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
- 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 Lawyers
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 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. If driver caused bodily harm without insurance, then tries to fight citation with new insurance does driver get a pass?
- A: It is often the case that should an uninsured driver appear in Court and show proof that subsequent to the accident he obtained insurance, the solicitor will drop the no insurance charge. Of course, it is purely within the discretion of the solicitor if he wishes to drop the charges. The solicitor is free to prosecute the defendant for not having insurance at the time of the wreck even if the defendant proves he obtained insurance subsequent to the wreck.
- Q. Just how successful are attornies as far as prosecuting malpractice cases against veterinarian surgeons?
- A: I have been practicing law for approximately 20 years and I am not aware of any attorneys who regularly handle veterinarian malpractice cases. In fact, I cannot think of a single example. In your case, I suppose you could sue the veterinarian for malpractice but you would have to show through expert testimony at least one negligent act committed by the veterinarian. That would be both difficult and expensive.
- Q. How to find out tha status of my lawsuit when complaint jas been filed and its been over 45 days and still havent heard
- A: If you know the county where the suit was filed, I suggest going to that clerk of court's website. Many of Georgia's counties have their dockets on-line. By inputting the parties' names and/or the civil action file number of your case, you can pull up the docket and see the latest.
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