The five-time world cross country champion and twice Olympic 10000 metres silver medallist sustained minor injuries after the driver's side of his Mercedes Benz was wrecked.
"I wanted to overtake a stationary lorry when I saw another lorry coming from the opposite direction," Tergat told a news conference on Friday. "I was caught between the stationary lorry and the oncoming one and was struck by the latter. It was a miracle that I survived."
Tergat, 41, who had a bandage on his right leg and bruises on his head, was visited by Kenya's Minister for Sport Paul Otuoma.
"I am touched by the overwhelming support from the entire world. I thank everybody, from those who removed me from the car and the doctors who worked tirelessly to save me," he said.