HIT BY A VAN WHILST CROSSING THE ROAD

Hi, I would be grateful for any help please. November 2009, I was walking home from work and when crossing the road I was hit by a van. I ended up in hospital with three fractured vertebrae of the spine. A solicitor took on my case to start with but has now said there is no point pursuing it any further because no witnesses came forward and as the van driver had another person with him who backed his story and I couldn't remember it happening, i was told if it did get to court I would probably be held liable and incur costs. The driver said that cars were double parked on the road and I stepped out in front. I know I would never do this and I can't believe he wouldn't have seen me. I was crossing diagonally as I had a bump on my head and inner calf. It is so frustrating as I have been out of work since the accident, unable to do to things I once did, still in a lot of pain and knowing that he's got away with it scot free. A friend of my father has said it may well be worth going direct to his insurance company. Please could anyone give me some advice?