Andy4994
Sorry to hear of this that must have been a nasty shock.
Can you supply the google street map location or (at least) a similar type of road markings ?
Under normal driving conditions one would see an island with ease. However under the circumstances that you describe, and with your attention still greatly concerned with the cyclist it is understandable that you were paying less attention 'ahead' as you describe you were still thinking about the end of the overtake.
Now although the cyclist was the 'hazard' the new one became the island which was less recognisable with the bollard removed. The question is whether that misplaced bollard can reasonably account for the accident or if it was reasonable to assume that it was still clearly avoidable.
I would think that with the recent reported incidents, at this location, there is clear evidence to rest a good portion of the blame with the 'expected visual cue' in the bollard to show the danger.
You really need to take proper legal advice to be sure ... but the Council have a legal obligation to ensure that all traffic signs comply fully with the Road Traffic Act. When this has not happened I expect them to be held responsible.
Due to the manner in which your accident occurred I would suspect a decent portion of the resulting accident to lie with the Council but it might not be 100%.
I would go back to the area and obtain all the information that I could about the island in question and all other incidents and reports. I'd ask for an FOI of all accidents reported in the last 12 months at least.
I'd ask the Council for a full maintenance report and their response to the recent report and events prior to your incident.
I'd have a full report and photos of all damage done and I'd have the garage write a report from their opinion about what caused what damage to your car.
Small Claims Court is usually about £750 when I last looked but just call your local Court Clerk and ask them, and query if the Council can be taken to a SCC. I don't see why they cannot but because it is a legal requirement that all roads are legally maintained that may make it a criminal case in which case then I think this is the incorrect Court ...
The CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) can probably answer a few of the above questions but really calling a good criminal solicitor will help. I have few names if you are stuck.
If you have comprehensive insurance your own insurance ought to cover it, (for now), but, I get the impression that this is not the case with you?
Bearing in mind that all insurances cover a contribution to Council Property Damage they (often) receive funds to repair and replace damaged items.