Do big rims cause axles to snap?

i have a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE and i have 20inch rims, i've had them rims for almost 2yrs now, but i had them on my car for about almost a year without taking them off, this past monday night, i was driving and makin a left around a bend when suddenly my car stalled and my steering wheel locked and i slammed right into a curb, when i got out tha car my front right wheel was pushed back towords the mud flaps, when i tried to drive, the car could barley move cuz the front wheel was hittin the mud flap, now my boy looked at it, and said my Lower Arm Control is bend, (which i saw myself) and he also noticed that my axle had snaped too, now would Big rims cause and axle to snap after having those rims on for a long time?? even if the rims fit tha car?? also when axles snap on cars, does tha car stall for the drivers protection? if so then im asuming thats wat happen to my car, but to replace an axle and a lower arm control how much would i be looking at if i were to take it to pepboys, goodyear, or any mechanic shop like that?? even if i have the parts, and also when everything is fixed, is there a possiblity that this might happen again if i keep those 20inch rims on?? or what, somebody please give me answers to solve my problem.....THANK YOU!!