Kevin Hart Makes First Public Appearance Since Car Crash

On Sunday, Kevin Hart made a surprise appearance at the 2019 E! People's Choice Awards.

Hart was on hand to accept the award for Best Comedy Act of 2019 from presenter Robert Downey Jr.

When Hart came onstage, he received a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd. During his acceptance speech, he said, “First and foremost, I thank God because I definitely don't have to be here. Being that I am, it makes me appreciate life even more. It makes me appreciate the things that really matter — family.”

Along with showing appreciation for his fans, the 40-year-old went on to say, “I want to thank my wife and kids, who really stepped up to the plate for me.”

Hart emphasized, “You have no idea the effect you have on us as entertainers your energy, your support. It means the world and I truly want to thank you guys for being there for me in my difficult time."

A few weeks ago, Hart opened up on his recovery process with a video posted on Instagram. He shared, “Basically, what you realize is that you're not in control. No matter how much you think you're in control, you're not in control. At the end of the day, it can all be over, man.”

The beginning of the clip shows nurses helping Kevin out of bed after the accident. He also needs the assistance of a walker.

He continued, “When God talks, you gotta listen... I honestly feel like God told me to sit down. When you're moving too fast and doing too much sometimes you can't see the things that you're meant to see. After my accident, I see things differently.”

Kevin said, “I see life through a whole new perspective. My appreciation for life is through the roof. I'm thankful for my family, my friends. [I'm] thankful for the people that simple ride for me, that have been with me because you stood by me. My fans, [I'm] thankful for all your love and support. Don't take today for granted because tomorrow's not promised.”

The video also includes footage of Kevin attending follow-up doctors' appointments and interacting with his family and friends.

In September, Hart was a passenger in his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda when the vehicle veered off the road and into a ditch off Mulholland Drive in the Malibu Hills. His friend Jared Black was behind the wheel, while Black's fiancée Rebecca Broxterman was a fellow passenger.

Kevin suffered three spinal fractures — two in the thoracic section and one in the lumbar — according to TMZ. He underwent surgery within a day of the accident to have the fractures fused.

Law enforcement told TMZ that sudden acceleration caused the accident. They believe Black hit the gas and lost control. The sources say it was driver error and not a mechanical malfunction.

It was also noted that Hart, Black and Broxterman were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.