Hit-and-run driver got convicted, court ordered restitution — I've seen almost none of it. Anyone else?

I went through almost exactly this and I'm so sorry. My restitution order sat basically uncollected for years too. What nobody tells you upfront is that a criminal restitution order is almost like a judgment on paper — actually collecting it is a whole separate fight. I eventually had to pursue a civil lawsuit in addition to the criminal restitution just to have any real leverage. The two tracks can run at the same time, which I didn't know.

Criminal restitution and civil liability are two different animals, and a lot of victims don't realize that getting a restitution order in criminal court doesn't stop you from also filing a civil personal injury claim. In fact, if the driver had any insurance at all — even minimal coverage — there may be a civil path that's more collectible than waiting on a broke defendant to pay court-ordered restitution. Also worth looking into: if the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own auto policy's UM/UIM coverage might apply even in a hit-and-run situation. Definitely worth having someone review your full picture.

Not legal advice, but I'll say this: the frustration you're describing is unfortunately really common. Criminal restitution is enforceable on paper but the collection mechanisms are weak if the defendant has no assets or income being monitored. A civil judgment can sometimes give you more tools — wage garnishment, liens on property, etc. The statute of limitations clock matters here, so if you haven't already talked to a PI attorney about whether a civil claim is still viable, that conversation is worth having sooner rather than later.

Please be careful if any insurance company — yours or theirs — reaches out wanting to 'help resolve' things. They are not your friend. Even your own insurer's UM adjuster has an incentive to settle your claim for as little as possible. Don't give recorded statements without understanding what you're agreeing to.

Worked in claims for years. Here's something people don't think about: if there's any chance the hit-and-run driver was operating a vehicle that belonged to someone else, or was on the job, there could be additional insurance layers worth investigating. Also, drivers who flee and cover things up sometimes do have coverage their victims never find out about because nobody digs for it. A good attorney will do that digging.

The head injury piece really concerns me reading your post. 'Still gives me problems' four years out deserves serious medical documentation — not just for your health but because ongoing symptoms are legally relevant to the full scope of what this has cost you. Make sure every symptom, every specialist visit, every bad week is in your medical records. Gaps in treatment can be used against you later.

Bottom line: stop waiting on the restitution. That ship moves at a glacier pace if it moves at all. Your energy is better spent figuring out whether a civil case is still on the table. Find a PI lawyer who works on contingency — meaning they only get paid if you win — so cost isn't a barrier to at least getting a consultation.