You sound like me 20 years ago. I am owed thousands by my ex. I'll never see it. But you know what I received instead? Three adult children and one granddaughter that will do anything for me. And I mean that. After my kids left home at 18, I had some problems and they were there for me. I actually live with my youngest temporarily until I can get back on my feet. Your daughters will remember your love and sacrifices. Not saying pursuing child support is not the way to go...I did it for years. But just like your situation, my ex refused to work so he wouldn't have to pay. What nerve, right? And now that's he older, all he wants is attention from his children - they respect him because of who he is, that's what they've been taught, but they could really care less. You know when men get older they are afraid of not having someone around to care for and about them. Unfortunately, your ex is making his future more difficult and painful and doesn't even realize it. Just wanted to ease your frustration and anger a little. But do what you have to do for YOU and the girls. Whatever the outcome, in the end, you will be okay. I promise. God is watching over you.
And to answer your question....you would need to contact your local bar association, legal helpline, community legal services or just call an attorney in your area for that information.
Most attorneys offer free consultation. Just google "car accident lawyer in (your city name)".
Unfortunately, no lawyer is going to work for free and it's unlikely they'd even be willing to do much in the way of free advice. Most would charge between $1,000 and $1,500 to help in your defense.
Possibly even worse, there's a good chance that an attorney wouldn't be able to help much. If there's no question that the accident was your fault no one will care that you're broke right now. As you stated, they'll garnish your wages and take it directly from your paycheck until it's paid.
Driving without insurance, for all intents and purposes, makes you "self-insured". That means you basically agreed to pay for any damages/injuries you caused by simply driving without insurance.
Here's the good news, thank God it was only $5,000, right? Imagine how bad rear-ending a Ferrari would've been. With any luck you'll be done paying for all of this in 5 years. Could've been the rest of your life if someone was seriously injured. In the long run, $5,000 will be a cheap life lesson about the importance of car insurance.