Drunk Driving is NOT ok… Help Cassie replace her totaled car

Hi, I’m Cassie. I’m an actor, singer, student at MSU Denver, and a service worker…

I work several jobs to make ends meet. I work as a babysitter, cat/house sitter. I work as a crisis intervention actor helping train first responders to deal with individuals in mental health crisis. At Christmas time, I’m an Elf named Glitz. I’m an actor at Casa Bonita. I’m on DoorDash, Instacart, and Spark platforms. I’m currently performing in Ragtime the Musical at Metro State University Denver.

One year ago, my blue 2016 Fiat broke down. I had to take a loan to get a new car. I took a loan for $10,000. I looked all over Marketplace and dealers, and I found a 2006 Honda Civic and bought it. I worked sometimes 7 days straight, 12-hour days, to pay off the loan quickly. I paid it off in June 2024.

On September 7th, 2024, at 7 am, I got a call from my neighbor. He never calls… he was calling to inform me that police were outside and my car had been totaled. A (probably) drunk driver hit my car and 2 other neighbors' cars. The person fled on foot, leaving the vehicle in the street. His/her phone was left in the vehicle as well.

As it turns out, both of us had State Farm insurance. I made a claim. I filed a police report. I waited (meanwhile spending $800+ in Lyft rides, scooter rentals, and bus rides). I waited patiently as I was told to do.

I was sent an email by State Farm informing me that since I only have liability insurance and the car owner reported the car stolen, neither my insurance nor the owner’s insurance will pay. I have knocked on doors and begged the police to help/see if anyone’s Ring caught proof of who was driving. I have been advised by Denver police that the owner is a flagged gang member with violent charges… so I shouldn’t confront them. The case is closed, and no charges have been filed. The phone left in the car can’t be opened as they don’t have a warrant, and the phone can’t be specifically tied to the driver. They believe he was driving but reported it stolen to get exactly this outcome… and he has succeeded.

My car is totaled, and I get NOTHING!

I am asking for help to get a new (used) car. In the winter, with my seasonal job, taking the bus isn’t practical. I often commute. At this time, I’m not able to get to my various gigs, and I’m spending more than I make getting to work. I’m worried about long-term being able to pay bills. I’m a hard worker and a saver, but this really put a wrench in the works for me.

I’d had ambitions of going back to school at Metro State full-time, but without a car to get me to work and classes timely, it’s not a possibility. I’m in a show currently and getting out late; riding a scooter/bike at night is dangerous—and quite honestly, I’m scared. If one drunk driver gets to ruin my property with no consequences, what if they hurt me? I know it’s extreme thinking… but I can’t seem to shake it.

If I’m spending so much getting to work and not making enough to save for a new car, I don’t see a way out of this rut.

My car was purchased from a dealer for $8,000. If I get anything excess that amount from this, I will donate the rest to MADD.

I don’t often ask for help; if anyone can give anything, I thank you.