Judge approves lawsuit tied to SUV crash

DETROIT — The family of a pregnant woman who died in a rear-end crash while in an SUV has cleared a hurdle in a lawsuit against an automaker.

A federal judge in Detroit refused last week to dismiss a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler filed by the estate of Kayla White.

The 23-year-old Detroit-area woman was killed in 2014 when her Jeep Liberty exploded when hit from behind. The 2003 vehicle had been under recall, because of the placement of the gas tank.

Fiat Chrysler tried to get the lawsuit dismissed on technical grounds. The vehicle was made by the old Chrysler before it filed for bankruptcy.

But Judge David Lawson said Fiat Chrysler assumed product liability claims when it took control.

The man who rear-ended White's car was sentenced to 10 days in jail.