Even if there are no leash laws, wouldn't the owner be liable as if they put any unsafe hazard in the street? Here, there are accidents with cows and such, and the owner is liable if the animal is in the street. Once I hit a brick that fell out of a truck ahead of me, and my airbags went off. The guy who dropped the brick was liable according to insurance. Like Lisa said, you are using the street as it was intended.

I hope you have a fast recovery!