I won my civil dispute and a judgement against a body shop mainly because noone showed up to represent the body shop.

Civil procedure varies among the states.  It would seem proper for the losing party first to move the trial court on the grounds of mistake or excusable neglect on his part.  Are you sure the trial judge committed no errors?  Is the Circuit Court a court of general jurisdiction and your trial was in a Justice Court or Small Claims Court?  If so, you may have to start all over again.  I doubt this helps, but it might be informational to yourself and others.  You probably should consult a lawyer.  Good luck.