> Now I cannot leave Russia, because after the accident I have outstanding lawsuits in the amount of tens of thousands of dollars and I am forbidden to leave the country until they are paid off.

Interesting. I know a person who somehow emigrated from Russia last year with some debt and is paying it off. But perhaps there is some other condition I don't know about.

But anyway it would be more difficult to emigrate to another country long term with a criminal record, they always ask about it on visa applications. If I was more cynical I would think an evil government could use the carrot of forgiving his lawsuits in exchange for pushing some backdoors but I don't think this would go unnoticed

Very unfortunate situation to be in, though my sincere hate for reckless russian drivers I have seen a lot in my life makes it a bit difficult to sympathize.