would a 30-40mph front wheel impact by another vehicle cause damage to the ?

You need to establish if the cease up was caused by lack of oil maybe damage to sump which to my mind is a job not done properly. email robertwhiting76athotmail.com (change 'at' to normal email address symbol as this forum will not accept email address insertions) I will contact a friend in London who is a mechanic for his views on this.
So check oil level and check sump for damage. You also don't say what the trouble was with front end AFTER repairs. tell me what that is then I can explain to my friend. I can't do anything until you email me with information. It'll take too long to go through it on forum. Oh! who's fault was the accident? thiis will decide what insurance company you ask for the repair report.

Bob
August 2009