World Cup champion Marcel Hirscher escaped a serious traffic accident Monday with bruises to the neck, head and hand. It could have been much worse.

A last second evasive maneuver by Hircher in his Audi R8 avoided a full on head-on collision with an oncoming car near Abtenau. As a consequence his car left the road and struck a tree. His car was considered a total loss.

Hirscher was on his way to a press conference in Schladming on road B162, according to police. He was transported to the Salzberg State Clinics (SALK) where it was determined he would be able to see to his own care over the next few days.

According to Austrian ski federation physician Andreas Hartmann, Hirscher would contact the hospital by telephone Tuesday, but unless additional symptoms occurred the matter was completed as far as the clinic was concerned.