can i appeal the courts ruling

I filed a suite against the person who was using my vehicle, without my consent, which resulted it being wrecked by her minor daughter. the damage is extensive, i sued for 7500 max amount allowed by small claims.. the defendant admitted to being responsible for her minor child (14yr) wrecking my vehicle, but the judge ruled that because, the defendant wasn't the one who wrecked my vehicle, she wasn't responsible for the damages. how could this happen, I've never heard of someone admitting be responsible for her minor child and she was at fault for her child causing the damage, then a judge rules she not responsible just because she starts crying, states she has no money.the judge felt sorry for her and ruled in her favor..i proved estimates for the damage, totaling over 7500, pics of the damage and her admitting guilt.. what can i do, to collect those damages and do i have a good chance of recovering my claim..should i get a lawyer involved now