Car accident victims who suffer injury often face medical expenses, as well as have a loss of wages from being unable to work while they recover. Under Virginia law, victims are entitled to pursue damages for all the losses they suffer. In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, a victim may also receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of life enjoyment, permanent disability and more. In addition, the court may also award the victim punitive damages as a way to punish the driver who was drinking. This is all in addition to any criminal charges the driver may face.