Last updated: October 26, 2026
Three people died on Highway 113 near Dixon on Friday, July 31, 2026, when a red GMC pickup speeding to pass other vehicles crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a gray Ram pickup head-on. The victims included Tony Haddad, 29, of Dixon, and two brothers riding in the GMC. This report explains what happened, why head-on crashes are so deadly in California, and what legal rights surviving families have.
By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
Three men died on the morning of Friday, July 31, 2026, when a red GMC pickup traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 113 near Dixon crossed into oncoming lanes and slammed head-on into a gray Ram pickup. The driver of the Ram, 29-year-old Tony Haddad of Dixon, and both occupants of the GMC were pronounced dead at the scene. When one reckless driving decision ends three lives on a quiet two-lane road, surviving families deserve clear answers and full accountability. At Fairmont Law Firm, we stand with grieving families and injured victims across all 58 California counties, and we fight relentlessly to hold negligent drivers responsible.
As first reported by CBS Sacramento and detailed by the Daily Republic, this crash shows how fast unsafe passing turns deadly on rural California highways. Below, we examine what happened, why head-on crashes are so lethal, and what your legal rights are after a fatal crash in California.
What Happened on Highway 113 Near Dixon?
The fatal crash unfolded around 6:35 a.m. on a rural stretch of State Route 113 in Solano County, just north of Hay Road near the community of Dozier. The location sits east of Vacaville and south of Dixon on one of the region's busiest farm-country corridors.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a red GMC pickup was overtaking other vehicles at a high rate of speed. Witnesses reported the GMC first sideswiped a semi-truck. The big rig driver was not injured.
Seconds later, the speeding pickup crossed directly into the opposing lanes. It slammed head-on into an oncoming gray Ram pickup. The force destroyed the front of both vehicles and scattered debris across the roadway.
The Solano County Sheriff's Office warned responding officers that multiple people at the scene were unresponsive. Officers arrived to find the driver and passenger of the GMC dead. Fire personnel pronounced the driver of the Ram dead at the scene as well.
Authorities shut down Highway 113 in both directions between Dixon and Vacaville. Traffic was diverted at Hay Road and Fry Road for hours while investigators documented the wreckage. The crash remains under investigation.
Who Were the Victims of the Highway 113 Crash?
The Solano County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified the driver of the gray Ram pickup as Tony Haddad, 29, of Dixon. Family members have shared publicly that he was a newlywed with a child on the way. His death leaves a young family facing an unimaginable future.
The two occupants of the GMC pickup were brothers, ages 22 and 25, identified by the coroner's office. The CHP's investigation points to the GMC driver as the party who caused the collision. He was speeding and crossed into oncoming traffic while attempting to pass other vehicles.
We extend our deepest condolences to every family touched by this crash. Names and fault findings do not soften the human cost. Three families lost someone they loved in a matter of seconds.
Why Are Head-On Crashes So Deadly in California?
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest collisions on American roads. In 2023, 4,230 people died in head-on crashes nationwide. That was 11.2 percent of the 37,654 fatal crashes recorded that year, according to NHTSA data compiled by the Insurance Information Institute.
Speed made this crash far more likely. Nationwide in 2023, speeding was a factor in 11,775 deaths, or 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. California alone recorded 1,303 speeding-related deaths that year, according to NHTSA.
Lane departures are a statewide crisis in their own right. From 2014 through 2023, California recorded 82,678 fatal and serious-injury victims in lane-departure crashes. That is 43 percent of all fatal and serious-injury victims statewide, according to the Caltrans Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
Two-lane rural highways like Highway 113 carry most of that risk. In 2023, 88 percent of speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways, per the same NHTSA report. Head-on impacts multiply the closing speed of both vehicles. Seatbelts and airbags often cannot absorb that force.
Crossing a double yellow line to pass is also against the law. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21460, drivers may not drive to the left of double-parallel solid lines. Violating that duty when it causes a crash is powerful evidence of negligence.
We investigate every detail of crashes like this one. Whether blatant recklessness, distraction, or a deadly pattern of behavior caused the collision, we uncover the truth. You do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.
