How can the owner of a car file an unrelated contract crossclaim against the driver?

The correct approach in this situation involves the filing of a valid crossclaim for damages specific to the underlying issue with the driver. This allows the car owner to bring up related claims that arise out of the same transaction or occurrence. Once that crossclaim is established, the owner can then add the unrelated contract claim.

This method is advantageous because it leverages the rules governing crossclaims, which are designed to promote judicial efficiency by allowing related claims to be adjudicated together in the same action. By following this pathway, the car owner ensures that all claims, whether related or unrelated, are addressed in a single action, minimizing the need for multiple lawsuits and conserving judicial resources.

The other options do not effectively address the circumstances surrounding the unrelated contract crossclaim. A general complaint might not specifically facilitate the inclusion of the unrelated contract claim, and seeking indemnity only might limit the scope of claims that can be raised. Additionally, including the claim in a later suit could lead to issues of claim preclusion and judicial economy, as it would be more efficient to resolve all related claims together in one proceeding.