HELP: small claim court

Can anyone help?

I am going to file a small claim against the white woman who crashed her shopping cart to my car on Costco parking lot. However I was told that the defendent has the option to move this to a circuit court where an attorney is needed, at least that is what Costco told me they would do if I also listed Costco as a co-defendent.

Does anyone have any prior experience with small claim? What are the most important things one needs to do before filing such a claim?

Thank you very much.