Michael W. Horst
Horst Shewmaker, LLC
I grew up in Toledo, Ohio. I went to college at Miami (OH) University. I then went to Wake Forest University School of Law.
I have been practicing law since 2001. For more than 14 years, my practice focused on representing companies and insurers in personal injury actions. My specialty was defending truck drivers, motor carriers, and their insurers. I enjoyed the legal work the cases’ results often left me empty and unfulfilled. In 2015, I transformed my practice. Instead of representing companies and insurers, I changed to filing lawsuits against them. I now enjoys being part of the solution instead of one of the many obstacles standing between the injured person and just compensation. It is hard work for sure going up against billion dollar insurance companies but it is made easier by the fact I used to be one of their lawyers. I know their tactics, their strategies, and their ploys.
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- Insurance Claims
- Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
- Free Consultation
- Contingent Fees
- Georgia
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Trial attorney and managing partner
- Horst Shewmaker, LLC
- - Current
- Trial Attorney
- Van Sant Law, LLC
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- Shareholder
- Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
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- Associate
- Hall Booth Smith & Slover, PC
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- Associate
- Dennis, Corry, Porter & Smith, L.L.P.
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- Associate
- Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP
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- Wake Forest University School of Law
- J.D. | Law
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- Miami University of Ohio
- B.S. | Bachelor of Arts and Science
- Honors: Graduated cum laude
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- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- State Bar of Georgia
- - Current
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- Crash Course
- Smart Business
- Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Tolled While Criminal Prosecution is Pending
- Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal
- Georgia Transportation Law, Legal Conference on Changes in the Law, Denver, CO
- Continental Casualty Company
- Admitted member
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
- Admitted member
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
- Admitted member
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
How long does it take to get settlement money
After a car accident there are some legal and medical processes that need to play out before you get paid. We'll take you through a few different scenarios and explain how your situation might effect the timing of your settlement.
Will insurance rates go up after an accident
We discuss the impact a car accident will have on your insurance premiums - even if you are not at fault.
Can I still sue for my car accident?
Find out how long after an accident you can wait and still file a claim or sue in Georgia.
How to get your medical bills paid after a car accident
Learn who pays your medical bills when the other driver is at fault.
What to say to insurance companies after a car accident
Dealing with insurance companies is rarely fun - especially after a car accident. In this video, we'll breakdown: - What to expect - What you should say - What you should avoid discussing
What to do at the scene of an accident
There are important steps you should take immediately following a car accident. 1) Call 911 and notify the operator if medical assistance is needed 2) Avoid discussing details with the other driver 3) When the police officer arrives, provide him or her with the requested documentation 4) Be truthful with the police officer but stick to the facts 5) Request medical assistance if you are hurt 6) Contact your insurance company 7) Contact an attorney
Legal Process Following a Car Accident
Understand the different steps of the legal process you'll face following a car accident
- Q. Could I get any money from my motorcycle crash?
- A: Yes. You and your girlfriend have a personal injury claim for the bodily injuries you suffered in the collision. If you (or the police) are able to locate the at fault driver and his/her insurance company, you both can bring a claim against that insurance company. If the at fault driver is not able to be located, you may still be able to pursue a claim assuming you and/or your girlfriend have uninsured motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage is optional so there is no way for me to know if you have it until your policy is reviewed. These types of claims can have a lot of moving parts to them so I strongly suggest you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
- Q. Am I personally liable for a friend's injury on a rental boat in Georgia?
- A: There is a difference between a claim and a lawsuit. If your friend is pursuing a claim, he can do that directly with the insurance company. However, if he is filing a lawsuit, you will be sued as the defendant since you are the alleged negligent party. Whenever a person is named in a lawsuit, his/her personal assets are at risk to satisfy a judgment rendered in favor of the injured party. But there is a silver lining.
If there is an insurance policy which provides coverage to you whether that is through the rental company's insurance company or otherwise, the insurance company has a contractual duty to provide you a defense (i.e., hire you an attorney at its expense to defend you ... Read More
- Q. Served with damages complaint from collision; need advice on rights, obligations, and potential legal representation.
- A: Generally speaking, Georgia law provides 30 days to file a response to a lawsuit (known as an Answer). The 30 day "clock" begins to run from the date of service. Missing the 30 day deadline can bring with it dire consequences as then a default can be entered.
In your case, I assume you had auto insurance at the time of the wreck? If so, you need to forward the suit papers to your insurance company immediately. If you fail to inform your insurance company you have been served with legal documents you run the risk of the insurance company denying your claim on coverage grounds. It is the insurance company's duty to provide you counsel and to pay any settlement or judgment ... Read More
