It happened at about 9 p.m. on Highway 6 near FM 2979 in Hempstead.
Investigators said the car slammed into the big rig as it was pulling out of a truck stop.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The Texas Department of Public Safety later identified her as 49-year-old Furong Lin.
The 11-year-old was flown to the hospital, but authorities did not release the child's condition.
It was unclear if any charges will be filed.