trucking companies cut corners on background checks and training.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Schertz, Guadalupe County, or anywhere in Texas, the same factors that caused this tragedy could be at play in your case.

The Evidence That Will Make or Break This Case

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours to protect their interests. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence can be lost forever.

Here’s what needs to be preserved—and why it matters:

1. Electronic Data: The Truck’s “Black Box”

Commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs)—often called “black boxes.” These devices record critical data in the moments before a crash, including:
– Speed: Was the truck traveling at an unsafe speed for traffic conditions?
– Brake application: Did the driver hit the brakes in time, or was there a delay?
– Throttle position: Was the driver accelerating or coasting?
– Following distance: Was the truck following too closely?
– GPS location: Where was the truck in the moments before the crash?
– Fault codes: Were there any mechanical issues that the driver ignored?

Why it matters: This data is objective and tamper-resistant. It can directly contradict a driver’s claims about what happened. For example, if the ECM shows the truck was traveling at 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, this is powerful evidence of negligence.

The catch: ECM data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

2. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

Since December 18, 2017, most commercial trucks have been required to use ELDs to record Hours of Service (HOS) compliance. ELD data can reveal:
– Driving time: Was the driver violating HOS regulations?
– Break compliance: Did the driver take the required 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving?
– Duty status: Was the driver on duty, off duty, or in the sleeper berth?
– GPS location: Where was the truck during the trip?

Why it matters: Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. If the ELD shows the driver was on the road too long, this can prove negligence.

3. Driver Qualification File (DQF)

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain a DQF for every driver. This file includes:
– Employment application and background check
– Driving record (MVR)
– Medical certification
– Drug and alcohol test results
– Training records
– Previous employer inquiries

Why it matters: If the trucking company failed to verify Brewington’s qualifications, ignored red flags in her driving history, or hired her despite a poor safety record, this can prove negligent hiring.

4. Maintenance Records

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, trucking companies must maintain records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance. These records can reveal:
– Deferred maintenance: Did the company ignore known defects to save money?
– Brake violations: Were the brakes properly adjusted and maintained?
– Tire condition: Were the tires worn or improperly inflated?
– Lighting failures: Were the rear lights functioning properly?

Why it matters: Brake failures cause 29% of trucking accidents. If the maintenance records show the company ignored critical repairs, this can prove negligence.

5. Dispatch Records

Dispatch records can reveal whether the trucking company pressured Brewington to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to:
– HOS violations: Driving beyond the legal limits
– Speeding: Encouraging drivers to exceed speed limits
– Skipping breaks: Failing to take required rest periods

Why it matters: If the company prioritized profit over safety, this can support a claim for punitive damages.

6. Drug and Alcohol Test Results

Under 49 CFR § 382, truck drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing. If Brewington tested positive for drugs or alcohol, this could be a critical factor in the crash.

7. Cell Phone Records

If Brewington was using a cell phone at the time of the crash, her phone records can prove distraction. Under 49 CFR § 392.82, hand-held phone use is prohibited while driving.

8. Witness Statements

Witnesses can provide critical testimony about:
– The truck’s speed and behavior before the crash
– Whether the truck’s lights were functioning
– Whether the driver appeared fatigued or distracted
– The sequence of events leading to the collision

Why it matters: Witness testimony can corroborate—or contradict—the truck driver’s version of events.

9. Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction experts can analyze:
– Skid marks
– Vehicle damage
– Road conditions
– Weather conditions
– The physics of the collision

Why it matters: Reconstruction can prove whether the truck driver had time to stop, whether the brakes failed, or whether the cargo shifted and destabilized the trailer.

Why This Case Matters for Schertz, Guadalupe County, and Beyond

This crash didn’t just happen in Kentucky—it happened on a highway that carries the same risks as the corridors that run through Schertz, Guadalupe County, and Texas. The same trucking companies that operate on I-65 also operate on:
– I-35, the NAFTA corridor that runs through San Antonio and Austin
– I-10, the Gulf Coast corridor that connects Houston to El Paso
– I-45, the Houston-to-Dallas corridor
– US-281, the route that runs through Schertz and connects to San Antonio

The same factors that caused this crash exist right here in Texas:
– Fatigue: Texas truckers are pushed to drive long hours to meet delivery deadlines.
– Distraction: Dispatch communications, GPS devices, and cell phones create constant distractions.
– Mechanical failures: Texas’s extreme heat and long distances take a toll on trucks, leading to brake failures and tire blowouts.
– Negligent hiring: With a high demand for drivers, some Texas trucking companies cut corners on background checks and training.

