A $10,000 reward is being offered for information in a Dec. 28hit and run accident near Brookhaven on Interstate 55.

Attorney Oby T. Rogers said the reward is for information thatwould help identify the driver and/or truck that sideswiped a 1986Mazda pickup truck, driven by Rudolph “Toby” Smith IV, near exit 40on I-55 north. Smith, 20, and his girlfriend Jacqueline Ready, 18,remain hospitalized following the accident.

The attorney said the family is in desperate need of informationin the case. Rogers said those with information may call thetoll-free 1-877-765-1620.

“There may be someone out there who knows something, and $10,000may be of interest to them,” said Rogers, who is representing bothfamilies.

Rogers said Ready had undergone surgery and indicated hercondition was improving.

“She has a great potential for recovery,” he said.

Rogers said he would describe Smith’s condition as fair. Hesustained severe head trauma, a concussion and broken vertebra inseveral places.

“It’s a very, very sad situation. To me, this is about as bad asit gets,” Rogers said about the accident and the 18-wheeler driverfailing to stop.

Rogers said businesses that have video cameras along theinterstate are being contacted in hopes that something can be foundon the footage. He said the method has worked in other cases in thepast.

“We’re going to do everything we can to find out who these folksare,” Rogers said about identifying the truck driver.