so i talked to a lawyer today (thanks Katie). and he gave me some advice. i went to Walmart and bought a disposable camera, took pictures of my car and used a tape measure to see the approx height of the damage. i took like 20. then i went and found the truck that did it. it was still at the appartment complex where i saw it last. it was just parked there so i took a pic of the license plate, the decal on the door, then again with the tape measure to ensure that the height was the same, which it was.

i musta looked funny to the people in the office. just taking pictures and holding a tape measure up to a truck bumper... anyhoo.

they came out and started talking to me... it was great! they were all nervous, and then i mentioned that "my lawyer needs some pictures."

after they dropped a brick or 2, they were really nice and gave me all kinds of advice on what are good body shops... i'll tell more later...