Actors Who Survived Serious Car Crashes
Some of the biggest names in film and television have faced terrifying moments on the road and lived to tell the tale. Their crashes ranged from high speed collisions to rollovers to multi car pileups, and many involved lengthy recoveries with surgeries and rehabilitation before they were able to return to sets.
These incidents also carried legal and safety ripple effects, from investigations and citations to renewed conversations about seat belts and distracted driving. Here are notable actors who survived serious car crashes, along with key details about what happened and what followed for each of them.
Kevin Hart
In 2019 Kevin Hart was a passenger in a vintage Plymouth Barracuda that left Mulholland Highway and rolled down an embankment. First responders transported him for emergency care, and doctors treated him for significant back injuries that required surgery.
Hart spent weeks in rehabilitation with physical therapy focused on regaining strength and mobility. He later adjusted his filming schedule and stunt work to accommodate recovery timelines while continuing promotional duties for projects like ‘Jumanji’.
Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson crashed his McLaren F1 in 2011 near Haddon, leaving the road and striking a tree and a lamppost. He managed to exit the car before it caught fire and was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury.
The repair bill for the rare supercar became widely reported due to the vehicle’s value and complexity. Atkinson returned to work after treatment and has since spoken about performance driving courses and how fatigue and weather conditions can affect reaction time.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman was seriously injured in a late night crash in Mississippi in 2008 when the car he was driving left the roadway and rolled. He was airlifted to a Memphis hospital where surgeons repaired injuries to his arm and hand.
Freeman underwent a long period of physical therapy to restore function, and subsequent interviews noted residual nerve damage that affected his left hand. He continued filming commitments on projects such as ‘The Dark Knight’ and adjusted on set tasks as needed.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry was involved in a severe car crash in 2000 on Sunset Boulevard that left her with a broken wrist and facial injuries. The incident resulted in legal consequences that included fines and community service after an investigation.
Production on ‘Die Another Day’ planning took her prior injury history into account for scheduling and stunt design. Berry later discussed the importance of medical imaging and follow up care to monitor healing before resuming strenuous action work.
George Clooney
George Clooney was in a motorcycle collision in Italy in 2018 when a car turned in front of him, throwing him from the bike. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and released the same day after scans ruled out more serious trauma.
Clooney temporarily paused filming near Olbia while insurers and local authorities reviewed the crash. He increased the use of driver doubles and transport shuttles on subsequent shoots and spoke about visibility and right of way at intersections.
Matthew Broderick
Matthew Broderick survived a head on collision in Northern Ireland in 1987 that tragically killed two occupants of the other car. He was hospitalized with serious injuries and remained under medical care for an extended period.
Authorities investigated the circumstances, and the case concluded in court with penalties assessed. Broderick later resumed acting, including work on ‘The Freshman’ and stage projects, while maintaining a low profile about the incident’s details.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf rolled his Ford F 150 in 2008 after a collision at an intersection in West Hollywood, sustaining severe hand injuries. Surgeons performed operations to repair damage, and he wore a cast for months during recovery.
Filming on ‘Transformers’ continued with script and blocking adjustments to accommodate his bandaged hand. Insurance and production teams coordinated coverage for modified stunts and reshoots while he completed occupational therapy.
Tracy Morgan
Tracy Morgan was gravely injured in 2014 when a tractor trailer struck the limousine bus carrying him on the New Jersey Turnpike. He suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury and was hospitalized for weeks.
Morgan underwent extensive rehabilitation that included in patient therapy and months of outpatient sessions to restore mobility and cognitive function. He returned to television with a special and later starred in ‘The Last O.G.’, incorporating a measured work schedule approved by his doctors.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan was involved in a Porsche collision on the Pacific Coast Highway in 2012 that resulted in hospitalization for minor injuries. The incident prompted an investigation into vehicle damage, witness statements, and potential traffic violations.
Insurance and liability issues were handled through attorneys while Lohan continued professional obligations. Production teams built in additional transportation support and call time cushions to reduce commute related risks on future shoots.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been involved in multiple traffic incidents, including a 2006 motorcycle crash in Los Angeles that required stitches for facial injuries and a 2022 multi vehicle collision that damaged several cars. Immediate medical assessments followed each event.
As a longtime motorcycle rider, Schwarzenegger has taken certified training and used protective gear protocols. After the incidents he emphasized route planning, rider visibility, and escort vehicles when moving between locations for appearances and filming.
Gary Busey
Gary Busey suffered a life threatening motorcycle crash in 1988 that caused a severe head injury, and he has also been involved in subsequent traffic incidents as a driver and passenger. Emergency surgeries and intensive care were required after the initial crash.
His rehabilitation included speech therapy and cognitive therapy to address the effects of traumatic brain injury. Busey returned to acting with roles across film and television, working with producers to tailor schedules to his medical follow up needs.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis was in a serious car crash in 2013 in Venice, California, when her SUV collided with another vehicle. She was transported for medical evaluation along with another person from the scene.
Curtis resumed work soon after but coordinated with insurers and production managers to document her treatment and clearances. The incident highlighted the need for updated emergency contact plans and on set transportation guidelines for her team.
Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa was involved in a 2022 incident on Old Topanga Canyon Road when a motorcycle collided with his car. He was uninjured and remained at the scene while the motorcyclist received treatment.
Authorities documented the crash with reports and roadway photos, and no serious legal actions followed. Momoa continued filming plans, and transportation coordinators reviewed routing and timing to avoid narrow canyon roads during peak traffic.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton was in a Los Angeles fender bender that escalated into a larger crash event in the late 2000s, leading to medical checks and repairs. She avoided long term injury but dealt with insurance claims and vehicle replacement.
The incident intersected with other legal matters that required court appearances and fines. After clearing those obligations she returned to guest roles and independent projects, with management adding driver services for press days.
Calista Flockhart
Calista Flockhart was injured in a two car crash in 2000 that sent her to the hospital with minor injuries. She received treatment and was released with follow up instructions.
Production on ‘Ally McBeal’ accommodated any short term limitations by adjusting call sheets and scene sequencing. Transportation staff implemented revised pickup plans and safety briefings for cast shuttles during that period.
Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom was in a crash in 2007 in Los Angeles that resulted in property damage and injuries to a passenger. He cooperated with authorities and underwent testing and interviews as part of the standard post crash process.
Bloom continued his acting schedule after medical evaluation cleared him to work. Insurance carriers handled claims for vehicle and medical costs, and his team increased the use of professional drivers for late night movements.
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez has been involved in multiple traffic incidents connected to speeding and alcohol related offenses. Crashes led to arrests, fines, and court mandated programs.
Her production commitments for ‘Fast and Furious’ entries required careful scheduling around legal obligations and travel restrictions. She completed penalties and later discussed driver safety and compliance with court orders as part of moving forward professionally.
Corinne Foxx
Corinne Foxx was reported in a serious car accident in her teens that required medical attention, though she recovered fully. Details shared later focused on how quick emergency response limited complications.
She resumed schooling and on camera work with attention to follow up checkups. Family and management emphasized safe driving education programs and defensive driving coursework before she returned to regular commuting.
Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay survived a devastating 1967 crash as a child that claimed the life of her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. She was in the back seat and sustained injuries that required medical care and recovery time.
As an adult she has supported safety initiatives that promote seat belt use and improved truck underride protection. Filming on ‘Law and Order: SVU’ has occasionally reflected her interest in public safety through outreach and fundraising appearances connected to trauma centers.
Share other names and details of serious road incidents you remember in the comments so we can keep building this list together.
