Rear Suspension Shock Absorber problems of the 2002 Volvo XC70

My wife narrowly missed having an accident on March 31, 2010 and doing more damage to our 2002 Xc70 Volvo with 53,770 miles (bought new). She was stopping when she heard strange noises from the front left side. The driver front shock absorber spring broke just as she stopped. She could have had a bad accident had she been driving at expressway or normal speed. Dealership replaced the shock absorber spring after the car was flatbed transported to them but they, Volvo USA, and Volvo sweden said "you pay all costs - the car is out of warranty and the part is not covered. " the car has not been salt water submerged, or hit potholes that damaged the tire or rim. It is driven only on paved , non washboard roads a car suddenly pulling to one side can and has caused mild injury to death accidents. If the wife didn't throw the spring out - it is still available.