Files API

Files represent uploaded evidence such as vehicle damage photos and EDR (Event Data Recorder) files. Files are associated with cases and used for crash analysis.

Endpoints

Method	Endpoint	Description
POST	/api/files/upload	Upload file
GET	/api/files	List files
GET	/api/files/:fileId	Get file
DELETE	/api/files/:fileId	Delete file

File Object

{
  "fileId": "file_abc123def456",
  "fileName": "front_damage.jpg",
  "status": "ready",
  "downloadUrl": "https://api.silentwitness.ai/api/files/file_abc123/download",
  "url": "https://storage.silentwitness.ai/..."
}

Supported File Types

The API accepts exactly five file types. The server detects the type from the file's bytes — the Content-Type header your client sends is not trusted.

Type	MIME type	Typical use
JPEG	image/jpeg	Vehicle damage photos
PNG	image/png	Vehicle damage photos
GIF	image/gif	Vehicle damage photos
WebP	image/webp	Vehicle damage photos
PDF	application/pdf	EDR / crash reports, medical records, other documents

Vehicle Damage Photos

• Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP
• Max size: 50MB per file
• Quantity: 1-20 photos per vehicle (4-8 recommended)

EDR (Event Data Recorder) Files

• Formats: PDF
• Max size: 50MB per file
• Quantity: 1 file per vehicle

Uploads outside these types are rejected at the upload endpoint with 400 Bad Request. HEIC, HEIF, DOC, DOCX, CSV, ZIP, and CDR files are not supported — convert them to a supported format before uploading.

File Categories

When uploading files, specify the category:

Category	Description
vehicle_photo	Vehicle damage photos
edr_document	Event Data Recorder report (PDF)
tcr_document	Traffic Collision Report (PDF)

Use the vehicle_role field (plaintiff or defendant) to specify which vehicle the file belongs to. Defaults to plaintiff.

File Status

Status	Description
processing	File is being uploaded
ready	File is ready for use
error	Upload failed

Workflow

1. Create a case first
2. Upload files with case ID
3. Files are automatically linked to the case
4. Use files in crash analysis and report generation

Next Steps

• Upload a File
• Create a Case (required before uploading)