How Can You Protect Yourself on Two-Lane California Roads?
Preventing future tragedies requires vigilance on every roadway. You cannot control the reckless actions of other motorists. Defensive driving habits can still protect you and your passengers.
Implement these life-saving practices during your daily commute:
☑ Never pass on two-lane roads unless visibility is completely unobstructed and passing is explicitly permitted.
☑ Maintain a safe following distance to give yourself reaction time against erratic drivers.
☑ Reduce speed during adverse weather, early morning fog, or low-light conditions.
☑ Stay off your mobile device and eliminate all cabin distractions.
☑ Scan far ahead on the road to anticipate sudden hazards, debris, or erratic vehicles.
☑ Treat a double yellow line as a hard barrier. Never cross it to pass, no matter how clear the road ahead looks.
What Legal Rights Do Families Have After a Fatal Crash in California?
When reckless driving steals a loved one, California law provides a clear path to accountability. You have the right to seek financial recovery and justice.
Option 1 — File a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, a surviving spouse, children, and certain other family members can recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship.
Option 2 — Pursue the at-fault driver's insurance and any other liable parties. If the at-fault driver died in the crash he caused, a claim can proceed against his estate and his insurer. California's two-year deadline in Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 still applies, so families should act quickly.
Even a driver's own death does not erase the harm he caused. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts after a high-profile crash. We intervene immediately to protect your rights, preserve vital evidence, and demand full compensation.
Shared fault does not bar recovery in California. Under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal. 3d 804 (1975), injured parties recover damages reduced by their own percentage of fault. And if a public entity might share liability, California Government Code Section 911.2 imposes a strict six-month claim deadline.
Finding the right personal injury lawyer california or car accident lawyer california is your most critical next step. You need a legal team with a proven track record of standing up to major insurance carriers and negligent corporations.
Steps to Take When Protecting Your Family's Future
Navigating legal claims while coping with grief or recovery feels overwhelming. We streamline the process and handle every legal burden on your behalf.
Follow this straightforward action sequence when moving forward:
Step 1: Contact our team immediately for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Step 2: Let us handle all communication with insurance adjusters and opposing legal counsel.
Step 3: Focus entirely on your emotional healing and physical recovery while we build your case.
Step 4: Allow us to secure maximum financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Highway 113 crash near Dixon?
A red GMC pickup was speeding to pass other vehicles on Highway 113 near Dixon on July 31, 2026. It sideswiped a semi-truck, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a gray Ram pickup head-on. All three men involved died at the scene.
Who were the victims?
The Solano County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified the Ram's driver as Tony Haddad, 29, of Dixon, and the GMC's occupants as two brothers, ages 22 and 25. Family members have shared publicly that Mr. Haddad was a newlywed expecting a child.
How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim in California?
Most families have two years from the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If a public entity could share fault, a government claim is due within six months under Government Code Section 911.2. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your deadline.
Does a criminal case affect a civil wrongful death claim?
The CHP's crash investigation may lead to referrals for criminal review, but a civil claim proceeds independently. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil recovery. Civil cases use a lower burden of proof, so families can recover even if no charges are ever filed.
Why Choose Fairmont Law Firm
When your life is disrupted by tragedy, you need unmatched legal strength and unwavering compassion. We bring decades of dedication to every client we represent across California.
- Zero Fee Until We Win: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket. We only get paid when we successfully recover money for you.
- Available 24/7: Accidents do not happen on a schedule. Our legal team is ready to speak with you day or night.
- Millions Recovered: Our aggressive representation has secured millions of dollars for injured victims and grieving families.
- Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español. We ensure every client communicates comfortably in their preferred language.
Speak With a California Car Accident Lawyer
Do not let insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerability. If you or someone you love has been affected by a reckless driving crash in California, contact Fairmont Law Firm right now. We fight for you every single step of the way.
Visit fairmontlaw.com/contact-us for a free, confidential case evaluation. There is no fee unless we win.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash, consult a licensed California attorney about your situation. Criminal allegations are accusations only, and every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.