My car killed an animal earlier. Now what?

Flatulentoldgoat

So I was driving along at 50 on an A road, and there was this little squirrel on the road in the distance. I don't think he knew where to go!

As I was getting closer I was screaming and yelling run away little guy! I couldn't slow down and stop for him. I think he realised my car was there at the last minute and he did a funny circle. The next thing know my car rolls over him and I shut my eyes. I hear this tiny thud and my eyes instantly welled up.

I took a brave look in my rear view mirror and I swear I saw him, I could only look for a split second and he was lying down wriggling about. Was he okay? Do they normally do that? Im so scared my car got him, I wanted to stop and call the RSPCA but I couldn't stop there was another car right behind me and he laughing! I couldn't believe it.

I'm so upset right now. Do I need to call the police, will my insurance company need to know also?

I'm so sorry please help me I don't know what to do.

JGB1955

You don't  need to do anything....other than try and forget it. I believe that if it was a dog you may have to report it but, being basically a tree rat, you have no responsibility to it.

Flight3287462

Flatulentoldgoat said:

So I was driving along at 50 on an A road, and there was this little squirrel on the road in the distance. I don't think he knew where to go!

As I was getting closer I was screaming and yelling run away little guy! I couldn't slow down and stop for him. I think he realised my car was there at the last minute and he did a funny circle. The next thing know my car rolls over him and I shut my eyes. I hear this tiny thud and my eyes instantly welled up.

I took a brave look in my rear view mirror and I swear I saw him, I could only look for a split second and he was lying down wriggling about. Was he okay? Do they normally do that? Im so scared my car got him, I wanted to stop and call the RSPCA but I couldn't stop there was another car right behind me and he laughing! I couldn't believe it.

I'm so upset right now. Do I need to call the police, will my insurance company need to know also?

I'm so sorry please help me I don't know what to do.

This has to be a wind up.

user1977

Flatulentoldgoat said:

will my insurance company need to know also?

Why would they? Do you think Tufty's widow and kits will sue you?

TimSynths

If it was a red squirrel that would be a real shame, if it was a grey (which is most likely) they are an invasive species and you are encouraged (actually illegal to capture one and release it) to destroy them so in a way you have done your bit for the native red squirrel population of the UK. Nice one.

Flight3287462

If it's not and you hit in your Lambo, I would advise taking for a full service and 4 wheel alignment, have the floor checked and replaced any disruption to the smooth air flow could have catastrophic consequences.  Don't drive it, have it taken to the dealer on a low loader.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6260388/any-other-lambo-owners/p1

AdrianC

Your car is a very naughty car, and you should be in firmer control of it to stop it from doing things on its own.

As for the bushytailtreeratb'std... One of our cats has had at least three this year. Good cat.

Sandtree

Animals are considered chattel (aka property) and so unless someone owned the squirrels then it’s no different from any leaves you’ve run over recently 

Ebe_Scrooge

See, that's the problem when you try and DIY fit cruise control - the car develops a mind of its own, and goes into "rodent seek and destroy" mode.  If I were you, I'd be very careful about driving that car from now on - images of "Christine" come to mind .....

PRAISETHESUN

TimSynths said:

If it was a red squirrel that would be a real shame, if it was a grey (which is most likely) they are an invasive species and you are encouraged (actually illegal to capture one and release it) to destroy them so in a way you have done your bit for the native red squirrel population of the UK. Nice one.

Reminds me of possums in NZ... it's considered your civic duty to go out of your way to swerve and hit them if you see them

Jenni_D

Flight3287462 said:

Flatulentoldgoat said:

So I was driving along at 50 on an A road, and there was this little squirrel on the road in the distance. I don't think he knew where to go!

As I was getting closer I was screaming and yelling run away little guy! I couldn't slow down and stop for him. I think he realised my car was there at the last minute and he did a funny circle. The next thing know my car rolls over him and I shut my eyes. I hear this tiny thud and my eyes instantly welled up.

I took a brave look in my rear view mirror and I swear I saw him, I could only look for a split second and he was lying down wriggling about. Was he okay? Do they normally do that? Im so scared my car got him, I wanted to stop and call the RSPCA but I couldn't stop there was another car right behind me and he laughing! I couldn't believe it.

I'm so upset right now. Do I need to call the police, will my insurance company need to know also?

I'm so sorry please help me I don't know what to do.

This has to be a wind up.

Does it? My cousin would be like that - even if she sees roadkill (that was nothing to do with her) she wells up.