Accidents
The community of Gifford was first settled by Henry T. Gifford in the 1880s — along with Vero — and remains home to several pioneer families, including his descendants. Because it lacks incorporation, Gifford is classified as a census-designated place (CDP) by the U.S. Census Bureau. Therefore, law enforcement is within the purview of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRSCO).
A total of 9,683 (Est 2017) residents populate 4,358 acres of land in Gifford, with the Vero Beach Regional Airport at its southern doorstep. The historic neighborhoods are situated west of U.S. Highway 1 and the Old Dixie Highway while the east side includes newer communities, resorts, and the landmark Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Over the years the region has become more populated and popular, increasing the number of accidents; particularly on Highway 1.
The highest percent of personal injuries in our country continue to be the result of traffic accidents. Add that to Florida requiring no-fault insurance for every registered vehicle and it’s easy to understand why an insurance adjuster would have way too much on their plate. Consequently, accident claims can be routinely minimized or denied altogether. Without legal input, a victim’s unintended omissions or failure to recognize their rights may cause a justifiable claim to fall off the radar.
With nearly four decades of local experience under its belt, the law firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is devoted to each client’s best outcome. Our free case review and no required out-of-pocket payment policies are meant to take any additional financial burden off your shoulders.
As a public service, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is pleased to share this resource page with our communities and their visitors. It includes relevant Florida requirements and personal research with respective law enforcement agencies — to provide clarity when searching for a police report for your accident location.
The state of Florida was first in line to adopt a Government-in-the-Sunshine Law in 1967, becoming the benchmark for laws that demand transparency in government as well as business. A great example of the Sunshine Law in action can be seen in the custody and release guidelines for Gifford traffic accident reports — as it protects the rights of Floridians while increasing the level of public trust.
Traffic crash reports are defined within Section 316.066 of the Florida Statutes; detailing when a crash report is necessary, the content required, law enforcement’s deadline for submission, and the flow of custody. The following description takes you through the 2-step required process your document takes as it moves from confidential status to open public record.
Confidential Period – The First 60 Days
The 60-day privacy period starts when the deputy’s crash report has been submitted to IRCSO (within the 10-day deadline allowed). Taking this confidential measure protects the right to privacy for ‘exempt parties’ — allowing them a proper timeframe in which to assess the facts and ramifications of the report.
Exempt parties (aka involved parties) are defined in Section 316.066 (2) (a&b) as the persons directly involved in a traffic collision, along with their attorneys and insurance carriers. Certified media qualified to publish legal notices may also have access. A personal request for police report copies requires a valid photo ID matching one of the parties named in the report. Also known as ‘Involved parties’ these individuals are seldom charged for their copy, provided that extensive research is not required by the clerk.
IRCSO may require a sworn statement when requesting a report during the confidential period, which can be witnessed by a notary or deputy for added proof of exemption. Note: Affidavits will include the promise that these documents won’t be used to solicit victims of the referenced accident or be disclosed to a 3rd-party with this intention.
Public Record – After 60 Days
Florida Law has mandated that traffic accident police reports are ‘public records’ after a 60-day privacy period has elapsed. At this point, police reports can be acquired by any party with the payment of the statutorily required fee of up to $10.00 per report. These requests will not require photo identification or an ‘FOIA’ sworn statement. Purchase online at the new Florida Crash Portal with an additional $2.00 transaction fee per copy.
As a census-designated place, Gifford and other non-municipal areas of Indian River County are under the jurisdiction of IRCSO. The investigating deputy sheriff attending the accident scene will create a narrative description of the incident. Factual data such as driver identification, proof of insurance, notations of damages, and evident injuries will be reviewed and approved prior to submitting reports to the records department.
In-person remittance must be made by cash, check or money order payable to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. If you choose to pay online (scroll to page bottom), credit cards are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) with a transaction fee of 2.5% ($2.00 minimum/transaction).
Requesting a traffic accident report in person, by mail, email or phone is possible by using following detailed contact information:
Indian River County Sheriff
Custodian of Records
4055 41st Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 978-6215 Records
Email: [email protected]
When a traffic accident takes place on U.S. Highway 1, the Florida Highway Patrol will have jurisdiction. Within the first 60-day privacy timeframe you can obtain your police report copy in person at the nearest FHP office to Gifford (listed below). Your report is ‘public record’ when 60 days have passed, and may then be purchased online at the recently established Florida Crash Portal.
Florida Highway Patrol
2929 N 25th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Phone: (850) 617-3416, option #1
Every traffic collision is traumatic and personal and, certainly, nobody else can put themselves in your shoes. With so many issues converging at once — indecipherable injuries, temporary loss of transportation, job income shortfalls — overwhelming is something we do understand as we daily strive to triumph over adversity.
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd attorneys have lived here for generations and provided multiple full-service branches on the Treasure Coast for nearly four decades. Rest assured that your trust matters to us and our representation is pledged to be personal and effective. Please don’t hesitate to dial (772) 794-7774 for a free consultation with our local Vero Beach traffic accident attorney!
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