You may not be in elementary or high school any longer, but that does not mean a physical confrontation is not possible. How should you deal with a confrontation and what should you do during a fight? The following guide will help you understand what you should do if you are physically threatened or assaulted. 

What Are You Dealing With In Legal Terms?

The first thing you should know is that an altercation that leads to a physical confrontation is generally going to involve the following:

• Battery: This means that you were touched without your permission and that this act was harmful.
• Assault: Assault varies in severity, but it generally means that you are being threatened with battery.
• Self-defense: You have the right to defend yourself with proportionate means, but there are limitations.

Self-Defense Limitations

As mentioned above, you do have the right to defend yourself. But you cannot strike someone with a knife if you were merely slapped. Your self defense must be proportionate. 

You should also remember that, generally, you may only use self-defense to prevent further attacks. So you should not punch the other person if he or she does not intend to harm you again. 

One important thing to remember is that some states require you to attempt to retreat from harm before responding with force, while other states uphold stand your ground laws, which allows you to defend yourself without retreating. Talk to a lawyer regarding what you are or aren't allowed to do in your particular state. 

Tips to Defend Yourself if Necessary

Chances are you are not a professional boxer, meaning that you might need a crash course. The following are a few tips that might help you defend yourself in a physical altercation should you need to; although, it would be best to take a few classes in self-defense.

• Place your non-dominant leg forward and stand sideways; open your legs a bit. Opening your legs will help keep you firmly grounded. Throw the non-dominant leg forward to give your power side enough leeway to strike with some force.
• Be sure to place your non-dominant hand over your face so that the fist is right under your eye, and keep your dominant hand by your chin. You want to protect your face as much as possible. 
• Remember that your thumb should not stick out of your fist, nor should it be inside the fist. Keep the thumb around the bottom of your fist. If needed, be sure to hit your opponent with the index and middle finger knuckles when you throw your punch to prevent hand injuries.
• Keep your elbows near your body and only throw straight punches. Straight punches are the strongest that you can throw.
• Try to aim for the soft spots, like the nose, throat, and ribs. You might even need to hit the groin area or knees. Avoid the chin or the jaw, which might end up breaking your hand. 

Hopefully you never have to use any of these techniques. But it does not hurt to be prepared. Be sure you get the names of any witnesses should you be in a physical altercation; this will be helpful for your personal injury lawyer.