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.
- 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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- 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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- 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
- 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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- Georgia
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- Free Consultation
- Contingent Fees
- 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
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. Can I file an underinsured motorist claim after an accident in Georgia?
- A: Yes, assuming you have applicable uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may pursue a UM claim. I must warn you, however, that UM is one of the most complicated areas of personal injury law. One false step and you may inadvertently fall into a pitfall and thereby foreclose your ability to recover under your UM policy.
The first step in pursuing a UM claim is to collect the insurance policy limits from the at fault driver's insurance carrier. Until those limits have been exhausted, you cannot pursue a UM claim. Also, be extremely careful in what kind of release you sign when you collect the liability limits. You want to make sure you sign what is known as a limited liability release. ... Read More
- Q. Can my friend insure my car and am I liable for accidents?
- A: There exists a claim under Georgia law known as negligent entrustment. Negligent entrustment occurs when an owner entrusts the owner's vehicle to another person who the owner knows to be incompetent or unfit to use it. Such a claim would apply in this case if your friend has a bad driving record but you nevertheless allow him to drive the vehicle you own. If your friend injures or kills someone due to his negligence, you can bet both you and your friend will be sued.
I should also point out that under Georgia law auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver. This means that if your friend injures or kills someone while driving your car, your insurance policy will cover ... Read More
- 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.
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