Sounds like time for a reality check....
Does the guy who wrecked your car have the $500+ that it would take to collect? If not, then you should just chalked this one up to another lesson learned and move on with your life. Attorneys learn early in their career to first determine the liklihood of recovery before taking on a case... unless it is on retainer or payments.
One of the hardest things in life is to fight the legal battle, knowing that you are right, only to find out that the Defendant won't, and can't, pay the judgment.
However, if the guy has assets to recover your damages, then by all means, sue the *******!