Lexus IS300 2002 vehicle rollover on freeway. Defect that caused the car to roll was from the left front wheel/rim broke in half while driving. I was merging and heard something break under the car. My steering wheel turned a hard right forceful and without my control. I tried to straighten the steering wheel out from this involuntary harsh direction of vehicle, it was locked up. I turned completely around facing traffic. All attempts to turn the steering column would not allow me to do so (completely locked position). The vehicle spun and I heard and felt the back end hit something. The car catapulted over a 8 ft. Fence that separates the access road. The car landed on its roof. My airbags never deployed! impact crushed the roof into the ground I was suspended upside down by my seat belt. The car engine was still running. I attempted to unlatch my seat belt, it took a few attempts. I could not find a door handle, or window to get out. I tried forcing the drivers door open. It would not move, I was trapped inside the upside down vehicle. In a panic, I feared the car would spill gasoline and catch fire. I turned the ignition off. I then realized no one stopped to help...I forced my body to hit the door over and over, to break it open. I got the side mirror to break allowing the door to open a few inches...just enough to crawl out. I went back in to find my phone and call 911. At that time a person pulled over. I found my phone and for some reason I decided to take a picture of the vehicle. I captured the broken wheel in the picture. Police asked me what happened, I said over and over "it locked up"...my phone battery died right after I took the picture. I didn't have medical coverage for emergency, so I didn't go to the hospital. The cop said, "people don't walk away from this kind of accident" he advised I go with the ambulance, however I couldn't afford the cost. I didn't realize I was injured, until later. No one has ever seen a wheel do that.

- Rosevillle, CA, USA