Opinion 163

In a damage suit arising out of a collision with a vehicle owned by Mr. Y, Attorney John Doe is representing Mr. X. Mr. Y has a "5 & 10" insurance policy. The suit filed by Mr. X against Mr. Y seeks more damages than is provided by the policy. After suit has been filed by Attorney John Doe, and after Mr. Y has filed an answer through an attorney representing the insurance company, Attorney John Doe writes Mr. Y, informing him that he can generally demand that Mr. Y's insurance company settle the case for the amount of the policy, and if they fail to make settlement, then Mr. Y can make the insurance company pay for the judgment against Mr. Y, over and above $5,000, if it is recovered in a lawsuit.

In the letter, Attorney John Doe offers to settle the case for the sum of $5,000, and invites Mr. Y to come by his office and talk to him about the matter, and he, Attorney John Doe, will tell Mr. Y about the law of the case, and advises Mr. Y that he can check with any other lawyer of his own choosing to find out whether or not he, Attorney John Doe, is telling the truth.

Under the above circumstances, is the writing of such a letter to Attorney John Doe a violation of Canon 6, Canon 9, or any other Canon of Ethics of the State Bar of Texas?