I've had enough! I need some help

I just happened by this site and I really hope someone can help me out.
Here's the run-down:
My father-in-law owns a restaurant. One morning, about 5am a car came around the corner, and smashed right through the restaurant wall and side windows (huge bay windows). It ends up, the kid was drinking and was driving his mothers car. His mother doesn't have him on her insurance and actually has a clause in her insurance that she is insured as long as her son doesn't drive it.
The kid had his girlfriend in the car. And she got injured. So she is sueing him. My fatherinlaw has also been trying to sue him. this has been going on for about 3 years now, and nothing was done. There were thousands upon thousands of dollars damage done to the restaurant, never mind all the lost days of business because he obviously had to shut down during construction.
I have just found out my fathinlaw is getting nothing for compensation. His lawyer has told him that this kid has no insurance, no savings, basically a bum. So even if we wanted to sue him, it would take second place to his girlfriend (x-girl now) because she was injured. I am really p*ssed at this lawer as this has been going on for years now, and now, he's basically said too bad so sad.
Is this right? this kid needs to take resposibility for his actions, not let off the hook. If you believe it, he got charged, went to jail, and is already out. All I want is my fatherinlaw to get everything he deserves in this. Any help pr advice at all would be greatly appreciated!!!
Katherine

How old was the driver?

An adult, if you can call him that. He's in his twenties. I call him a kid because he was acting like a kid. I shouldn't have, but he acting like a spoiled teenager.

Then if he has no assets or insurance it is true it is hard to sue; but check to see if the mother's insurer is liable. If not then it is your insurer or nothing unfortunately.