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@The_Seldom_Killer
You're going to need something a bit more solid than a single eyewitness in order to get any compensation. The insurance company can easily construct an argument implying the witness is unreliable and refuse to pay out unless you want to fork out for private forensic examination.
Go back to the scene and have a really good look about for any CCTV in the area which may cover the location and ask to view any tapes/footage. Ask this as a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act. Do this very quickly as footage is rarely retained for very long. Alternatively, if there are any other people who work in the area who can act as a witness, this will also support your claim.
Definitely contact the council and advise them that you have information about who has damaged their property and ask if they want to conjoin forces in pursuing the company for compensation. Highways maintenance is typically farmed out to a contractor. Don't get fobbed off onto them as they really aren't part of this. Make it clear that you want to speak to the person who is responsible for claims for damage to public property.
The vehicle may be owned and operated independently by an individual. There are still a few private hauliers remaining out there. If this is the case then don't just try and pursue against them for compensation. Try and find out who they were contracted to and pursue a claim under their liability as well.
Definitely report this too the police as at the very minimum you're going to need a crime number for much of the above.