Hit and run charges and driving alone with a permit.?

I live in New York State and the other day a man coming down the wrong side of the road in heavy traffic hit me (in my car luckily). And then after just sitting there for a few seconds he drove off. I got his plate number and apparently after he sped off he hit two more cars before he got into his house. The police did catch him, and they found out that he also, only had a permit. He did not have a licensed driver in the car with him. The cop said the most the man could be charged with is a misdemeanor and that he would have a hard time getting his license. To me though, it seems like he could have been charged with more. What was the maximum charge he could be charged with?