So I'm doing about 70 mph on the freeway in California yesterday when my right front wheel basically comes off--it's still held on by the strut and something else but the wheel itself is turned 90 degrees to the right and is lodged in the back of the wheel well, denting the fender. I managed to get off to the side of the road without a collision, thankfully. I had it towed to a mechanic last night where I was told the axle broke, which took at least a couple other things with it when it happened--so the repair bill looks like well over $1000 now, not counting the tire that was chewed up all the way down to the steel belt.

I don't know a whole lot about car repair, but this seems like something that shouldn't happen! The mechanic told me that whoever serviced my car did not really check it out. I just purchased it (a base-model 855) a month ago, had it (supposedly) thoroughly checked before I bought it and had some repairs done that were found at the time, and then checked again before this trip (I live in Arizona) and they said they didn't find anything wrong with it. I also just had new shocks and tires put on and had an alignment done, all in the last three weeks. So, I have a few questions:

1. Is this something that could have been prevented, and if so, should I go after my mechanic for the repair costs?

2. Has anyone here ever heard of this happening?

3. Is there any other advice you have about this situation?

Thank you very much--this is my first posting to Brickboard as it's the first issue I've had that I couldn't find an answer to anywhere. Any input anyone can provide is much appreciated.

- Ryan