(West Harrison, Ind.) - A driver estimates he was out cold for several hours before he was able to contact police about a crash he had been involved in.

Indiana State Police say Joseph Gallenstein, of Brookville, had been driving to work Friday morning, July 20 when he wrecked at the 165 mile marker in West Harrison. Gallenstein, 52, had swerved to avoid hitting two deer in the highway.

Nobody else witnessed the accident and Gallenstein’s van came to a rest hidden 200 yards into a ravine off the highway, out of view from passing traffic.

Gallenstein estimated he had been unconscious for about six hours before he came to and called for help.

A tree that had fallen on the van had to be cut away before Gallenstein could be extricated from the wreckage.

Gallenstein’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, troopers said. He was taken to University Hospital in Cincinnati by Harrison EMS.

Indinaa State Police were assisted by St. Leon Police, St. Leon Fire Department, and Harrison Fire and Rescue.