Question on traffic ticket

So I got in a tiny wreck (my fault) and I was ticketed failed to yield with accident. I have court and the cost is somewhere near $480. I had a friend tell me to get a $80 lawyer for this, I honestly don’t mind doing community service but I think that’s admission of guilt, and I was told just go with the lawyer route but I am not sure, I can’t afford this ticket, should I take a Chance with a lawyer? I never been to court for this so just asking the sop or Anything I should to know. Thanks.