Motorcyclist killed in I-75 crash in Monroe County

A 53-year-old Cleveland man died Monday when his motorcycle hit the back of a semitrailer in Monroe County.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened at 2:18 p.m. Oct. 26 on northbound I-75. It occurred north of Post Road in Frenchtown Township.

William R. Marbuery was riding a Harley-Davidson in the center lane when he hit the trailer. Jeffrey Pence Sandy, 62, of Romeo, was driving the Kenworth tractor pulling it.

Marbuery fell from the motorcycle, which caught fire. He was wearing a helmet and died at the scene.

The tractor-trailer stopped in the center lane. The crash closed northbound I-75 at Nadeau Road on Monday.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call 734-240-7725.

Does a rear-end crash automatically establish fault in Michigan?

No. Under Michigan’s rear-end collision law, a driver who overtakes and hits another vehicle facing the same direction or is usually presumed negligent until it can be proven otherwise. That presumption can be overcome with evidence, so a rear impact does not automatically settle legal responsibility.

The order of events and each driver’s actions still matter. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of fault in multi-vehicle crashes discusses why vehicle position alone doesn’t decide who caused a collision.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle accident, truck accident and wrongful death claims.

If you or a family member was harmed in a motorcycle or semi-truck crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss what happened and ask about available legal help.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

Michigan Legal Center also explains the legal and insurance issues involved in Michigan truck accident claims.