strut replacement

2003 taurus wagon
Should you replace both struts after one snaps?
I was very lucky it happened in my driveway after a 250 mile trip to NYC I left the car sitting for 2 days then the next time I put it in reverse I heard something rubbing as soon as the car started to move,gave it a little gas and SNAP...Boom.Strut spring broke right in the middle and punctured my tire.It appeared the paint chipped off causing corrosion to the spring.
Thanked God it happened where it did.
Also Is a front end alignment necessary?
Thanks You..

I would, I think its better two new one's installed than having a new one on one side and a used one on the other, plus the ride will be a lot better.

I agree,replace them both.I believe the front camber is not adjustable and an alignment is not needed.Also inspect the springs too if they are any good and for early signs of breaking.Do this since you want to do this once,not twice.

While two new ones are preferred if short on cash you can get by with one junkyard replacement.

This was a known problem and a TSB was made on it.

Ford would replace it at no charge.

I don't know if they still will.