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Michael W. Horst

Michael W. Horst

Horst Shewmaker, LLC
  • Personal Injury, Insurance Claims
  • Georgia
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Biography

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.

Practice Areas
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
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Georgia
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Trial attorney and managing partner
Horst Shewmaker, LLC
- Current
Trial Attorney
Van Sant Law, LLC
-
Shareholder
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
-
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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Education
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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Awards
Super Lawyer
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Rising Star
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Super Lawery
Professional Associations
State Bar of Georgia
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Crash Course
Smart Business
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Tolled While Criminal Prosecution is Pending
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal
Speaking Engagements
Georgia Transportation Law, Legal Conference on Changes in the Law, Denver, CO
Continental Casualty Company
Certifications
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
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Videos
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. 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.

We discuss the impact a car accident will have on your insurance premiums - even if you are not at fault. 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.

Find out how long after an accident you can wait and still file a claim or sue in Georgia. 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.

Learn who pays your medical bills when the other driver is at fault. How to get your medical bills paid after a car accident

Learn who pays your medical bills when the other driver is at fault.

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 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

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 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

Understand the different steps of the legal process you'll face following a car accident Legal Process Following a Car Accident

Understand the different steps of the legal process you'll face following a car accident

Legal Answers
91 Questions Answered
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 to the lawsuit) and to pay any settlement or judgment up to the policy's limits. If the insurance company's policy limits are insufficient to resolve the claim, then your personal assets would again be at risk. At this point, the best advice is to reach out to the insurance company you believe provides you coverage to determine (1) there is in fact coverage for you for your friend's injury and (2) the amount of the policy limits. ... 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 up to your policy limits. ... Read More
Q. Where to find form to answer civil suit in GA?
A: I would strongly, strongly urge you to retain counsel to represent you. Filing an answer is not easy. If some defenses are not raised, they are waived forever. Nevertheless, if you insist on proceeding pro se, you can find an Answer form at the following link: https://southernjudicialcircuit.com/selfhelp/miscforms/answer.pdf
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Contact & Map
Horst Shewmaker, LLC
10745 Westside Way
Suite 165
Alpharetta, GA 30009
US
Toll-Free: (404) 400-1175
Fax: (404) 400-1176
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours