BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The family of Deputy Doug Swanson said he is making progress after suffering serious injuries in the crash.

His mother, Margaret Soliz said he shattered his ankle, elbow, broke vertebrae in his neck, suffered a concussion and bruised a lung. He is listed in serious condition, but she said he is improving each day.

She said he is heavily medicated, but able to wake for a few moments at a time and briefly speak to his family. "He's very tired and he's still on pain meds and antibiotics and other meds. He does a lot of sleeping," Soliz said. “He is making progress. Every time we see him you can see a little improvement, so that's encouraging to us.”

Soliz said Swanson had surgery Sunday on his elbow and ankle. He has another surgery scheduled for Tuesday with many more likely still ahead. She said she doesn't know how long his recovery will take.

Swanson wake up for short periods of time and can say a few words to his family, but he is on a lot of medications and spends most of the time sleeping, Soliz said. “Lots of people come to the hospital to pay respects to the family, rather than go and bother him. So we are so grateful for all the love and support from everybody.”

Swanson has been with the sheriff's department for two and a half years. He is married and has two children, ages 4 and 10.

While Swanson's family hopes for a strong recovery, their thoughts are also with another family. “Our heart aches for the family of James Throne; and we're doing fine, we're going to be OK.”