Billy Joel in Car Accident

Authorities say singer Billy Joel is lucky to be alive after crashing his new Mercedes-Benz into a tree over the weekend. The car was totaled but Joel escaped with a broken nose, and cuts and bruises to his face. Joel was alone in the car and had to be cut from the wreckage. The accident occurred Saturday night in Sag Harbor, when Joel lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. Sag Harbor Fire Chief Matthew McAree said, "I’d say he’s a very lucky man. What probably saved him was the fact that his car is new and well-equipped with air bags and safety equipment."

The Piano Man, who spent some time in rehab last year, was not administered a breathalyzer test. Sag Harbor Detective Paul Fabiano said, "There was no indication of a problem, no indication of drugs or alcohol. A lot of accidents occur there. It must be a magnet for accidents." Joel was conscious while removed from the wreckage by rescue workers using the Jaws of Life. He was then rushed to East Hampton Airport by ambulance where a Suffolk County police helicopter took him to Stony Brook Hospital. Joel was released on Sunday and reportedly went into seclusion.

This is the second accident for Joel in the past seven months. In June, Joel was involved in a similar accident in Long Island. Luckily he was not seriously injured in that accident either. Shortly after that incident he check himself into Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut for 10 days of rehabilitative treatment after months of odd behavior, including slurring his words, forgetting words to his songs, and almost nodding off during a concert with Elton John at Madison Square Garden.