Hit by a drunk driver with no insurance — what are my options to get my car fixed?

Oh man, I went through almost the exact same thing — drunk driver, no insurance, me holding the bag. The criminal restitution route IS a real thing, but I'll be honest: it took forever and I only got a fraction of what was ordered because the guy had no money anyway. Don't count on that as your main recovery strategy. Definitely pursue it, but have a backup plan.

Please please please go see a doctor about your neck and headaches. I know it feels like it'll pass, but whiplash and soft tissue injuries from rear-end collisions can get significantly worse over the first few weeks if they're not assessed. There's also a practical reason beyond just your health — if you decide to pursue any kind of injury claim later, having a gap in medical care from the date of the accident makes everything harder. Go tomorrow if you can. Urgent care works if you can't get your regular doctor quickly.

Before you do anything, call your own insurance company and ask specifically about uninsured motorist property damage coverage — sometimes people have it without realizing it, or it might be bundled in a way that's not obvious. Also ask about medical payments coverage. Read your declarations page carefully. Adjusters aren't always going to volunteer information about coverage you might have.

Worked in claims for years. A couple things:

First, if you don't have UM/UIM or collision, your own carrier honestly can't do much for the vehicle damage — that part is accurate. But definitely check for MedPay or PIP if your state requires it, because that can cover your medical bills regardless of fault.

Second, on the repair estimate — $8k for significant rear-end damage including potential frame issues is not crazy at all. Get a second estimate just to compare, but don't assume the first shop is ripping you off. Frame alignment work alone can get expensive fast.

Not legal advice, but I'll say this: the injury piece of your situation may matter more than the car damage in the long run. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you could have a legitimate personal injury claim against the at-fault driver — and in some states, if he's convicted of DUI, that conviction can actually be used as evidence in a civil case. Talk to a PI attorney about your options. Most do free consultations and work on contingency so there's no upfront cost. The vehicle damage is frustrating but the body stuff is what I'd prioritize understanding legally.

Three things, in order: (1) Go to the doctor. Today or tomorrow, not next week. (2) Get a second repair estimate. (3) Call your insurance and specifically ask what coverage you actually have — not what you think you have. Do those three things before anything else.

I'm so sorry this happened to you, that sounds genuinely terrifying and then to find out he had no insurance on top of it — ugh. Please don't tough out the neck pain. That's your body telling you something. Everything else can be figured out, but take care of yourself first.

The fact that police were there and made an arrest is actually a big deal in your favor. You have a solid paper trail, a police report, and a documented at-fault driver. That's more than a lot of people have to work with. It doesn't fix the insurance gap, but if you do pursue any kind of legal action — civil or through the criminal case — you're starting from a much stronger position than someone whose accident was a he-said/she-said situation.