If you have unsecured debts that are not paid on time, then the creditor will probably eventually sue you. When the creditor sues you, you should be served with a copy of the lawsuit telling you that you have a limited amount of time to file an answer. If you do not file an answer timely, then a default judgment can be taken against you.
Filing bankruptcy almost always stops the lawsuit. The automatic stay provision of the Bankruptcy Code prevents the lawsuit from continuing. Filing either a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will place the automatic stay into effect.