A 23 yr old was teaching his 17 year old brother to drive and hit 4 parked cars, totaling mine. No registration or

Question

or insurance & plates are registered to a different vehicle/mystery person. The 17 yr old fled the scene but was quickly found and both were arrested. No one was hurt but between depreciation book value and still owing on a car loan, the financial loss is absolutely devastating to me. I have no idea how I will afford another car. Can I sue them for restitution? If so, please, can someone tell me where to start? Since there is a criminal aspect, do I call the state's attorney for help, a property damage lawyer who works on a contingency basis? Not getting far with car accident lawyers - seems more about bodily injury. All I feel right now is someone should be held accountable for my loss and I have to figure this out quickly before I get the call from my ins. co. about settling.  I'd be grateful for any and all advice! Thank you.

William C. Head · Answer

If you gave permission to them, that will be a tough sell to your insurance company. If taken without permission, you are in better shape. 
 
Your best bet may be to contact the prosecutor, explain the issues, and request (politely) that any resolution of the criminal charges INCLUDE restitution. That means, that the value of your vehicle be paid to you. 
 
Then, you can go to small claims court, if restitution is not part of the case settlement.

William C. Head · Answer

Your best bet may be to contact the prosecutor, explain the issues, and request (politely) that any resolution of the criminal charges INCLUDE restitution. That means, that the value of your vehicle be paid to you. 
 
Then, you can go to small claims court, if restitution is not part of the case settlement.

Q: A 23 yr old was teaching his 17 year old brother to drive and hit 4 parked cars, totaling mine. No registration or