A cross claim is a claim levied against codefendants or co plaintiffs in a case. The cross claim must be relative to the subject matter of the original claim or counterclaim in the case. With regard to car accident cross claims, this means that if there are coplaintiffs or codefendants involved in the claim, they have the legal right to file a cross claim against their codefendants of coplaintiffs as long as the cross claim is relevant to the original claim. By allowing cross claims it is believed that they will be effective in promoting consistency and efficiency in such matters. In other words, by allowing cross claims, the courts can rule on both matters in one hearing rather than bog the courts system down with multiple hearings.