I have an account in collections from Verizon Wire

I have an account in collections from Verizon Wireless. Ive heard all sorts of bad things about them. I had no idea there were suits against them. I haven't paid in over a year, I told them then on the phone that I could not afford the bill for charges they could not explain. I made several calls to them before leaving them asking them to explain the charges to me which they could not do. Well since then I have learned more about my rights and my credit. Now the debt is with a collection agency. What should I do? What if they try to sue me? Yes I have (had) several other debts. I have recently taken out a loan for debt consolidation to get rid of as many of these old debts as I could. Well, as it turns out I had enough money to settle with everyone but Verizon and another creditor. I admit most if not all of my debt can be chalked up to be being "young and dumb" about credit and finances. Any advice you can provide would be great.

Thanks,
William