Valiant is no more, Drunk Driver totaled it.

My sis's Saab 99 (really weird looking car, engine was backwards in it) Was totaled by a drunk. She took him to court and won a civil suit to get some money out of the uninsured bum. Guy lost, and she was awarded $3K. Guy threw up his hands and said good luck collecting, I'm unemployed now. Never saw a dime.

Depends on your state laws and the amount of effort you are willing to put into it. There's a reason OJ lives in Florida, where the plaintiff not only can't seize your house and car, but pensions either. No idea about California though.
OP, I hope your wife can work some legal magic!