"she did not make it to the hearing she was to get restitution because the guy had no insurance."
*** What makes her think that the state is going to handle this civil claim for her?? Did the drivers sentence include restitution??
"she never heard back from the state as far as what was to be awarded"
*** The state doesn't 'award' anything. She would have to file civil charges against the other driver, then get a judgment against him.
"it has been about two years since the accident."
*** If she hasn't started civil action by now, she may have lost that right due to Statute of Limitations expiration.
"any suggestions on how to collect?or where to start? she thinks the guy may live out of state now."
*** If she doesn't know where he is, then she has no way to do anything. If she can locate him AND if the statute of limitations hasn't expired, she can sue him and (hopefully) get a judgment.