The French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz has said he was trying to be a “superhero” and impress his daughter when he had a motorbike accident that left him in hospital with serious leg injuries.

Kassovitz, best known for his 1995 film La Haine and his role in the 2001 film Amélie, came off his bike after misjudging a corner on a training course. His daughter was on a motorbike behind him with an instructor, and his wife and son also witnessed the accident.

In an emotional and occasionally rambling Instagram post from his hospital bed, he said: “I’ve been a dickhead for 30 years because I force myself to be one, I force myself to distance myself from reality and celebrity … I’m 56 years old, perhaps it’s time I stop being a dickhead and realise there are people who love me.” Kassovitz added that he had been touched by the numerous messages of support he had received.

In the video, Kassovitz’s first thoughts are for the victims of the Moroccan earthquake. He then explains how he smashed up his ankle after ploughing into a security barrier.

“I had a motorbike accident because I love motorbikes and I’m passionate about them. We had a great riding session. At the end of the day, the director of the school wanted to take my daughter for a first ride. He asked me to take the lead on the circuit.

“In my head, I thought I’d play superhero for my daughter and I took a corner too wide and was afraid of coming off so I straightened up and crashed straight into the guardrail. Fortunately, only my legs were injured,” he said, adding: “I’m an idiot. I’m a bad motorcyclist.”

The film-maker said doctors had told him he may have to have part of his leg amputated but surgeons had managed to save it.

“I was very lucky. They put in a titanium rod. It’s incredible what goes on in French hospitals. They take you by the hand and look after you. They are paid very little for what they do. But it’s a source of French pride. We know why we pay our taxes,” he said.