Filing BK: Should I answer lawsuit?

I was served by asset acceptance a couple of weeks ago for a $7,000 debt I originally owed to Chase. In the meantime, I have been researching my options and I have an appointment with a lawyer in a couple of days...the problem is, I only have about 2 of my 20 days left to answer the lawsuit. My question is: Is it best to get an answer in before the deadline and avoid a judgment - or is it ok to let the summons go, let them make a judgment and focus on getting the BK through? Hopefully, I can get the initial filing done by the beginning of next week, but not before the 20 days are up!