Struggling taxi driver wins praise for honoring repayment promise after Lexus crash

A Lexus owner was surprised when the ride-hailing driver who hit his car kept his promise to pay for the repairs in installments despite his modest income.

On Oct. 7, Tran Quang Duc of Hanoi’s Vinh Hung Ward received a VND3 million (US$120) transfer from driver Le Giang, along with a message saying: "I still owe you VND4 million, and I will pay the rest next month."

The payment stemmed from a collision on Aug. 7, when Duc had parked his Lexus near Noi Bai International Airport while waiting to pick up relatives. Giang’s taxi hit the rear of the vehicle, smashing a taillight and leaving dents and scratches.

As the accident happened late at night and Duc’s insurance had expired, he asked Giang for a VND10 million advance and agreed to meet him at a repair shop the next day.

Giang borrowed money from relatives and friends and transferred the full amount before leaving.

The following morning, a private repair shop on Giai Phong Street estimated the damage at VND50 million.

Duc said he chose a private garage rather than an authorized dealership to keep the cost down. Impressed by Giang’s willingness to take responsibility, he decided to cover half the bill himself and asked the driver to pay VND25 million.

Giang then raised another VND5 million with help from his wife in Thanh Hoa Province.

After learning that he was supporting an ailing wife and three young children, Duc allowed him to pay the remaining VND10 million in installments.

"When I suggested installment payments, I mentally wrote the money off because I knew how hard his circumstances were," Duc said.

Giang, however, kept his promise.

He transferred VND3 million on Sept. 1 and another VND3 million on Oct. 7, each time noting the remaining balance.

Duc said he kept the repayment arrangement so Giang could honor his commitment and now plans to return VND10 million to him.

"Giving the money back is my way of honoring a decent person who owns up to his mistakes and stands by his word," Duc said.

Tran Quang Duc, a resident of Hanoi’s Vinh Hung Ward. Photo courtesy of Duc

Giang, 39, is originally from the central province of Thanh Hoa and has worked as a ride-hailing driver in Hanoi for more than a year, earning VND10-15 million a month.

As his family’s main breadwinner, he rents a small room in the capital and sets aside part of his monthly income to repay the debt.

"I am determined not to break my promise," he said.

The story quickly spread on social media, drawing praise for the honesty and compassion shown by the two men.