A vehicle accident is accompanied by all sorts of anxiety.

Butler City Fire Department Capt. Thomas Fair said it's important to stay calm.

“You don't want to make the situation worse,” Fair said. “Try to calm down and make rational decisions as difficult as that may be.”

Call 911. That's the first step, and it should be ingrained in everyone at this point, according to Fair.

Fair said the next step is to ensure your own safety. He said his best advice is to stay in the vehicle until the police arrive and advise otherwise, unless there is something like a fire causing an immediate threat to your safety.

“Each scene would be different,” Fair said.

Fair said exiting the vehicle or attempting to move the vehicle before police arrive and block traffic could cause another accident or further injury. He said unless the vehicle is in a dangerous situation on the road, stay put.

Fair said the police should arrive in a few minutes and will not only block the scene but have clearer judgment on whether you should move.

“For you to be the one to make that determination probably would not be a good idea at that time,” he said. “You probably won't be thinking straight because you just wrecked your vehicle.”

He said it could especially be dangerous if someone struggles when they are trapped or pinned inside the vehicle.

“If you have internal injuries, you never want to move anybody unless it is already a life-threatening situation or unless they were in peril to begin with,” Fair said.

Once in a safer situation, an accident victim should take photographs of the damages and exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash, according to the State Farm website.

Fair said the role of an accident victim in the aftermath is to follow the direction of both officers, EMS and firefighters who make their safety a priority.

“Accidents happen all the time, it's just something you unfortunately you have to deal with,” Fair said. “Any part of your personal property can be replaced.”