Tires: Evaluating Rim damage, tireshop, salvage yard

Question
Girlfriend drove car with flat long enough that the flat tire disintegrated and car rode on the rim for some amount of time.

How can I evaluate whether the rim can be reused safely?

I am hesitaztnt to ask the tire store when I take it in, because they will be motivated to sell me another rim whether I need it or not.  

Answer
Hi William,

I see your point there and frankly i don't blame you for that,If the rim is made of steel/metal and the end of the rim that seals the bead of tire is ok and no cracks in it then it should buy you some time til you can buy another one if not used in a salvage yard. But if it's alumium there is no hope in it they warp and break very easy because they are light and are designed to use less weight when balancing a tire. Have a used tireshop worker who balances tires and have them look at that rim for you before doing anything else first.
Hope this helps