Unless the value of the damages is extensive, this is a matter that WILL be in small claims court and, generally, no attorneys are allowed. Plus, if in another state that will make it an expensive proposition. I had a similar incident (not involving the police, however) simply on another side of the state and the cost to attend small claims court on the other side of the state far exceeded the value of the damage, thus, I made the claim to my insurance company, my rates were not raised and they managed to wring at least my deductible out of them.