Church of the Living God sued in St. Clair County

Church of the Living God in Belleville and the driver of its 1994 Ford Club Wagon are being sued by Vanessa and James Hillier over an accident that took place Dec. 1, 2005.

Vanessa Hillier, who was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer southbound on Frank Scott Parkway, claims she was struck by the church's van being driven by James Larkin.

According to a suit filed Nov. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Larkin was also southbound on Frank Scott Parkway, attempting to make a U-turn at the intersection of Foley Drive in Belleville.

Larkin, of Belleville, failed to avoid a collision even though "he saw or should have seen that a collision was impending and had ample opportunity to avoid it," the complaint states.

The Hilliers are represented by Ronald J. Foster of The Rex Carr Law Firm in East St. Louis.

Vanessa Hillier is seeking in excesss of $100,000 in damages from Larkin and the church for severe and permanent internal and external injuries, medical expenses and lost wages.

James Hillier is seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages from Larkin and the church for deprivation of consortium.