Here’s What To Do After You’re In A Car Accident

What's more stressful than all the road construction going on all over El Paso? Getting into an accident and having to figure out how to deal with it in the middle of all the chaos. On Mike and Tricia Mornings, we don't have to deal with the crashes on the road, but we do have to deal with keeping you up-to-date on where they are and hopefully help you avoid traffic problems. So what do you do if you are in a car accident?

No matter what caused the accident, there are a few things you should do according to the El Paso Police Department:

1. Make sure you aren't in any danger - If you are in the middle of traffic, make sure you can safely stop there. If not, pull out and park as far away from traffic as possible. Make sure that every vehicle involved has their hazard lights on. Use cones, warning triangles, or flares to let other drivers know to go around you.

2. Don't try to direct traffic - If you can't get out of traffic, call 9-1-1 immediately and tell them you need police assistance.

3. Check on the welfare of the people involved - If you can safely get to the other vehicles, do so. If not, stay in your car until emergency crews arrive. If there are injuries, call 9-1-1.

4. Exchange information - Make sure everyone involved has drivers license information and insurance information. The fastest way to do that is to take photos of everyone's information instead of writing it down.

EPPD says the most important thing to remember is if no one is injured and the vehicles involved can be moved safely, do not stay in traffic or on the roadway. You are a huge hazard and could put yourself and others in more danger. You could also face a fine of $200 if you don't pull out of the roadway.

Police also say that if the accident doesn't involve a fatality or life-threatening injuries, they don't need to see the positions of the vehicles involved. If you need further details about how to deal with the aftermath of an accident, check out the EPPD website, and the State Farm website.