Las Vegas was established in 1835 in northeastern New Mexico and was an essential stop along the historic Santa Fe Trail - a major trade route connecting Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trail was crucial in facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the United States and Mexico during the 19th century. Las Vegas, NM, features many well-preserved historic buildings, including one of the largest collections of Victorian-era buildings in the Southwest.
One such historic building in the heart of Las Vegas, NM, is the Plaza Hotel. It opened in 1882 and was the most luxurious hotel in New Mexico. Numerous infamous outlaws like Jesse James, Doc Holliday, and Billy the Kid stayed at the Plaza Hotel back in the day. Over the years, the building has endured periods of decline and neglect; however, in recent years, it has undergone extensive renovations and restoration efforts to preserve its historic charm and original grandeur while incorporating modern amenities.
Mainly due to its historic attraction, Las Vegas, New Mexico, has served as a filming location for various movies such as "No Country for Old Men," "Red Dawn," and "Easy Rider." While the city may not have a robust and ongoing filmmaking industry, its unique qualities and historical appeal have attracted many filmmakers looking for scenic landscapes and authentic Western-style settings.
Activities in Las Vegas, New Mexico
Several of our Keller & Keller case managers are from Las Vegas, NM, have family there, or love to visit.
A favorite spot to visit is Storrie Lake, located about 4 miles north of Las Vegas.
Storrie Lake State Park encompasses the lake and its surrounding area and offers campgrounds with RV and tent sites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Hiking and nature trails are available for those who wish to explore the area's scenic beauty on foot.
The lake allows motorized boats and has a ramp for launching so visitors can enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, and other water sports.
The park is also home to various bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. Birdwatchers can spot species such as bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and various waterfowl throughout the year.
Alexis Roman, one of our case managers, is an avid angler and has enjoyed many opportunities to catch trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish in the regularly stocked lake.
Storrie Lake can be fished year-round, but spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for fishing at Storrie Lake, as the water temperature and fish activity levels are more favorable.
The picturesque hills and beautiful views surrounding the lake make it a must-see. Storrie Lake offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts - whether you love to fish, boat, hike, camp, or bird watch.
There is no shortage of unique and delicious eateries around Las Vegas; and Keller & Keller case manager, Jolene Archuleta (who is from Las Vegas originally), knows some of the best ones. She recommends a local favorite – Charlie’s Spic & Span, which calls itself the “meeting, eating, greeting place of Las Vegas,” and is well-known for its biscochitos, fresh red and green chiles, and flour tortillas, which are prepared daily. When Jolene stops at Charlie’s, she can’t resist the pastry display and says that Charlie’s pastries are a cut above the rest.
Driving Dangers in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, like any other city in New Mexico, has its unique driving risks that come with the territory.
Las Vegas, New Mexico, is located in a rural area, and some roads may have narrower lanes, limited visibility, and fewer safety features compared to urban areas. An added driving danger in rural areas can come from the local wildlife. Animals may venture onto or near roadways, especially during dawn and dusk.
New Mexico experiences various weather conditions, including snow, ice, and monsoon rains. These conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. 
On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, forest fires can also dramatically impact driving conditions. Smoke from forest fires can severely reduce visibility, making it difficult to see the road, other vehicles, or potential hazards ahead. This reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds or on highways. During forest fires, ash, embers, and other debris may be carried by the wind and deposited on roads. This can create slippery conditions and reduce traction, making it more challenging to control your vehicle.
The fire season in Las Vegas, NM, typically occurs during the warmer months when vegetation is dry and susceptible to ignition.
Fortunately, when Las Vegas residents experience an accident on the roadways, they have Keller & Keller as an option. We have cultivated a positive reputation among New Mexicans, handle cases throughout the entire state, and have over 75 years of experience.
No matter the type of case you wish to discuss, we can offer advice that may save your entire claim. Cases we handle daily for Las Vegas clients include wrongful death claims, semi-truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and car accident injury claims.
While our Las Vegas injury lawyers can successfully settle the majority of our client’s claims outside of court, we are ready to file a complaint with the San Miguel County Courthouse at 496 West National Avenue and take your case to trial in front of a jury.
Las Vegas, New Mexico Emergency Contacts
City of Las Vegas Police Department
- Address: 318 Moreno Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701
- Phone: (505) 425-7504
- Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov/about-9-3
Alta Vista Regional Hospital Emergency Room
- Address: 104 Legion Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
- Phone: (505) 426-3500
- Website: www.altavistaregionalhospital.com/er/
Las Vegas Fire Department Headquarters
- Address: 604 Legion Dr, Las Vegas, NM 87701
- Phone: (505) 425-6321
- Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov/about-4
Talk to a Top-Rated Las Vegas, New Mexico, Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Having an injury attorney assist with your car accident claim allows you, in many cases, to take home more money than if you had attempted to handle the claim by yourself. Our experience and expertise in handling these types of claims daily allow us to know the most effective ways to settle these cases for their maximum value.
Our attorneys have the power to take the insurance company to court when necessary, and the insurance companies know this and keep this in mind when negotiating the claim with our legal team.
There are three types of compensation that your attorney will typically seek to recover for you in an accident claim that involves injury:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
Additionally, your personal injury lawyer may garner reductions on medical bills and liens, increasing the amount we can put in your pocket.
If you wish to schedule a consultation or get advice, call our Albuquerque office at 1-800-253-5537. However, if you prefer to contact our New Mexico attorneys by email, you can write to them with the details of your accident by using our free contact form. We're quick to respond and look forward to going to work for you!
