My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Georgia

I got a citation in the state of Georgia for an improper lane change. I had been driving during rush hour when I attempted to move from a middle lane to the lane to my left. Traffic in my lane was stopped. I had my blinker on and had edged out just enough so that I feel certain the cars in the lane I was attempting to enter could see me and my blinker on. I pulled into the lane when I thought it was clear and had a collision with a taxi. I do not know if I hit the taxi or if he hit me, all I know is that I did not see the taxi coming. Everyone was fine and both the taxi driver and the police officer who arrived on the scene were very friendly. I handed the officer my license and he came back and handed me a citation and court date. I was in shock so I did not dispute the citation and left. I have never had even a warning before - I'm 22. With no prior tickets or warnings or anything and the police officer not even being there to witness the incident I'm not sure why exactly I got a citation in the first place. Anyway, the citation has no fee on it, just a court date. The officer told the taxi driver he was required to go to court as well. The taxi driver told he he had asked the officer not to give me a ticket... I'm not sure what to do from here. Court is coming up in 2 days and I have no experience in these matters. Should I plead no contest? If the officer and the taxi driver don't show up, will I still be charged? I understand that for this violation no points will be taken off of my license, but the thing that worries me is the fine. I am unemployed and it cost $500 just to get my car out of the shop. I cannot afford a ticket... which brings me to another question - if I can't afford to pay my ticket will I be arrested? Please help, I'm very worried about these things!