2005 Acura RL

Here's my question: Can A Clock Spring Be Damaged In Accident?

Here's what happened:

• Everything was working fine in regards to the controls on the steering wheel. Cruise, radio, paddle shifters, etc.
• Someone hit the drives/left front fender in a parking lot. Put about a basketball size dent in the fender. Person, of course, did not leave a note.
• Soon as I drive the car, the cruise control no longer works. It worked on the way to the place I parked and the car was hit.
• Claims adjuster said the clock spring couldn't be damaged by the accident.
• Mechanic says it could be. If the wheel was jolted and turned hard without the car being on, then that might damage the clock spring.
• I replaced the clock spring and everything is working fine.

So, does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? I'm looking for some verification and/or corroborating evidence or documentation somewhere to verify that a clock spring could be damaged by a vehicle being hit in the front end. If you have any resources (websites, articles, etc.), please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris