“Is there anything I should prepare to take as evidence that helped you in your small claims case?”
Each state has its own rules governing small claims.
For example, in Florida, rules apply to actions of a civil nature in county courts which contain a demand for money or property, value of which does not exceed $5,000 exclusive of costs, interest, and attorneys’ fees.
There are also rules on discovery for parties proceeding with or without an attorney.
Discovery is pre-trial procedure whereby parties can obtain evidence from each other like request for answers to interrogatories, production of documents, videos, etc.
There is also filing fee (i.e. $500) to cover administration costs. So, if a customer goes through with something like this, it’s not frivolous to them.
Above all else, you must address the claim that the claimant has “signed” off on.
For example, the conveyor pitched my car up and off the guide rail and then one of the front wheels fell through the conveyor pit grading and my vehicle was damaged.
I believe it happened because Mr. Carwash does not take care of his wash properly.
For example, Mr. Carwash was not able to provide copy of operator’s manual containing standard operating procedures or a safety and accident prevention plan or maintenance service log.
In other words, Mr. Carwash has no proof of due care.
Since you are new at this, it might be worth the investment to engage an attorney for this case in order to learn the process in your county and state.
Otherwise, most liberal art colleges will have advocacy program for stuff like auto lemon law and small claim court. Volunteers are usually law students.
Hope this helps.