I may need to take my neighbor to small claims court.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

Just venting:

On Christmas day, I was going to the nursing home to pick mom up and take her to my sisters. I was driving her car and was about 200 ft. from my house. A child was on the road ahead driving his new golf cart. When I got up beside him (on the right) he suddenly turned sharply to the right to make a u-turn and drive back down the street.
He hits my mom's car and damages every panel on the driver's side and both wheel covers. Luckily, he was okay. I had him get his parents. His dad shows up and begs me not to report the accident to the police. His reasons: "He won't be able to get his license until he's 18." "They will confiscate his golf cart; he just got it for Christmas."
"I can pay for it-I'll write you a check!" I wasn't born yesterday. I had already called the cops. He got a little angry with me when I told him it was too late. The cop arrives and tells him that his son (a 10 year old) shouldn't have been on the street. He estimates that the damage would be under $1,000 and told us to handle it privately.
I got an estimate-$1,080. He tried to get his homeowners insurance to pay for it but he got caught lying to the adjuster (he said his son was coming out of the driveway and that the cart belonged to his wife) and they are refusing to pay.
I may have a hard time getting the money out of him. He is a major ass.
I have photos of the damage, the estimate and a copy of the police report. Is there anything else that I may need?
What kind of parent gives their kid a golf cart and lets him drive unsupervised on the street? It seems like he doesn't expect his son to face any consequences for his actions.