Doctors 'optimistic' for Defftones Cheng

Defftones bassist Chi Cheng has reportedly shown signs of improvement after being seriously injured in a road crash last week.

The musician was rushed to hospital in California following the November 3 smash, where he was said to be in a "serious but stable" condition.

A statement on the band's blog said Cheng began to show signs of responsiveness on Sunday.

"Chi was able to hear and respond to his father's request to move his lower lip. His father also administered a tendon reflex test, of which both legs responded with movement," it read.

"Doctors continue to remain optimistic, and the energy at the hospital remains very positive."

Cheng's family also thanked three emergency medical technicians who stopped to help the 38-year-old following the accident, saying: "It was by the grace of God that these three individuals happened to be travelling on the road with medical gear in tow at the time of the accident.

"If not for them, the chances of Chi making [it] to the hospital alive would have been poor."