Sorry to hear this
I had a big accident on a bike a couple of years ago and all the Police gave me was the drivers name and car registration details. (They should at least give you this, how are you supposed to make an insurance claim without it.)
If you have legal cover with the insurance company they will sort out a solicitor for you. Like others have said don't use the one's off the TV they are pretty c**p.
If you're interested I have used two firms in the last few years (had 2 years unlucky motorcycling) and found them both to be very good..........Silverbeck Rymer and Corries Solicitors, both were very efficient and sorted it out pretty quickly.
I would say though due to the injurys don't expect any sort of compensation for at least a year.
Anyway I hope he feels better soon and the experience of one moron who it sounds like shouldn't be on the road doesn't get him down too much.