Michael Bay, who directed Shia LaBeouf in “Transformers” two years ago and is currently directing him in the sequel, has come to the young actor’s defense, saying he “was not drunk” when the car accident occurred this weekend.

As a result of the car crash that occurred Sunday in West Hollywood, Shia LaBeouf suffered a serious injury to his left hand which required surgery and a 30-day convalescence period.

He will not be able to return to the set of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” any time soon, but director Michael Bay has full confidence in his young actor.

For one thing, Michael Bay is certain that Shia LaBeouf was not driving under the influence Sunday, as initially reported by Los Angeles authorities. Secondly, the director is also optimistic that LaBeouf‘s injury can be put to good use in the film.

Talking with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush in a new interview which airs on Access Aug. 1, Michael Bay said Shia LaBeouf “was not drunk” when the accident occurred. “He was drinking hours and hours before,” Bay said, sure that the actor’s arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence is “gonna go away.”

The director also said LaBeouf’s condition could be written into the script.

Michael Bay further extolled the 22-year-old actor’s qualities, describing him as a “kid” who “has his head together and you know, he’s only 22.”

“He’s doing a great job on this movie. He’s really matured since the last one and I love working with him,” Bay concluded.

Authorities determined earlier this week that the accident took place because the other driver ran a red light, smashing into LaBeouf’s pickup truck, which as a result of the impact rolled over.

LaBeouf also suffered minor injuries to his head and a knee. His passenger in the car, “Transformers 2” costar Isabel Lucas, and the driver of the other car suffered only minor injuries. Isabel Lucas retuned on the set Monday.

Shia LaBeouf was cited for misdemeanor driving under the influence. Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, said officials are waiting for results of a toxicology test before filing a formal charge.