<human>: Can you provide a brief overview of the text?

(Riverside Small Claims Court) Back in November I was hit by an uninsured drunk driver who totaled my car. As my insurance didn't include uninsured motorists, I am having to sue him on my own for the cost of the vehicle, towing, and a chiropractor visit. This comes out to approximately 2300 dollars. When visiting my girlfriend's personal injury lawyer (for a completely unrelated accident), I asked him at what point I should ask for my court fees and serving fees to be reimbursed. He asked about my case and when I told him I already served the papers and it wouldn't take place until the end of July, he recommended I go to the court and amend the case to add 7500 dollars in punitive damages and then serve him again. Since the guy was arrested for a DUI that night he said it likely would be a "No Brainer" for the judge and I would get the ruling in my favor. 

Now I'm wondering how likely is this to happen? I'm not sure how punitive damages work, so it would take some time and money to amend and re-serve the papers for potentially no return. At the same time I don't want to leave money on the table, especially if it's a "No Brainer."

Another fear I have is that if I sue him for $2300 he might be more likely to pay, but if another $7500 is stacked on top he might just declare bankruptcy and I won't see a dime. Does declaring bankruptcy save you from paying court-ordered debts? 

And do I ask the judge for my court and service fees to be reimbursed at the very end? (I haven't been given a very clear answer)

Thanks guys I appreciate any advice
<bot>: Drunk driver totaled my car and was arrested, am I likely to receive $7500 for punitive damages in Small Claims Court?