Ok so here is my question. A car hits a dog at night on a very dark rural road. The dog was all black and running freely. It was unknown to driver at time what they hit, they turned around by saw nothing. This is in a state with a leash law. Who is responsible for vet bills? Who is responsible for car damage?

1. well first I have never seen a state with a "lease law" not saying that some may not have them, normally they are local, either city or county laws.

Assuming there is a lease law, then the dog owner has a duty to keep his dog secure.

Working this the same way it works if a car hits a cow or horse, the owner of the animal is liable for the damage to the car. The owner of the car is seldom liable for damage to the animal, unless it can be proved, he should have saw the animal and could have stopped.

I agree with Chuck. Pet owner does not get money from the driver.

Yes leash, I spend too much time answering rent and lease questions.

The car owner if he has comprehensive or full coverage would have his vehicle repaired by his insurance company as an accident that was not his fault. This would be the same as if a deer ran into his car it would not be his fault.

Also the vet bills would fall under property damage and if the vet bills are sent to the car owner's insurance company they would be paid as this would essentially be property damage as a dog is considered "property". Even if the owner does not carry full coverage or comprehensive he must carry liability coverage for damages.

Leash laws in this instance should not count against the driver as he was in a vehicle and could not stop his car in time.