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. Can insurance payout for medical expenses be received directly?
- A: I am concerned the insurance adjuster is attempting to take advantage of you. The adjuster should be issuing to you a settlement check which compensates you for medical bills + lost wages + pain and suffering. The fact that the adjuster is attempting to pay the medical care providers directly for bills which your health insurance has already paid is a bright red flag. I strongly, strongly suggest you hire a personal injury attorney to avoid being swindled.
- Q. Timing for responding to a Motion for Summary Judgment before pre-trial hearing.
- A: Not exactly. Rule 6.6 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules provides "[m]otions for summary judgment shall be filed sufficiently early so as not to delay the trial. No trial shall be continued by reason of the delayed filing of a motion for summary judgment." The fact that the MSJ was filed just 5 days before the pre-trial hearing means the motion cannot be heard at that hearing as the law provides you must have 30 days to respond. Rule 6.2 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules. If trial is slated to go forward less than 30 days from when the motion was filed, you can argue it should be denied for being untimely under Rule 6.6.
- Q. Received $15,000 lawsuit demand after minor fender bender, no injuries reported. What to do?
- A: Your insurance company is contractually obligated via your insurance policy to handle this claim. There is nothing you need to be doing. I suggest following up with the handling adjuster to get a status update. I suspect the claim has already been resolved.