The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

Drew Cookenmaster was just 29 years old when he died. He was someone’s son, perhaps someone’s brother, maybe even someone’s father. His death leaves behind a family grieving an empty chair at the dinner table, a future stolen, and a lifetime of “what ifs.”

This is the human cost of the trucking industry’s negligence. And it’s not just Cookenmaster. Every year in the U.S.:
– 5,100+ people die in large truck crashes
– 125,000+ people are injured
– 76% of those killed are occupants of passenger vehicles

These aren’t just statistics. They’re lives shattered by preventable crashes.

The Legal Doctrine That Holds Trucking Companies Accountable

Trucking companies often try to distance themselves from their drivers’ actions. They’ll claim the driver was an “independent contractor” or that the crash was an “unforeseeable accident.” But the law doesn’t let them off the hook that easily.

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts when they’re acting within the scope of their employment. This means that if a truck driver causes a crash while delivering cargo for their employer, the trucking company is on the hook.

Additionally, trucking companies can be held directly liable for:
– Negligent hiring: Hiring drivers with poor safety records
– Negligent training: Failing to provide adequate safety training
– Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor drivers’ compliance with regulations
– Negligent maintenance: Failing to maintain trucks in safe condition

These legal doctrines exist to protect victims like Drew Cookenmaster—and to hold corporations accountable when they prioritize profit over safety.

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: Why Trucking Companies Are Paying More Than Ever

In recent years, juries have sent a clear message to the trucking industry: negligence has consequences. These are called “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards that exceed $10 million. And they’re becoming more common.

Here are some recent examples:
– $1 billion (2021, Florida): A jury awarded $100 million in compensatory damages and $900 million in punitive damages in a case where a trucking company knowingly hired a dangerous driver.
– $462 million (2024, Missouri): A jury awarded $462 million in an underride collision case where two men were decapitated.
– $160 million (2024, Alabama): A jury awarded $160 million in a rollover case that left the driver quadriplegic.
– $150 million (2022, Texas): A jury awarded $150 million in a wrongful death case against Werner Enterprises.

These verdicts aren’t just about compensation—they’re about justice. They send a message that trucking companies can’t cut corners and expect to get away with it.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Choice for Your Case

When you’re up against a trucking company, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been representing trucking accident victims since 1998. He’s seen it all—from brake failures to falsified logbooks—and he knows how to build a case that wins.

2. Federal Court Experience

Trucking cases often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate cases.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate claims, and he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost. We know where to look for hidden data and how to subpoena records that trucking companies don’t want you to see.

5. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for our clients, including:
– $5+ million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
– $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation
– $2.5+ million for a trucking accident victim
– Millions for families in wrongful death cases

6. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you can focus on your recovery.

7. Offices Across Texas

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from where you need us. We handle trucking accident cases throughout Texas and beyond.

8. Fluent Spanish Services

Many trucking accident victims in Texas speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly with your attorney without interpreters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after a trucking accident?

If you’re able, take these steps:
– Call 911 and report the accident
– Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
– Document the scene with photos and videos
– Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
– Get the trucking company’s name and DOT number
– Collect witness contact information
– Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
– Call an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately

2. Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company (motor carrier)
– The cargo owner or shipper
– The loading company
– The truck or trailer manufacturer
– The maintenance company
– The freight broker
– Government entities (in rare cases)

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is two years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

4. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:
– The severity of your injuries
– Your medical expenses (past and future)
– Your lost wages and earning capacity
– Your pain and suffering
– The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
– The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies—often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

5. Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

6. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable under the doctrine of negligent hiring or negligent supervision. We investigate all relationships to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

7. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.

8. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents, but it’s hard to prove without evidence. We use:
– ELD data to show Hours of Service violations
– Dispatch records to show pressure to meet deadlines
– Cell phone records to show the driver was awake for long periods
– Witness testimony about the driver’s behavior

9. What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

Destroying evidence after receiving notice of a claim is called spoliation. Courts can impose serious penalties, including:
– Adverse inference instructions: Telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable
– Monetary sanctions
– Default judgment in extreme cases

10. How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and we advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

Want to learn more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer

Ready to Fight Back?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We answer calls 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company is already building their defense. You need an attorney who will fight for you.

Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911.