RF’s said it a hundred times if he’s said it once. Use your gun, call your lawyer. And prepare to open your wallet. Successfully defending yourself against an attack is the the whole point of carrying a gun. What people don’t always consider is that you could then have to defend yourself in court.
We’re talking here about civil liability. The shoot has been deemed self defense and you’re no longer in jeopardy of being criminally charged. But you’re not out of the woods. We’ve all read the stories of victims’ families that sue the shooter because “poor little Joey” – who had just kicked in your door carrying a gun – was really such a good boy. He just fell in with the wrong crowd. And you really had no reason to kill him. You should have just shot him in the leg!
Or you’re filling your tank when a guy pulls a gun and demands your keys. You put him down with two shots center of mass. Only one of those shots goes through him and hits another customer.
There are, of course, ways to insure yourself against the staggering legal bills and potential judgements that can result from a self defense situation. Most people have homeowners coverage. Many have an umbrella policy, too. NRA endorsed companies, and other insurers provide self-defense liability insurance specifically designed for this.
Are you insured against the kind of liability that can result from a self-defense situation? How much coverage do you have? Do you carry insurance in addition to a homeowners and umbrella policy? Have you even thought about it?