Sadly, no photos of the wrecked Tercel. It was raining really hard, and getting dark, and the first order of business was to dial 911 and move the cars out of the busy intersection. I was also worried the whole time that the driver would flee the scene. He didn't, but frankly I'm surprised that he stuck around just to give the cop false information.

Question: how far should I pursue this? I've got the license plate, VIN number, drivers license number and an address for this deadbeat. The phone number he gave is dead, and the insurance company has never heard of him. My deadbeat motorist...sorry, uninsured motorist deductible is $300, so that's all I'd be out for having the dings taken out.

On one hand, I'm angry and want HIM to pay the $300. On the other hand, he's an immigrant day laborer who probably doesn't even HAVE $300. Tough call.