Freeman thanks fans and hospital staff

Morgan Freeman has thanked the medics who treated him while he recovered from his horror car crash, after checking out of hospital on Thursday.

The actor left the Elvis Presley Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, four days after he and a female friend were cut from the wreckage of his car, after he flipped it over in an accident near his home in Mississippi.

The 71-year-old 'Dark Knight' star suffered a broken arm and shoulder, but escaped more serious injuries. His passenger Demaris Meyer was not badly hurt.

In a statement released after he was discharged, Freeman also thanks fans for their support.

He says: "I'm doing very well. I feel real good... I thank the staff at 'Elvis Presley' and many, many thanks to my many well-wishers. It's great to know people care about you."

Speaking earlier on Thursday, Freeman's business partner Bill Luckett revealed the actor will have to wear a neck brace for six to eight months, joking: "The doctors have said it will be six months to a year before he plays golf again. He hates that."