Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner said he was responsible for a snowplough accident on New Year's Day that nearly cost him his life. He apologized to his family for putting them through the ordeal.

Renner stated in an interview broadcast Thursday on the Walt Disney Co.'s ABC network that he was driving the plough after using it to pull one of his family's trucks out of the snow and onto the pavement.

As the plough began to skid on ice, Renner expressed concern for his nephew Alex, who had just disconnected the chains connecting the vehicle and the plough. Renner extended one foot from the snowplough to glance back at Alex without applying the parking brake.

The actor then lost his balance and tumbled out of the cab of the snowplough.

"You should not be outside the vehicle while operating it, understand? It's like driving with one foot out the window, "Renner, seated in a wheelchair, told Diane Sawyer of ABC News.

"But it is what it was," he added. "And it's my mistake, and I paid for it."

Fearing the snowplough would roll back and crush his nephew, Renner said he attempted to re-enter the vehicle to halt it. He stepped onto the moving tire tracks of the plough, which threw him forward, and the car ran over him, fracturing over 30 of his bones, collapsing a lung, and penetrating his liver.

The 52-year-old actor, best known for portraying the Marvel superhero Hawkeye in the "Avengers" films, was discovered by neighbours with blood all over his body, shallow respiration, and a fractured skull.

Renner stated that when he awoke in the hospital, he apologized to his family with a sign language gesture.

Renner stated, "It's my responsibility," "I feel bad that my actions caused so much pain."

Doctors used titanium rods and screws to repair the patient's fractured ribs and placed metal in his legs and face to reconstruct an eye socket.

The actor was depicted using a walker to stroll. He continues to endure daily hours of therapy for his injuries.

Renner was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for his performance in "The Hurt Locker" (2008) and best-supporting actor for "The Town." (2010).

Tuesday will mark his return to Hollywood at a red-carpet event for his television series "Rennervations," where he assists needy communities by repurposing older vehicles such as buses.

Renner attributed his survival to his family's support after the snowplough accident.

He said with a chuckle, "I've been refilled and refuelled with love and titanium,"