Conflict of Interest?

I live in Illinois. I was in a head-on collison nearly a year ago. I was ticketed even though it was not my fault (I won't get into the details here). I consulted a lawyer who represented me in court and the ticket was dismissed. I considered suing the other driver, as he walked away from the accident with one broken bone in his foot. I on the otherhand had multiple rib fractures, compound fracture of my ankle, with exposed bone that required a plate and seven screws, displaced collar bone, bruised lungs and spleen and scars to my neck and chest due to the seat belt. My right breast is disfigured as a result. My daughter has two scars to her abdomen due to the seat belt as well. My son recieved minor bruising from the seat belt, but did not scar.
The lawyer wanted to sue and was going to proceed. Later, keeping in mind he had already represented me, he sent me a letter stating there was a conflict of interest. One of his partners had represented the other driver in the past. Therefore, he could not continue to represent me. After that, I decided not to choose another lawyer. I was just thankful to be alive and wanted to get the whole thing behind me.
Just yesterday, I recieved a call from my insurance company, giving me the heads-up that the other driver was suing me. I recived the complaint just today, and they want excess of $50,000.00. The insurance says not to worry, that even though they are disputing this amount, that it should get taken care of soon, and that the amount is well under the policy limit anyway.

Long story to say this... The other drivers laywer is from the same law firm of the lawyer who represented me for my ticket.
Question: Is there a conflict of interest here?

Thank you for your time,
M